Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Play has been traditionally viewed as an important pedagogical approach for early childhood education. In this unit an analysis of the contemporary theories of play will be undertaken, noting the research upon which particular theories are based, examining cross-cultural variations, popular culture, gendered interactions and critiquing the range of play contexts that children find themselves today.

Objectives

The broad aims of this unit are for you to demonstrate evidence of:

• understanding the importance of play as a pedagogical construct;
• critically analysing the assumptions and research base underpinning the range of theoretical perspectives of play enacted locally, nationally and internationally;
• investigating the social construction of play in a range of cross-cultural contexts;
• analysing the use of observations of children as a mechanism to evaluate children's play; and
• creatively exploring the principles of play as a construct for learning in schools, centres and homes.

Assessment

Researching play and pedagogy - data gathering and poster presentation (40%; equivalent to 1600 words)
The pedagogy of play - final report (60%; 2400 words).

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Suzy Edwards

Contact hours

2 hours per week