units

EDF3035

Faculty of Education

18 September 2017 09 May 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Education
OfferedNot offered in 2014

Synopsis

This unit studies the research literature on practices of science, technology and environment. The focus is on how young children develop understandings of these areas in a variety of cultural contexts, including their everyday environments at home and in the community. The teaching of science, technology and the environment is examined from a range of theoretical perspectives and in relation to relevant curricula (e.g. Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), AusVELS, Australian Curriculum). Students are supported to co-construct pedagogical understanding about how children transition from everyday concepts to scientific concepts. Attention is paid to learning across the institutional settings of home, centre and classrooms and students are expected to conceptualise both pedagogies and programs in ways that promote and meaningfully engage young children's learning of science, technology and environment.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. develop knowledge and understanding of how young children learn scientific and technological concepts in everyday contexts
  2. engage with current research about teaching and learning in science and technology
  3. critique a range of pedagogical approaches that support children's learning in science, technology and the environment
  4. recognise that knowledges are culturally constructed and that a range of world views about science, technology and the environment should be supported in programs in the birth to eight period
  5. develop high-level observational and analytical skills in discerning children's learning of science and technology in everyday learning environments.

Assessment

Curriculum investigation: observational portfolio and analysis of everyday and scientific concepts (1500 words equivalent, 40%)
Science, technology and environmental program and evaluation (2500 words equivalent, 60%)

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • 2 contact hours per week

(b.) Additional requirements:

  • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Education - Early childhood and early childhood-primary