Undergraduate, Postgraduate - UnitEDF4328 - Play and pedagogy

In this unit, students will examine research which calls into question the taken for granted theories of play that have informed the work of early childhood professionals and be provided with new and different contexts to think about in relation to how play is defined and theorized. Play has been traditionally viewed as an important pedagogical approach for early childhood education in most European heritage communities. However, in recent years broader and more culturally inclusive research has been undertaken to show how play is culturally constructed. Students will also consider the cultural ways in which children in contemporary society play and live in their communities. Importantly, students will undertake an analysis of the contemporary theories of play, 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. Students will be supported in their work through observing children, undertaking analyses and through re-theorising play.