EDF3038 - Professionalism, ethics and interdisciplinary work in education - 2019

In this unit students develop understanding of the professional and ethical standards expected of educators working with children in the early years, in policy and practice. Students explore possibilities for interdisciplinary work with professionals in related fields to support children and their families in diverse contexts. They develop knowledge of reports and policies, including a review of legislative requirements informing educators' work and understanding of how to implement strategies to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in learning and teaching. They learn from professionals including social workers, health professionals and others to understand the day to day issues educators deal with in their work, and the importance of networking with, and leading interdisciplinary teams. Students develop communication skills that enable them to become future leaders who work professionally and ethically with a variety of professionals in early years and primary settings.

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

1. develop the knowledge of policies and processes to enable them to make ethical and professional decisions as educators and future leaders in early years and primary settings
2. understand and be ready to implement legislative requirements informing educators work
3. implement strategies to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICTs in learning and teaching
4. understand what an interdisciplinary focus means and how it is implemented
5. learn to communicate with a variety of professionals connected to early years and primary settings
6. develop and utilise the skills to work in larger teams of education professionals
7. understand the implications of professionalism and ethics in interdisciplinary work for children, their families and the community.

Case study analysis of professional and ethical decision making (2000 words, 50%)

Interview with an education professional who works in an interdisciplinary context (2000 words equivalent, 50%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2 contact hours per week
2. Requirements for on-campus block City-based students:
   • an intensive weekend block
   • at least 4 hours of active online engagement in Moodle activities per term
3. Requirements for offshore Kaplan-based students:
   • one intensive block (usually from Thursday to Sunday)
   • at least 4 hours of online study per term
4. Additional requirements (all students):
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

See also Unit timetable information

Early years education

Early years and primary education