EDF5024 - Play and pedagogy - 2019

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Education

Chief examiner(s)

Gloria Quinones Goytortua

Coordinator(s)

Gloria Quinones Goytortua

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • First semester 2019 (On-campus)

Synopsis

In this unit students examine play as a pedagogical construct and what it means from the child's perspective. They investigate contemporary approaches on how play is defined and re-theorised. Play has been traditionally viewed as an important pedagogical approach in most communities drawing on a European heritage. However, this unit examines how play is culturally constructed in diverse communities and the ways children in contemporary society play and live in their communities. Students undertake analysis of the contemporary theories of play, noting the research upon which particular theories are based. They consider cross-cultural variations, collective relationships, digital spaces and the range of play contexts in which children find themselves today. Students are supported in their work through observing children at play and applying these ideas in their work with children.

Outcomes

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

  1. understand the importance of play as a pedagogical construct
  2. critically analyse contemporary theories of play and how these connect to their everyday work with children
  3. investigate the social construction of play in a range of cross-cultural contexts
  4. observe children's play and identify connections with contemporary theories of play
  5. creatively explore the principles of play as a construct for learning in schools, centres and homes.

Assessment

Play from a child's perspective: A multimedia presentation of the results of the topic of their enquiry (2000 words or equivalent, 50%)

Model of play: Evidence of play observations, analyses, and planning undertaken in relation to model of play (2000 words or equivalent, 50%)

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

  1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
    • equivalent to 24 hours engagement in online, face-to-face or blended platforms
  2. Additional requirements (all students)
    • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per semester

See also Unit timetable information

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