Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed knowledge and understanding of how particular education theory has shaped content and practices within early childhood education; developed knowledge and understanding of how social conditions in the recent past have influenced the provision of early childhood services; the ability to examine critically current teaching practices within early childhood education in the light of theory about how children learn; the ability to identify social and economic conditions currently impacting on the provision of preschool services; an appreciation of the understandings and perspectives recent history can provide on current issues and developments in early childhood education.
Synopsis An examination of the theories of Froebel, Montessori, MacMillan, Isaacs and Steiner regarding the education of young children; an overview of the development of early childhood education services in Australia with particular reference to the theories and societal factors which shaped them; the development of specialist infant education within primary schools.
Assessment Research paper (1500 words): 40% + Examinations: 60%