Early Childhood Philosophy and Pedagogy
PostgraduateMAQ-ECHX60002023
Previously MAQ-ECHX600
Course information for 2023 intake
An introduction to the philosophical approaches to early childhood education. Appreciate the centrality of play, social interaction and relationships as a basis for curriculum. Take part in 8 half-day field visits to an early childhood setting.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 18 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Early Childhood Philosophy and Pedagogy
About this subject
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to
- demonstrate an awareness of current approaches to, and debates about early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.
- observe, document and interpret children's play/inquiry experiences in terms of what they reveal about, and their potential for facilitating children's learning and development.
- analyse environments and materials that foster children’s learning through play and inquiry
- identify intentional teaching strategies using relevant theory and reflection
- actively and theoretically contribute towards your own and others’ development and learning.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject was previously known as ECHX600 Early Childhood Philosophy and Pedagogy.
This subject introduces students to the philosophical and pedagogical approaches in the field of early childhood education. The subject provides students with the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of: i) current philosophical and theoretical approaches to early childhood education; ii) the centrality of play, social interaction and relationships as a basis for early childhood curriculum; and iii) their own identity as early childhood educators. Overall, it aims to provide students with a crucial framework for developing professional teaching practice and for their future studies in early childhood.
- Environment Play Analysis (40%)
- Understanding and Promoting Children’s Play and Inquiry (40%)
- Explanation of an area of the Early Years Learning Framework (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-ECEX600 (Not currently available)
MAQ-ECHX600 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units) ECED600, ECEX600, ECED817
NCCW (2020 and onwards) ECHE6000 Early Childhood Philosophy and Pedagogy
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
- EBook 1-Mia Mia Child & Family Study Centre. (2013). The language of three things: Lids, gumnuts and cups. Sydney: Macquarie University. EBook 2 - Mia Mia Child & Family Study Centre. (2014).A glimpse into an early childhood learning environment: Mia Mia. Sydney: Macquarie University. Ebooks can be purchased from Mia Mia Child & Family Study Centre. Complete order form located on http://www.iec.mq.edu.au/research/mia_mia/publications_and_resources/ and email: e-press.miamia@mq.edu.au to place your order.
- Access to a digital camera, or mobile phone or tablet with camera capability. Basic computer tools such as Microsoft Word and Powerpoint.
Note:
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Master of Teaching (Birth to Five Years)
PostgraduateMAQ-TCH-MAS
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