EDUC9303 Critical pedagogies for a changing world

2016

4.5

6 x 2-hour workshops per semester
3 x 3-hour intensive workshops per semester

1 Admission into MTEC-Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
1a Admission into BAMTPR-Bachelor of Arts, Master of Teaching (Primary)
1b Admission into BAMTS-Bachelor of Arts, Master of Teaching (Secondary)
1c Admission into BGSCMTPR-Bachelor of General Science, Master of Teaching (Primary)
1d Admission into BSCMTS-Bachelor of Science, Master of Teaching (Secondary)
2 1 of EDUC9231, EDUC3640
3 Admission into GCE-Graduate Certificate in Education
3a Admission into GCECE-Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Must Satisfy: (((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d) and 2) or ((3 or 3a)))

Ability to engage with complex ethical issues.

Assignment(s)

Critical pedagogies for a changing world explores the key concepts of social and environmental curriculum - social justice, equity, ecological/social sustainability, identity & values - within the context of the early years. The topic draws on historical and geographical knowledge to examine key theoretical ideas of place, space, time, continuity and change that underpin curriculum documents. The topic develops a sense of professional autonomy in students, challenging them to find creative and novel ways to support young children in their participation in their social worlds, within and beyond the classroom. Using a social and critical pedagogies approach, it addresses practical dilemmas faced by teachers in the modern world, exploring the ethical questions underlying relevant issues. The topic enables students to develop a critical understanding of the social and environmental changes that are occurring in global society, and build a sense of expertise and competence in responding to these pedagogically.

The topic aims to:

• use critical pedagogical strategies to provide students with opportunities to broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the ethical issues involved in early childhood education in a changing world.

• examine a repertoire of critical pedagogical approaches to social and environmental education, and how these can be mobilised effectively in early years settings.

• build expertise of students in planning and developing curriculum that promotes a more socially just and inclusive educational environment.

• support students in analysing the ethical issues presented by a changing world, and developing their own critical and professional approach to these issues.

• strengthen students' communication and research skills, to help them become skilled practitioners, able to manage complex and sensitive ethical issues, and support children and families from a diversity of backgrounds.

On completion of this topic students will be able to:

• articulate and justify their pedagogical approach based on a critical analysis of theory and practical experiences.

• synthesise the key theoretical concepts of this topic, and understand them within context of early years education in a global and diverse world.

• use a repertoire of theoretically-justifiable planning and evaluation tools which can engage, enhance, and evaluate young children's learning in regard to social and environmental change.

• understand an educator’s personal responsibility in evaluating difficult ethical issues.

• apply creative and meaningful strategies in response to evolving ethical dilemmas within early years settings.

• demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with children and their family about sensitive issues.