Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Contact via Via iLearn
Room 232 29WW
Any time - appointments preferred
Credit points |
40cp at 1000 level or above
Co-badged status |
Unit description |
This unit offers a critical overview of current theory, research and issues in child development from the preschool years through to late middle childhood and puberty. The unit covers the major aspects of children's cognitive, physical and social/emotional development, personality, gender and moral development. The unit also considers the influence of key relationships with siblings and peers for children's development. An understanding of factors that promote and attenuate optimal development and well-being and the unique contribution of child rearing contexts is integrated throughout. In addition, students develop knowledge of strategies for the promotion of good mental health for young children. During the course of the unit, students are encouraged to engage in active interpretation of the material covered and to consider both the implications and practical application in their professional contexts. Particular attention is paid to the implications for prior to school and primary school educators within the contemporary Australian social/cultural context.
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
University policy on grading
Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks
Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information.
Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit
In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45.
Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016
The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.
HD (High Distinction) |
Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem-solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline. |
D (Distinction) |
Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. |
Cr (Credit) |
Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
P (Pass). |
Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes |
F (Fail) |
Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
Withdrawing from this unit
If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree.
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
Topic Essay | 50% | No | 3/4/2023 11.59pm |
Exam | 50% | No | S1 Examination Period |
1800wds. Discuss and critically evaluate the findings of at least five research studies related to specified area of development.
A 2hr and 30min exam (plus 10mins reading time) that consists of a combination of multiple-choice, short answer and essay questions.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
If you have completed ECHE1180, please continue to use the following textbook:
Hoffnung, M., Hoffnung, R.J., Seifert, K.L., Hine, A., Pause, C., Ward, L., Signal, T., Swabey, K., Yates, K., & Burton Smith, R. (2019). Lifespan development (4th Australasian edition). Wiley.
If you will complete ECHE1180 after this unit, please use the latest version of the textbook:
Hoffnung, M., Hoffnung, R.J., Seifert, K.L., Brooker, A., Ellis, S., Riggs, D., Warburton, W*, & Warner, E. (2022). Lifespan development (5th Australasian edition). Wiley.
*Macquarie University researcher.
In the Macquarie School of Education, students are required to use the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing procedures.
The library provides a range of resources and referencing information:
This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.
Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit.
Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials.
Various activities and materials for discussion and critical reflection are included as a core component of this unit. Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.
Weekly lectures are available on the web through the ECHO360 lecture component. You must listen to all lectures.
PowerPoint slides are available in iLearn in advance of the weekly lecture and/or are available in the Active Learning Tool.
Access and technical assistance
Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.
Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk
Ph: 9850 4357 or 1800 67 4357
On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk
The unit comprises pre-recorded lectures and live tutorials. In the tutorial students will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures and prescribed readings. They are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material. There will be a supporting website for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials. Lectures will also be available through Echo in iLearn from the following website link: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Your weekly unit schedule is available from iLearn.
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact email@example.com
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Attendance for undergraduate units
See the university timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit. https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2023/
Activities completed during weekly tutorials (internal) or on campus days (external) are essential for building the core knowledge and/or skills required to demonstrate the learning outcomes of this unit [and to meet the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards and/or ACECQA requirements]. Attendance at all tutorials or on campus days is expected and the roll will be taken. Make up tasks may be given if attendance is missed to ensure all content is covered to meet accreditation requirements.
Students are required to attend the tutorial in which they are enrolled. Any changes to tutorial enrolments must be completed officially through e-student. Please do not contact the unit convenor requesting a change.
It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis. Communication may occur via:
● Students are expected to read weekly readings before completing tasks and attending tutorials
● Students are expected to listen/attend weekly lectures before completing tasks and attending tutorials Note: It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assignments. If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to make contact with the unit convenor. Electronic Communication It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis. Communication may occur via:
● Official MQ Student Email Address
● The Dialogue function on iLearn
● Other iLearn communication functions if you are an External Student
● Please make effective use of the online component of the unit and access iLearn regularly. Keep up to date with listening to the lectures on a weekly basis.
The essay has been scheduled earlier in session to allow students to receive feedback on their progress. This change follows the 2022 survey for ECHE2180.
Comments for the essay will be within the turnitin rubric rather than comments on the essay. This change follows the 2022 survey for ECHE2180 where some students found it difficult to connect comments written on the essay with the assessment rubric. There may be some minor corrections on the essay if necessary, but in general the essays will be clear of comments and all comments will be in the rubric.
The 5Rs Framework, developed by the School of Education at Macquarie University, is embedded throughout your teacher education course.
Your use of the 5Rs Framework will help you develop the capabilities that will make your teaching career sustainable and fulfilling.
In this unit, you will learn using the 5Rs framework, particularly in terms of becoming Responsive and Research Engaged. The unit commences with an overview of research in education and subsequent lectures include examples of high quality research to support critical reading of research. Tutorials will highlight how research can be used to support responsive practice in educational contexts. Assessments and tutorials provide opportunities to demonstrate understanding of Research Engaged and Responsive practice.
Unit information based on version 2023.03 of the Handbook