Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit is the first of the work integrated components of the professional practicum suite of units which is undertaken in the final year of the course. The unit provides pre-service teachers with the opportunity to work collaboratively with Directors, Educational Leaders, early childhood educators, families and community members, and University staff to assess, challenge, develop and extend their professional abilities. It also provides opportunities for the development of closer links between theoretical considerations and the teaching and learning experiences encountered in an early learning centre.
This unit aims to provide pre-service teachers with a substantial block of extended reflective professional experience whilst extending the pre-service teachers’ repertoire of pedagogical skills in the planning and delivery of appropriate teaching and learning programs. This experience allows the pre-service teacher to develop an appreciation of the teachers’ role within the centre and broader educational community through taking responsibility similar to that of an early childhood teacher.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Make effective decisions regarding teaching and ma...
Learning Outcome 01
Utilise self-evaluation critiques and reflection t...
Learning Outcome 02
Implement a variety of classroom organisational pr...
Learning Outcome 03
Demonstrate a sound knowledge of and ability to pl...
Learning Outcome 04
Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively ...
Learning Outcome 05
Demonstrate awareness of the multiple policy and l...
Learning Outcome 06
Content
Topics covered in this unit will be covered in the Induction/Professional and Community Experience Handbook.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks and their weightings are designed to allow pre-service teachers to progressively demonstrate achievement against the unit learning outcomes and demonstrate attainment of professional standards.
Minimum Achievement Standards
The total assessment will be equivalent to 5,000 words.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 A portfolio of relevant policy ...
Assessment Task 1
A portfolio of relevant policy and legislative documents
A reflection on the impact of these documents on practice
50%
Assessment Task 2 A portfolio of planning, docume...
Assessment Task 2
A portfolio of planning, documenting and reporting processes and proforma
An analysis of these documents/processes with reflective links to curriculum documents
50%
Hurdle Task Successful completion of practicum co...
Hurdle Task
Successful completion of practicum component of this unit.
Pass/Fail
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Students should anticipate undertaking 20 days of full time Professional Experience in an allocated early learning centre. Students will be supported and supervised by an appropriately qualified and experienced educator.
ACECQA Criteria
On successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should have developed the following specific knowledge: