ED4U028 - International Perspectives on Early Childhood 01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ED4U028
Module Title: International Perspectives on Early Childhood
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Professional Learning in Education
Faculty Sub Group: Social Work
Module Leader: Gareth Dart
Module Team: Elsa Torres
First Intended Intake: SEP 2017 Final Year of Intake: 2022
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100459 - education studies
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To display a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of how young children develop.

To systematically engage with and critically evaluate national and international research and literature in relation to theories, policies and contexts for learning in the early years.

To critically examine the impact of society and culture on children’s development.

To critically evaluate the early years curriculum, assessment and the role of child initiated learning and play.

To develop reflect capabilities in relation to the practitioner's role in working with children, families and other professionals within early years.

Content Summary

Constructs of childhood

Developmental theories: cognitive, behaviour, language and social-emotional from infancy to 8 years of age.

Physical health and motor development

Atypical and typical development

Children’s Wellbeing

Playful learning and playful pedagogies

Listening to young children

Social, economic and political factors, including poverty, social exclusion, non-traditional families etc.

Technology and child development.

Policy and legislation in early childhood contexts

Role of assessment in children's early learning.

Working with families and other professionals and communities.

Reflective Frameworks.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 25
Seminar 5
Tutorial 1
Independent Study 200
Directed Study 69
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To critically analyse and evaluate theory, policy, processes and practice in relation to early childhood in order to generate new knowledge and understanding.
LO2 To apply new learning to academic studies and/or professional context.
LO3 Critically evaluate the impact of a wide variety of contemporary influences on childhood and need for effective partnership working in relation to working with young children.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Written Assignment (CW) Essay (CW) 1 In this assignment the student will reflect upon the key issues in relation to early childhood and demonstrate how this impacts upon practice. Title to be negotiated with tutor beforehand. 0 5000 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Essay (CW) 1

Reading List

Brock, A., Dodds, S., Jarvis, P. and Olusoga, Y. (2009) Perspectives on Play London: Pearson.

McDowall Clark, R. (2010) Childhood in Society. Exeter: Learning Matters.

Miller L, and Pound, L. (2014) Theories and Approaches to Learning in the Early Years London: Sage

Penn, H. (2014) Understanding Early Childhood: Issues and Controversies (3rd Ed) Maidenhead: Open University.

Shute, R.H., and Slee, P.T. (2015) Child Development: Theories and Critical Perspectives. London: Routledge