EER413 Research and Practice in Early Childhood Education (8)

This subject will introduce students to the growing body of international research in the area of early childhood education. Students will become familiar with a range of research methodologies and methods and their application to researching issues and problems related to early childhood education. Students will reflect on and critique selected research in the area of early childhood practice. The importance of policy and practice being informed by research will be explored through reviewing current research, discussing various ways these findings are disseminated to the early childhood field and the wider community and examining the effects of research on practice in ECE.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Bathurst Campus
Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Northern Sydney Institute
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: EER413. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Teacher Education

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies, Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) or as approved by the respective Course Coordinator or Course Director.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in research in early childhood education;
  • evaluate the appropriateness of different research approaches to investigating and addressing problems and questions in early childhood education;
  • understand the different paradigms within which research in early childhood education is situated and explain the implications for the research process;
  • analyse and critique current research in early childhood education;
  • recognise the importance of research informing children's services policy and practice;
  • analyse and critique reports of research into early childhood education/practice;
  • understand how research is influenced by political, economic and social forces in society; and
  • frame appropriate questions for the purpose of investigating or addressing problems or issues via action research in early childhood education.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The ethics of research.
  • Students' views on research and the relationship between research and practice in early childhood.
  • Research methodology and methods: research paradigms, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, mixed methods research, practitioner research, action research, case studies, cross-cultural studies, longitudinal studies, observation methods, interviews, surveys.
  • Research design.
  • Data collection and analysis strategies.
  • Report writing.
  • Current research in early childhood education: reports of research, critical reflection on and analysis of research reports.
  • Current trends and approaches in early childhood research: children's voices in research (research with children, for children or on children).
  • Recognition of the role of different perspectives in research: including those of children, parents/carers, educators.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of EER413 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Module quizzes
20
2
Summary of the features of two research articles
30
3
Critical evaluation of two research articles
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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