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Study masters degree online with Macquarie University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

All Macquarie subjects are now available in Semesters. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates-2017/" target="_blank">Key Dates</a> page for further information.Please Note: Master of Teaching (Birth to Five Years) has only one intake per year commencing in Semester 1. If you do not apply in Semester 1, applications for the following years intake will open towards the end of the year. The aim of the Master of Teaching (Birth to five Years) is to provide a professionally accredited initial teaching degree that enables graduates to be employed as a university-qualified early childhood teacher/leader working in a prior to school setting. In keeping with Macquarie University’s vision to promote research-intensive learning and teaching, critical, analytical and integrative thinking skills are incorporated into all units in this degree. Course content draws on contemporary research-based expertise in child development, curriculum and pedagogy, and leadership and management. Students apply their understandings, skills and specialist early childhood knowledge through engagement with children across the birth to five years range in a variety of early childhood environments. As a postgraduate degree, upon successful completion of this degree, it is expected that graduates will be ready to work as ethical, autonomous and critically reflective teacher leaders, capable of working effectively with children, parents and other professionals in their local communities. Note: To enroll in ECHX6000, students must complete a Working With Children Check as this subject includes a placement in an early childhood centre.Cross institutional students who require the convenience of studying a single online subject towards their degree are also welcome to apply for a single subject in the Masters of Teaching (Birth to 5). Make sure you first have written approval from your home institution to do a subject in this way. Please refer to degree information for the full subject list. Contact https://ask.mq.edu.au/ to apply.In 2020 the Macquarie subject codes changed. All subjects previously studied under the old subject code will be recognized as equivalent.

There is a growing demand for early childhood educators with university qualifications due to the professionalisation of the sector. Study early childhood teaching pedagogy, health and wellbeing, development, families, language and literacy

Master of Teaching (Birth to Five Years)

This subject was previously known as ECHX602 Early Childhood Development.
This subject examines major theories and current issues in child development and the application of developmental theory to educational practice. It provides students with an understanding of how theory and cultural assumptions influence practice and how to recognise the implications of theory and research for teaching. The initial part of the subject is concerned with theories of development and the middle to latter sections deal with domains of development and areas of specific interest in child development for the early childhood years.

Examine major theories of child development and apply them to educational practice. Increase your awareness of the historical and contextual influences on children, and investigate the links between different dimensions of child growth and development.

Early Childhood Development

This subject was previously known as ECHX603 Early Childhood Professional Practice 1.This unit incorporates both specialist theory and practice in early childhood education by combining university-based study with a 15 day professional experience in an early childhood setting. Central to the unit is the exploration of a variety of theories on how children learn. Students learn to record thoughtful, reflective observations, to use intentional teaching strategies to plan an appropriate curriculum and to follow the planning cycle. A range of teaching strategies for guiding children&#39;s learning and behaviour are considered. Students also engage in critical reflection as part of their commitment to teaching. Students will utilise their coursework knowledge to complete a compulsory professional experience in a prior to school early childhood setting with children aged two to five years.

Integrate theory and practice by combining your university study of theory and the Early Years Learning Framework with a 20-day practical teaching experience. You’ll practise at the level expected of a postgraduate teacher of babies and toddlers.

Early Childhood Professional Practice 1

This subject was previously known as ECHX600 Early Childhood Philosophy and Pedagogy.
This subject introduces students to the philosophical and pedagogical approaches in the field of early childhood education. The subject provides students with the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of: i) current philosophical and theoretical approaches to early childhood education; ii) the centrality of play, social interaction and relationships as a basis for early childhood curriculum; and iii) their own identity as early childhood educators. Overall, it aims to provide students with a crucial framework for developing professional teaching practice and for their future studies in early childhood.

An introduction to the philosophical approaches to early childhood education. Appreciate the centrality of play, social interaction and relationships as a basis for curriculum. Take part in 8 half-day field visits to an early childhood setting.

Early Childhood Philosophy and Pedagogy

This unit was previously known as ECHX829 Early Childhood Postgraduate Internship.This unit enables students to refine their roles as early childhood teachers. During their final placement students will have opportunities to strengthen their autonomy and independence as a teacher of young children as they explore their role within the centre and its local community. With increasing confidence, students will be able to justify their decision making as a teacher responding to the challenges of daily work in an early childhood centre. This unit contains a 30 day placement to be completed as three days a week over ten weeks. Students may apply to complete the placement requirements in their own workplace where appropriate.

Refine your role as an early childhood teacher during a 30-day placement, 3 days a week over 10 weeks. Collaborate with children, parents and staff, and consider the context of the centre and characteristics of the children, families and community

Professional Experience 3

This subject was previously known as ECHX827 Learning Through Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood Settings.This subject explores theories of learning in mathematics, science and technology for young children (birth to five years). Students will examine the specialist role of play and conceptual development in a range of early childhood settings. Current issues in research and practice will be investigated through independent study. Students acquire autonomy and expert knowledge of pedagogy and content for mathematics, science and technology as they design and evaluate learning experiences for young children.

Explore theories of STEM learning for children 0-5 years. Examine conceptual development and how children use play to relay their experiences and make sense of the world. Study curriculum design with an emphasis on mathematics, science and technology.

Learning Through Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood Settings

This subject was previously known as ECHX826 Leading and Managing Early Childhood Settings.This subject explores micro and macro systems that impact on the effective leadership and management of early childhood settings. The unit will focus on the critical exploration of three content areas: the social, political and legal contexts within which early childhood organisations in Australia operate; early childhood leadership theory; and roles and responsibilities of early childhood leaders and managers. Students will investigate diverse management structures, regulatory and legislative frameworks, and the ethical and professional roles and responsibilities of early childhood teachers as leaders and managers

Build your capacity to lead and manage by exploring early childhood leadership theory. Investigate management structures, regulatory and legislative frameworks, and the ethical and professional roles and responsibilities required

Leading and Managing Early Childhood Settings

This subject was previously known as ECHX825 Early Childhood Professional Practice 2.In this subject you will build on the knowledge of early childhood theory and practice that gained from their experiences in ECHX603/ECHX6030. Early Childhood Professional Practice 1 . You will extend your understanding of critical reflection and your personal professional philosophy as a developing teacher. Central to this subject is a 20 day professional experience placement where you will develop your awareness of the professional role and responsibilities of an early childhood teacher working with children from two to five years. This subject therefore combines theory and practice to enable you to construct your practical knowledge of teaching and learning through guided reflection.

Build on the theory, knowledge and practice that you gained in Early Childhood Professional Practice 1 by completing a 20-day placement. Develop an awareness of a teacher’s responsibilities when  working with children from 2-5 years.

Early Childhood Professional Practice 2

This subject was previously known as ECHX824 Early Child Development Research and Practice.
This subject is designed to extend students&#39; knowledge of child development with a particular emphasis on approaches to understanding and measuring child development, considerations for quality in childcare, and evaluation of children&#39;s environments. Recent research studies of child development, especially in relation to prior-to-school settings, will be used as a major resource for examining contemporary theory and research in child development. Students will analyse research to develop their skills in using evidence-based approaches in teaching, to inform policy, and evaluate programs within prior-to-school settings.

Extend your knowledge of child development. Consider the measurement of child development, quality in childcare, and evaluation of children's environments. Analyse research to develop your skills in using evidence-based approaches to teaching

Early Childhood Development Research and Practice

This subject was previously known as ECHX823 Language and Literacy in Early Childhood.
This subject will explore what language is and how it develops in early childhood from birth to eight years of age. The relationship between language, learning and culture will be investigated. Students will consider different definitions of literacy and examine how oral language in the early years of life relates to subsequent knowledge of written, visual and aural texts. Issues to be addressed include how to create a language and literacy rich environment and the central role of adults in supporting children&#39;s language and literacy development in a range of contexts.

Inquire what language is and how it develops in early childhood from 0-8 years. Understand the relationship between oral language, adult-child interaction, and formulate pedagogical strategies for children from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Language and Literacy in Early Childhood

This subject was previously known as ECHX822 Issues in Early Childhood Policy and Pedagogy
This subject explores current issues and debates affecting pedagogy, practice, politics and policy in early childhood education. Students will explore a range of responses to state, national and international influences on the provision of nurturant educational services in the early childhood years. We will consider diverse approaches to teaching practice as well as policy development in the delivery of various services used by young children and their families. This will include the investigation of approaches to reconceptualising early childhood pedagogy as well as the achievements of major government initiatives directed at early childhood education and care settings and the wellbeing of young children and their families.

Immerse yourself in current issues and debates affecting pedagogy, practice, politics and policy. Critique relevant literature, analyse alternative perspectives and establish your personal position regarding emerging trends in this area.

Course results for Macquarie University Postgraduate Early childhood education Degrees