Posted: September 16th, 2017

Assignment 1 for EDEC340

Assignment 1 for EDEC340

1.    You will need to have worked through Topics 1-5  to prepare for this assignment. You are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to review the material in week 1 (Topics 9 – 12)

as well to ensure that you are able to demonstrate the required skill level and knowledge in areas we consider pre-requisite to this course.
2.    Please note the requirements for the assignment identified in the Marking Rubric provided at the end of these instructions.
3.    This assignment addresses 3 of the unit’s learning outcomes. You are required to pass all 3 in order to pass the assignment. If you fail any of these learning

outcomes, you will have an opportunity to try again in Assignment 2.
4.    There are no longer any resubmissions for Assignments so make sure that you have done your best before you submit.
5.    READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Part 1 Fundamental Movement skills
(see Required Format below for required word length for each section)
Task 1.1: Select a child
Select a child in the age range 3 – 8 and obtain the required consents (these will need to be obtained for the peers participating in the observation as well as the

target child). Note that you do not submit your Letters of Consent with your assignment – this would be a breach of confidentiality as the names of your participants

are on these letters.  Please make sure you are aware of, and act in accordance with the ECA Code of Ethics

(http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/code_of_ethics/early_childhood_australias_code_of_ethics.html). You must also check if you are undertaking any observations

in a service environment, that you follow the ethical requirements laid out in the service policy / procedures. This will require you to check with the service

manager/ co-ordinator / director.
You you must submit the Ethics Statement provided in your Ethics form. Details about the Ethics form and to download it, visit here.
Task 1.2: Observations
Observation questions: Your observations are aimed at providing information on the following:
1.    Physical activity – how does the child perform 1 of the fundamental movement skills (you need to identify which FMS you are observing)?
2.    What factors are impacting on the child’s physical activity?
Observe the child undertaking physical activity. You will need to consider the setting in which to observe to ensure that the child is likely to demonstrate the

behaviours you are looking for. It is NOT appropriate for you to test the child in order to observe the movements you are seeking to observe. It is appropriate

however, to set up a play environment where the skills are likely to be demonstrated, and to support the child to freely explore and play in that environment. You need

to observe the child performing the chosen FMS 3 times and use a different  technique to record each observation (eg running records, anecdotal records, ABC, frequency

counts etc). You are expected to have at least 3 observations – ie 3 different observations not the same observation recorded in 3 different ways.
In your observations you need to record:
1.    the context of each observation (and your role in setting that up if applicable),
2.    the participants (using pseudonyms) and identify their connection to the target child.
3.    the observations themselves relating to the observation questions
4.    Interpretation of each observation alongside the observation. The interpretation must relate to the observation questions.
You also need to address the following about your observations: (see the Required Format for Presentation at the end of these instructions to help you identify what

needs to be written and where):
1.    Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the observation techniques you have chosen and explain why the techniques you have chosen are most appropriate in

answering your observation questions.  You need to refer to the literature in this section to justify the advantages/disadvantages.
2.    Briefly introduce the target child and the context.
3.    Briefly summarise your interpretations of your observations
NOTE: If you have chosen to take any recordings (photos, audio recordings etc) you MUST obtain specific consent for these and you MUST ensure that the child’s identity

is adequately protected (eg photos must have faces obscured).
Task 1.3: Interpretation of observations and planning
Your Recommendation for Planning  will be to provide opportunities for the child to improve performance of the selected FMS. From this, you need to select one action

you think relevant for this child.
Explain briefly why you have chosen this particular action.
Then identify 2 different opportunities that could be provided to support practice towards this (strategies). Make sure you identify how these strategies are based on

the normal daily activities of the child (refer to your recommended text: Sims, M. (2011). Social Inclusion and The Early Years Learning Framework: a way of working.

Castle Hill, NSW: Pademelon Press.).
Clarify the role of the adult in supporting the learning in these practice opportunities Present your Action and Strategies in a table form as below, using the wording

provided.
Required Format for presentation of Recommendations for Planning
Recommendation for planning: For caregivers to provide opportunities for [child’s pseudonym] to improve performance of [nominated FMS]
Our Actions    Strategies
For caregivers to provide opportunities for [child’s name] to ….    Strategy 1:
Role of Adult:
Explanation of chosen action:    Strategy 2:
Role of Adult:

Part 2: Behaviour
Task 2.1: Select a child
Select a child in the age range 3 – 8 and obtain the required consents (these will need to be obtained for the peers participating in the observation as well as the

target child). You may use the same child as you used in Part 1 if you wish. If you do, you must ensure that the letters of consent make it clear you will be observing

the child for both FMS and behaviour. Note that you do not submit your Letters of Consent with your assignment – this would be a breach of confidentiality as the names

of your participants are on these letters. Please make sure you are aware of, and act in accordance with the ECA Code of Ethics

(http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/code_of_ethics/early_childhood_australias_code_of_ethics.html).
You must also check if you are undertaking any observations in a service environment, that you follow the ethical requirements laid out in the service policy /

procedures. This will require you to check with the service manager/ co-ordinator / director.
You you must submit the Ethics Statement provided in your Ethics form. Details about the Ethics form and to download it, visit here.
Task 2.2: Observations
Observation questions: Your observations are aimed at providing information on the following:
1.    behaviour – how does the child manage conflict in peer interactions?
2.    what factors are impacting on the child’s behaviour?
Observe the child playing with peers. You will need to consider the setting in which to observe to ensure that the child is likely to demonstrate the behaviours you

are looking for. It is NOT appropriate for you to test the child in order to observe the movements you are seeking to observe. It is appropriate however, to set up a

play environment where the skills are likely to be demonstrated, and to support the child to freely explore and play in that environment. You need to use at least 3

different observation techniques to record your observations (eg running records, anecdotal records, ABC, frequency counts etc). You must ensure that at least 1 of

your recording techniques is different from the 3 you used in Task 1.2.  You are expected to have at least 3 observations ie 3 different observations not the same

observation recorded in 3 different ways..
In your observations you need to record:
1.    observation question
2.    the context of each observation (including date, time, setting etc and your role in setting that up if applicable),
3.    the participants (using pseudonyms) and identify their connection to the target child.
4.    the observations themselves relating to the observation questions.
5.    Interpretation of the observations relating to the observation questions.
You will also need to address the following about your observations: (see the Required Format for Presentation at the end of these instructions to help you identify

what needs to be written and where):
1.    Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the observation techniques you have chosen and explain why the techniques you have chosen are most appropriate in

answering your observation questions. You need to refer to the literature in this section to justify the advantages/disadvantages.
2.    Briefly introduce the target child and the context.
3.    Briefly summarise your original interpretations of your observations and create a synthesised overview.
NOTE: If you have chosen to take any recordings (photos, audio recordings etc) you MUST obtain specific consent for these and you MUST ensure that the child’s identity

is adequately protected (eg photos must have faces obscured).
Task 2.3: Interpretation of observations and planning
Your Recommendation for Planning is to focus around the opportunities caregivers need to provide to support the child’s conflict resolution  skills. Identify one

action you think relevant for this child to work towards this and explain why you have chosen this particular action.
Identify 2 different opportunities (strategies) that could be provided to support practice towards this.   Make sure you identify how these strategies are based on the

normal daily activities of the child (refer to Topic 12 in your Topic Notes to ensure you clearly understand what is required of you here).
Clarify the role of the adult in supporting the learning in these practice opportunities). Present your Action and Strategies in a table form as below, using the

wording provided.
Required presentation format for Recommendations for Planning
Recommendation for planning: For caregivers to provide opportunities for [child’s pseudonym] to improve conflict resolution behaviours.
Our Actions    Strategies
For caregivers to provide opportunities for [child’s name] to ….    Strategy 1:
Role of Adult:
Explanation of chosen action:    Strategy 2:
Role of Adult:

Approximately 500 words
Task 2.4 Develop a shared understanding with peers
In the allocated discussion group online post your table from Task 2.3 and a brief explanation as to why you have chosen the recommendations you have. Make very sure

that there is nothing in what you post that identifies the child, family, community or service. Monitor the comments from your peers and respond.
You are required to respond to the postings of ALL of the members in your group. Remember to respond in a professional manner, and remember that your comments on other

students’ postings may be chosen by them to include in their assignment. Try to make your comments constructive and useful. You will also need to copy and paste the

comments you made on your peers’ postings in an appendix in your assignment so make sure you keep a record of these.
Task 2.5: Reflect on your thinking
Select 3 comments from the online discussion you found most useful and discuss these, identifying how they have influenced your thinking. You may want to talk about

your initial thinking, as evidenced by quotes from your posting, and your later thinking, as evidenced by quotes from your assignment. Ensure you reference the

comments from the discussion (it is appropriate to reference these using the ‘personal communication’ format from your Referencing Guide). Did the discussion lead you

to change your proposed plan? If yes, in what way and why? If not, explain.
You will need to copy and paste the comments you are using for your reflection into an Appendix in your assignment as evidence.
Approximately 100 words for your reflection
Part 3: Link to theory
Task 3.1: Relation to ecological theory
Use Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory to discuss the factors you see impacting on the child’s development (FMS and behaviour). You are expected to specifically

address this in relation to the child (children) who were your focus in this assignment. You may want to consider in your answer opportunities provided to practice the

targeted skills in the child’s home life, impact of family members on these opportunities, how parents’ work influences these, how the child’s gender and culture

influence these. 500 words
Please note that you are expected to use appropriate academic referencing, and to demonstrate you have read widely. See the Marking Rubric (LO4) for more detail. For a

pass you are expected to have used, and appropriately cited from at least 3 sources. To obtain a Distinction or High Distinction you are expected to have used, and

appropriately cited from sources beyond those provided to you with the unit materials.
Required Format for presentation of Assignment 1
You are required to present your assignment in EXACTLY the format outlined below. You must use the headings and the numbering system provided.
Part 1: Fundamental Motor Skills. (500 words for all of Part 1)
•    Observation Techniques
•    Introduction of child and context
•    Interpretations
•    Recommendation for Planning Table
Part 2: Behaviour. (500 words for Parts 2.1 – 2.4 combined and 100 words for Part 2.5 – total 600 words for all of Part 2 – note that this component of the assignment

will be modified based on your reflections arising from your peers’ comments so may be different from the material you originally posted online)
•    Observation Techniques
•    Introduction of child and context
•    Interpretations
•    Recommendation for Planning Table
•    Reflection (from Task 2.5)
Part 3: Relation to ecological theory
•    Discussion (from Task 3.1 – 500 words)
Reference List
•    Appendix 1: Observation questions, context and each observation and initial interpretation for FMS (from Task 1.2)
•    Appendix 2: Observation questions, context and each observation and initial interpretation for behaviour (from Task 2.2)
Note that word counts do not apply for the Appendices
Marking Rubric Assignment 1
Learning Outcome 1: Critically analyse theories relating to young children’s development and behaviour (birth to 8 years), and their application in practice in

contemporary social and cultural contexts

not addressed in this assignment    Learning outcome 2: Professionally appraise young (birth to 8 years) children’s development and behaviour in social/cultural

contexts and make informed curriculum decisions

Sections 1.1 – 1.3 (500 words)
Sections 2.1 – 2.5 (600 words)
GA1, 4, 6
Appendicies 1 & 2    Learning Outcome 3: Analyse how various influences impact on young children’s social/emotional, physical and behavioural development and

learning

Section 3 (400 words)
GA1, 3, 4, 6
Learning Outcome 4: Demonstrate professional standards of communication and information literacy
Reference List and intext referencing
Ethics Statement
Writing
Format
GA2, 4, 7, 8

HD         Observations are performed and reported upon correctly with no editing required
Action Plans are interwoven with and from observations
Appropriate strategies are derived and justified
Appropriate Implementation of strategies is derived and justified
Feedback from peers has been reflected upon, analysed and used to support arguments made in the assignment.    Discussion compares/contrasts/ appraises/provides

justification for the claims of different impacts on this child’s social/emotional development and learning    Text builds argument clearly and requires no editing.
Appropriate consents obtained and Ethics Form 5 submitted.
Referencing correct. A minimum of 5 references used, with evidence of independent research (ie references beyond those provided in the text and readings)
Ethical behavior evident.

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