Program Overview

ECHX8290 – Professional Experience 3

Unit Description

This unit enables students to refine their roles as early childhood teachers. During the internship, 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. The internship contains a 30 day placement to be completed as three days a week over ten weeks. Students may complete the internship requirements in their own workplace where appropriate.

Unit Convenor and Teaching Staff

• Unit Convenor: Dr Nicole Jamison

Credit Points and Prerequisites

• Credit points: 20
• Prerequisites: ECHX825 or ECEX825 or ECHX8250

Unit Description and Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Undertake candid self-assessment of progress towards both the unit learning outcomes and the Professional Teaching Standards
• Identify the importance of socially just practices associated with educational settings for children, families, and community
• Critically evaluate and utilise relevant theoretical and research literature to support teaching decisions
• Synthesise knowledge and skills development throughout the program in a teaching performance assessment
• Implement the requirements of the relevant statutory processes in relation to early childhood curriculum
• Communicate effectively as ethical, reflective and informed teachers when working with colleagues, children, families and other education and community stakeholders

Assessment Tasks

• Professional Experience Evaluation Report (Supervising Teacher Report): 0%, Due: 03/11/2025
• Teaching Performance Assessment: 100%, Due: 03/11/2025

Assessment Information

• All assessments must be submitted electronically
• Turnitin plagiarism detection software is used to check all written assessments
• Word limits are strictly applied
• Late submission penalty: 5% per day, up to 7 days, after which a mark of '0' will be awarded

Delivery and Resources

• The unit has a full web presence through iLearn
• Students will attend Professional experience placement 3 days/week
• Viva Voce is scheduled as a Practical in timetable
• Required and recommended readings will be available on iLearn

Policies and Procedures

• Academic Appeals Policy
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Progression Policy
• Assessment Policy
• Fitness to Practice Procedure
• Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
• Special Consideration Policy

Student Support

• Academic Success provides resources to develop English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills
• The Library provides online and face-to-face support to help students find and use relevant information resources
• Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including IT Support, Accessibility and disability support, mental health support, and more

Professional Experience Unit Expectations

• Students must be able to present evidence of completion of mandatory requirements prior to session census date
• Students must have submitted all written assessment tasks and/or completed associated unit requirements scheduled prior to the commencement of the block
• Feedback from Placement Support Team and/or Tertiary Supervisors and/or Supervising Teachers is of a general nature

Academic Integrity

• Macquarie University believes academic integrity is at the core of learning, teaching and research
• Students are expected to adhere to the University's Academic Integrity Policy

Student Code of Conduct

• Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct