Individualising Learning

Subject 460-525 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Parkville, On Campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours
Total Time Commitment: 125 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Sharne Annette Rolfe
Subject Overview: This subject prepares teacher candidates to identify and support the diversity of individual learning abilities and needs that are typically encountered within early childhood groups, while developing an awareness of relevant issues and debates. Candidates explore both practical strategies for individualising learning and critiques surrounding individualising learning, drawing on contemporary theory, research and data based approaches. Topics include: identification and assessment of learning needs; developmental diversity, including disabilities, developmental delays, specific learning difficulties, and advanced development; diverse social and cultural influences on learning; strategies and approaches for developing inclusive and individualised programs; collaborative partnerships with families and professionals; accessing appropriate specialist resources and support; legal and ethical issues in relation to meeting individual needs. The study enables teacher candidates to develop their abilities to critically reflect on their own effectiveness in individualising learning, while exploring how relationships between individuals are influenced by social and cultural contexts.
Objectives:

On completion of this subject teacher candidates will be able to:

  • Identify, understand and evaluate the range of diverse learning abilities and special learning needs that teachers may encounter in early childhood settings
  • Understand the ways diverse social and cultural contexts influence children’s learning and relationships, and develop skills to identify these broader issues and balance them with the requirements of individualised learning.
  • Appreciate that individualised and contextualised programming optimises children’s development and learning
  • Understand the meaning of individualised and inclusive education, and the processes of working collaboratively with a range of professionals to promote the learning of all children.
  • Identify effective strategies and approaches to designing early childhood programs for learners with diverse abilities and needs
  • Identify and know how to access the range of specialist resources and agencies that can assist early childhood educators in meeting the diverse learning needs of children
  • Acknowledge and appreciate the role of the family and the importance of working in collaboration with the family system in meeting individual needs
Assessment: There is 1 assessment task:
  • A case study (equivalent to 4000 words) due end of semester (100%)
Prescribed Texts: Collection of readings
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject teacher candidates will have the knowledge, skill and understanding to enable them to:
  • Design, implement and evaluate individualised programs based on observation and data collection
  • Confidently utilise a range of effective strategies and approaches for responding to individual learning needs, while recognising broader social and cultural factors that may arise
  • Develop collaborative partnerships with families and professionals to support individual learning
  • Demonstrate sensitive and respectful attitudes in regard to the diverse social and cultural identities of children and families, and the range of learner abilities and needs
  • Identify and access appropriate specialist resources and support as needed, to optimise individual learning and development.

Related Course(s): Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

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