Internship (Early Childhood)

Subject 460-529 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 37.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Parkville
For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 40 days internship placement
Total Time Commitment: 40 days total commitment
Prerequisites:

150 points of study in the Master of Teaching Early Childhood, and

460-552 Investigating Practice (Internship)

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

Subject Overview: The intern assumes teaching duties within a kindergarten program in collaboration with an appropriately qualified mentor, approved by the host early childhood service and the School. The intern attends the centre for four days a week and has a teaching load equivalent to 60% of a normal weekly teaching load over four days. The remainder of the time is spent planning, evaluating and documenting their teaching and involvement in the preschool, with guidance from the mentor and the Clincial Specialist, and participation in university and professionally relevant seminars. Satisfactory completion of the internship denotes that the intern teacher is ready to take on the full responsibilities of a teacher.
Objectives:

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

  • Independently apply professional criteria to their own teaching and professional activity;
  • Synthesise their theoretical and practical understandings of teaching in early childhood;
  • Use constructive criticism and discussion to evaluate and reflect on values and practices in relation to their professional practice in early childhood;
  • Communicate effectively with other professionals, parents and children;
  • Promote the profession of early childhood teaching in the wider community.
Assessment:

There is 1 assessment task:

  • Satisfactory teaching performance in the internship (100%);

There is 1 hurdle requirement:

  • Documentation of professional activities, including teaching and assessment undertaken during the placement.
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, skills and understanding to enable them to:
  • Be skilled communicators who can effectively articulate and justify their professional practice in early childhood;
  • Be flexible and able to adapt to change through knowing how to learn;
  • Understand the significance of developing their practice on the basis of research evidence;
  • Work in teams with skills in cooperation, communication and negotiation;
  • Be independent of mind, responsible, resilient, self-regulating;
  • Have a conscious personal and social values base that is evident in their work in childrens’ services.

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

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