Choose an issue: Select one contemporary issue in early childhood education and care from the topics covered in Modules 4-6. 2. Research: Find at least five authoritative sources (like peer-reviewed journals, reputable reports

This assessment task maps to the following ULOs:
ULO1: Students identify a range of issues important to early childhood education and care
ULO2: Analyse a range of positions highlighted in authoritative literature on contemporary issues related to early childhood education and care
ULO3: Students critically reflect on their personal approach/philosophy of learning, development and teaching within early childhood education and care in relation to contemporary issues
ULO 4: Argue a position on current issues in early childhood education and care, in relation to the literatureAim
This assessment requires students to critically analyse diverse perspectives that align with a contemporary issue in early childhood education and care, as presented in authoritative literature, and develop a well-supported argument for their own position on the issue.
Rationale
This assessment builds on assessment 1 and continues to extend students’ analytical and reflective skills. The task fosters critical thinking through the examination of sector issues and the development of evidence-based arguments. By engaging with diverse perspectives and constructing well-supported arguments, students develop the professional expertise needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the early childhood field, which, in turn, directly prepares them for roles requiring thoughtful decision-making, policy analysis, and leadership in early childhood settings.Part One:
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Select a contemporary issue relevant to early childhood education and care from the options discussed in Modules 4-6.
Examples of some areas/issues could include, but are not limited by
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Children’s images in social media
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Immpact of an environment on children’s learning and development
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Limited access to resources/funding to meet a child’s additional needs
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Reconciliation in EC settings
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Children’s use of technology in EC settings.
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Research at least five authoritative sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journals, reputable reports, books) presenting diverse perspectives on the chosen issue. The unit readings will also help.
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Based on your research, analyse one dominant position on this issue by identifying its strengths and underlying assumptions to justify your position.
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Your analysis should demonstrate your understanding of the broader landscape of perspectives surrounding the issue.Part Two: Outline an opposing or alternative perspective on the chosen issue. Using current and relevant scholarly literature, justify your own position in relation to both the dominant perspective you analysed in Part One and this opposing/alternative view. Finally, reflect on the relevance of your chosen position to your practice as a teacher/educator working in the Australian early years sector. How might this position inform your approach to teaching and learning?
Task Instructions
1.
Choose an issue: Select one contemporary issue in early childhood education and care from the topics covered in Modules 4-6.
2.
Research: Find at least five authoritative sources (like peer-reviewed journals, reputable reports, or books) that offer different perspectives on your chosen issue.
3.
Analyse a leading position: This might be a commonsense way of thinking with little critical thought. Based on your research, critically analyse the existing literature on your chosen issue, summarizing and synthesizing the different perspectives presented in your selected sources. Identify common themes, points of disagreement, and underlying assumptions. If you prefer, a table or other visual aid could be helpful in comparing and contrasting different ideas.
4.
Explore an opposing view that adopts critical thinking. Develop a well-supported argument for a contrasting position, drawing on evidence from the literature and engaging directly with the perspectives you analysed.