Assignment 1

Word length: 3000 words

Objectives:

1. Identify different theoretical frameworks and contexts that have influenced the culture of the early childhood workforce.

2. Analyse various paradigms employed to construct the early childhood professional.

3. Explicitly articulate personal and social values base for critically reflecting on,

   practicing and innovating within the early childhood field.

4. Demonstrate competence in and appropriate use of language and literacy, including

   spelling, grammar, punctuation and bibliographic referencing.

Part A: Choosing to change - 500 words

By working through modules 1 and 2 that address the theoretical influences, social and political context, and professionalism of early childhood education and care, particular practices and perceptions in early childhood education may have come to your attention as niggling, troubling or uneasy. Identify and name this practice or perception as requiring change.

Or, if you currently work as an early childhood educator you may choose to apply this project to your work context. Identify a particular aspect of your work that is niggling, troubling or uneasy. Identify and name this practice and/or perception as requiring change.

1. Identify the practice or perception that you want to change. Provide an account of the practice and/or perception; describe what and why it is troubling. Deconstruct the practice or perception (refer to model of critical reflection discussed in module 3). Identification and discussion will include articulation of your personal and social values as your interpretation of the issue is shaped by your values.

2. Develop a question that will frame your inquiry. This involves articulating or confronting the issue. Examples of change-oriented questions are:

- What could be done differently to ...?

- How can we/I share/reform/expand/learn? (MacNaughton & Hughes, 2009)

Part B: Planning for change - 2500 words

1. Conduct a literature review of the issues relevant to your niggling, troubling early childhood practice and/or perception. Summarise and discuss these issues and their relevance to your research question.

1. Map possible actions to create change. Develop a plan of possible actions to create change - ways of seeking findings to your inquiry question.

2. Complete ethics application (if research requires participation of other people) - use USQ Ethics Applications template located on StudyDesk.

3. Noteethics forms are for your experience only and are not to be submitted through the University Ethics process. The application and supporting documentation is to be included with your assignment as an appendix. Consent forms: https://www.usq.edu.au/research/support-development/research-services/research-integrity-ethics/human/forms/Resources-HREC-applicants