The Deakin Difference
Experiential learning
Deakin’s focus on experiential learning in workplace settings and communities is very different from most early childhood teacher education courses. Up to half of all the teaching and learning activities of the BECE will be undertaken in the real context, giving our students the opportunity to meld theory and practice and to become fully prepared early childhood educators. The course was prepared in consultation with practitioners, parents and early childhood professionals, and course content and delivery will draw on the expertise and experience of these groups.
The distinctive theme for Deakin’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education programs is "valuing experience". This theme is incorporated by:
- Involving experienced early childhood teachers and other experts in the course conceptualisation and development;
- Having knowledge and experience that participants bring to the course valued, shared and built on in course interactions and further development;
- Learning from analysis of, and reflection on, the experiences of others (professionals, parents, other students, researchers, people such as managers from outside the field);
- Valuing and supporting the learning of children that takes place outside kindergarten and childcare programs;
- Researching and using pre-school children’s experience in professional work (i.e., experiential learning);
- Building in opportunities to draw on professional community experience and resources;
- Valuing both traditional and alternative professional experiences in a range of relevant early childhood contexts;
- Interweaving of personal findings, professionals’ findings, and research findings; and
- Course planning being informed by an integrated set of strands such as child development, communication, technology use, and studies of culture and community.
Flexibility
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program is offered in two experience-based pathways: a rural, community based program offered through the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus and the Warrnambool Campus, and an on campus city based program offered through the Melbourne Burwood Campus.
Some students may be able to combine employment with their studies. They may undertake a portion of their professional experience placements at their current early childhood workplace if suitable supervision arrangements can be organised.
A number of alternative experiential learning opportunities, such as our Global Experience Program, may be available to students.
