472-320 Developmental Differences & Assessment

The study of processes available to early childhood and other professionals for assessment and evaluation of young children as groups or as individuals. Evaluation of preschool educational programs will emphasise the inter-relationship with assessment and planning. Topics will include the critical examination of informal and formal data gathering through a range of techniques for the evaluation of learning in all curriculum areas; critical examination of commercially produced assessment and evaluation instruments; and the development of instruments for local needs. The assessment of learning of young children with exceptional needs and the implications for families and educational settings will be studied. Conditions considered will include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, dyslexia, specific language impairments, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. The subject will consider the uses to be made of data obtained in assessment and evaluation approaches; the preparation of reports; and issues such as the effects of diverse cultural contexts and the ethical areas of consent and the maintenance of confidentiality.

Assignments equivalent to 4000 words.

Resources provided to distance students: Students will be provided with a course handbook, subject guide, Study Guide and a book of readings.

• A Talay-Ongan, Early development: Risk and disability. Pearson 2004.