Exploring Partnerships in Early Childhood Teacher Education through Scenario-based Learning

Abstract

Belonging to “a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community” (Department of Education,Employment and Workplace Relations [DEEWR], 2009, p. 7) is integral to children’s early development and learning.Acknowledging families as “children’s first and most influential educators” (DEEWR, 2009, p. 7), DEEWR notes that,“as children participate in everyday life, they develop interests and construct their own identities and understandings ofthe world” (Ibid). So, when children transition from the family context to participate in early education, establishingand maintaining partnerships with families and community members is essential to early childhood pedagogy. TheEarly Years Learning Framework acknowledges, “Belonging is central to being and becoming in that it shapes whochildren are and who they can become” (Ibid).While an important component of education, professional topics such as partnerships can be given less priority inuniversity subjects that focus on curriculum components. To “bridge perceived gaps between subject theory andprofessional practice” (Errington, 2010, p. 17) professional topics can be explored through scenario-based learning.This paper presents findings about the understanding and implementation of partnerships through scenario-basedlearning in a third year, online early childhood education subject, “Early Childhood Education and Care 2”. Theresearch question was, “How can scenario-based learning be implemented to increase students’ understanding andpractice of partnerships?”