EDF2058 Play-based learning theories and pedagogy
Faculty of Education
EDF2058 Play-based learning theories and pedagogy is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Education, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Peninsula. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Peninsula
- Assessment
- No exam
- 2 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review EDF2058.
Requisites
Before EDF2058
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After EDF2058
No unit lists EDF2058 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Must be enrolled in one of:
D3001 Bachelor of Education (Hons)
D3002 Bachelor of Education (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts
D3004 Bachelor of Education (Hons) and Bachelor of Music
D3005 Bachelor of Education (Hons) and Bachelor of Science
D3006 Bachelor of Education (Hons) and Bachelor of Fine Art
D3007 Bachelor of Education (Hons) and Bachelor of Business
Overview
In this unit you will explore, research and evaluate a variety of play-based learning theories. You will examine the concept of ‘play’ to consider the influence of linguistic, cultural and socio-economic diversity on understandings of play and its connections to learning. Play will be examined to give consideration to the influence of popular culture and peer interactions. Positioning yourself as an informed teacher, you will be asked to apply your understanding of this diversity to suggest and recommend ways of supporting children's play-based learning. Engaging with play-based curriculum and framework documents during the unit will support you to view children as active participants in their learning through play who are capable of engaging in solving problems and co-constructing new knowledge. Learning multiple ways of observing and documenting children's play, you will be required to engage in an analysis of pedagogical play and outline implications of your analysis for your own professional practice.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Peninsula | On campus, block |
Assessment
- Oral presentation (1600 words or equivalent)Presentation40%
- Reflective task (2400 words or equivalent)Written60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
demonstrate a broad understanding of play-based learning theories
- 2
apply contemporary play-based learning theories to creatively explore possibilities for pedagogical practices in early childhood settings, primary schools, families and communities
- 3
critically analyse the research base underpinning the range of theoretical perspectives on play-based learning
- 4
critically consider the application of play-based learning theories for children from diverse linguistic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
- 5
identify and discuss implications for practice connections between curriculum framework documents and play-based learning theories
- 6
develop a broad understanding of pedagogical tools and methods to assess children’s learning through play.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study.
Usually, you can expect to engage with:
• 24 hours* of scheduled learning delivered on campus via weekly/regular directed learning activities; and
• the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study
Scheduled learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
*Subject to variation due to professional experience requirements
You will be provided with the opportunity to engage with relevant literature and resources. Further, you will be encouraged to deepen your understanding of topic areas through collegial discussion and debate, and by participating in activities designed to extend your understanding.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Please visit the unit Moodle site for further information.
Where it fits
EDF2058 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Liang Li
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Liang Li
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EDF2058?
EDF2058 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is EDF2058 offered?
In 2026, EDF2058 runs in Semester 1 at Peninsula.
How much work is EDF2058?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EDF2058 have an exam?
No. EDF2058 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include EDF2058?
EDF2058 is part of Early childhood and primary education.