Methods and practice of teaching psychology
Full-year subject * Clayton * Prerequisites: A minor sequence in psychology
This subject is designed to prepare students to teach psychology throughout post-primary schools. Psychology appears in the curriculum in post-primary school in two ways: (a) as a subject in its own right in middle school and Years 11 and 12 with a science-based, empirical approach; (b) within a range of middle school and junior school subjects such as health, life skills, personal development and social education. Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to design, implement and evaluate effective teaching programs in units of psychology within the curriculum frameworks and study designs. They should also have a wide repertoire of teaching skills and draw upon an understanding of the impact of various resources and strategies on classroom learning. They should be skilled in organising observations, field studies and experiments for classes. Finally, students should have an appreciation of the ethical issues involved, combined with a sense of satisfaction and joy achievable in introducing school students to psychology.
Assessment
Seminar participation/work requirements, satisfactory completion of practice teaching and the attendance at, preparation for and participation in seminar sessions
Prescribed texts
VBOS VCE Psychology study design VBOS, 1995
VBOS VCE Psychology curriculum development support materials VBOS, 1990