EDN7055

Studies of society, environment, health and physical education

Dr J Edwards

6 points - 6 hours per week - Second semester - Peninsula

Objectives Upon successful completion of the studies of society and environment component of this subject, students should have developed knowledge and understanding of the need to value social and environmental studies in the primary school curriculum; the role of the social science disciplines in structuring topics; major concepts and generalisations, skills and values as they apply in the studies of society and environment curriculum; effectiveness of different teaching strategies, particularly inquiry learning and cooperative group work; and appropriate assessment and evaluation strategies. At the completion of the health and physical education component of this subject, students should have developed knowledge and understanding of the major changes that have occurred in physical education and health curriculum; the meaning of outcomes in this learning area; means of assessing student progress; different teaching strategies that can be used in order to help primary students reach learning objectives. Students should be able to demonstrate skills in lesson planning and evaluation; group organisation, group management and effective oral communication; written work as required in assignments; and choosing effective strategies to achieve objectives. Students should also have developed a willingness to participate enthusiastically in various physical activities; and a positive attitude to the learning area relating to increased feelings of competence and confidence.

Synopsis This subject is composed of two separate and distinct components. The studies of society and environment component provides opportunities for students to develop an appreciation of historical and contemporary personal and social issues and priorities and an understanding of appropriate skills and strategies to introduce these issues into the primary school. The health and physical education component aims to develop students' understanding of the health and physical education unit in the Curriculum and Standards Framework; the teaching strategies in health and physical education; assessment in health and physical education; lesson planning; group organisation and management; choosing teaching strategies to achieve outcomes.

Assessment Each component has its own assessment based on the following percentages - Studies of society and environment Assignment: 20% - Test: 30% - Health and physical education Assignment: 30% - Oral presentation: 20% - A satisfactory standard must be reached in all assessable items to gain a pass.

Recommended texts

Curriculum Corporation A statement on studies of society and environment for Australian schools Curriculum Corporation, 1994
Curriculum Corporation Studies of society and environment: A curriculum profile for Australian schools Curriculum Corporation, 1994
Marsh C (ed.) Teaching studies of society and environment Prentice-Hall, 1994
Victorian Board of Studies Curriculum and standards framework: Health and physical education VBOS, 1995
Victorian Board of Studies Curriculum and standards framework: Studies of society and environment VBOS, 1995

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