EDP3103

Education and change

Lecturer-in-charge to be advised

6 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Peninsula

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to understand various concepts, such as teaching and learning strategies, school organisational structures, areas of educational disadvantage, and political decision making, in both historical and contemporary settings; appreciate how political, economic and social forces of the time influence what happens in schools and in the school community; critically evaluate these changes and thereby learn from past successes and mistakes when planning for the future education of Australian children. Students should be also able to demonstrate research (including archival) skills, and to work collaboratively to write and orally present their findings and predictions, in their chosen sphere of educational change.

Synopsis This subject draws on the disciplines of history, philosophy and sociology to examine some of the social, political and technological factors that help determine changes in education. It builds on many of the concepts previously identified in the public images of schooling, the theories of child development and learning, how education is structured in modern society, and the politicisation of educational decision making. Concepts and topics to be examined include curriculum content, teaching methods and resources, systemic and school structures and management, student discipline, social class, gender and ethnic differences, teacher education and workplace conditions, and the effects of government policy changes on parents, students, teachers and administrators. Through both historical and contemporary analysis an attempt will be made to predict some of the trends and emerging issues that may arise in education as we approach the third millennium.

Assessment Oral report: 30% - Written report (3000 words): 40% - Examination: 30%

Recommended texts

Beare H and Slaughter R Education for the 21st century Routledge, 1993
Caldwell B and Hayward D The future of schools Farmer Press 1998
Niall B and Britain I (eds) The Oxford book of Australian school days Oxford, 1997
Turney C (ed.) Sources of Australian education Angus and Robertson, 1975

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