GEC2102

Teaching and curriculum studies: studies of society and environment, and science

Mr J Pearson

6 points - 4 hours per week - Second semester - Gippsland - Prerequisite: GEC2101A - Prohibition: GEC1101

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to provide a rationale for the inclusion of studies of society and environment (SOSE) and science in the primary school curriculum; identify the nature and extent of children's beliefs (including the students' own beliefs) on a selected range of social, environmental and scientific issues; and plan, deliver and assess a series of lessons built on children's questions on and about the social and natural environments. Students should also be familiar with current school SOSE and science programs and those developed, or planned, on the 'Schools of the Future' and the curriculum and standards framework documents.

Synopsis This subject develops knowledge, skills and attitudes about teaching and learning in primary schools in the key learning areas (KLAs) of studies of society and environment (SOSE) and science. Students also have the opportunity to become aware of children's existing beliefs and attitudes in these curricula areas. Students will also explore a range of appropriate teaching techniques (with a special emphasis on questioning and responding), become familiar with assessment and evaluation techniques for ascertaining and understanding pupil learning needs and strengths, and develop a set of appropriate resources which facilitate classroom learning activities.

Assessment Assignment 1 (1500 words): 50% - Assignment 2 (1500 words): 50% - Resource folder (hurdle requirement) - Satisfactory field work report (hurdle requirement)

Prescribed texts

Barry K and King L Beginning teaching Social Science Press, 1993
Driver R Guesne E and Tiberghien A Children's ideas in science Open University Press, 1985
McBurney-Fry G Improving your practicum Social Science Press, 1998
Marsh C (ed.) Teaching studies of society and environment Prentice-Hall, 1994
Victorian Board of Studies Curriculum and standards framework: Science VBOS, 1995
Victorian Board of Studies Curriculum and standards framework: Studies of society and environment VBOS, 1995

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
Fleer M and Hardy T Science and learning Prentice-Hall, 1996
Hamston J and Murdoch K Integrating socially Eleanor Curtain Publishing, 1996
Sutton C Words, science and learning Open University Press, 1992
White R T Learning science Blackwell, 1988

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