GED0513

Methods and practice of teaching economics

Ms A Forsyth

12 points - 2 hours per week - Full-year subject - Clayton - Prerequisites: A minor sequence in economics from a recognised institution

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed knowledge and understanding of: the aims of teaching economics; the range and types of economics courses including VCE economics; VCE industry and enterprise; appropriate methods and strategies in teaching economics; the range of text and non-text resources; the requirements of the Curriculum and Standards Framework documents between Years 7-10 for teaching economics and associated business studies subjects; appropriate assessment techniques to measure students' progress and an understanding of the need to vary the forms of assessment to cater for mixed ability classes; how to make economics lessons gender and culturally inclusive; modern developments in economics education including the use of technology in the economics classroom. Students should have developed skills which will enable them to use the terminology, language and symbolism of economics with some precision and clarity for the purpose of effective communication of economic ideas; present teaching activities in a manner that encourages students to take an active role in the learning process; plan, develop, implement and evaluate appropriate resources, lessons, units of work, courses; demonstrate competence in the teaching of economics; assess students in a variety of ways including criterion-referenced, descriptive, peer and self assessment and so on. Students should have developed values or attitudes in the capacity to think clearly and as objectively as possible about economic problems; valuing the place of economics education in the curriculum; teaching to be seen as a career-long commitment to professional development - students to see the need to continue to explore and develop more effective ways of teaching economics after the teacher training year; a willingness to teach economics in an inclusive manner.

Synopsis One lecture and one tutorial/workshop per week. Some work is undertaken in economics and commercial education at the junior as well as the senior secondary level. Requirements may include microteaching sessions prior to teaching rounds, workshops, and preparation and evaluation of curriculum materials.

Assessment A precondition for a pass in this method is a pass in practice teaching and 80% attendance at all timetabled classes. A satisfactory level of achievement is also required for each of the following tasks - Classroom exercises: 40% - Unit of work: 40% - Class presentation: 20%

Prescribed texts

Victorian Board of Studies VCE Economics study design VBOS, 1994

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