Monash University: University Handbooks: Undergraduate Handbook 2001: Subjects indexed by faculty
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Bachelor of Secondary Education


General information

Course code: 2543 Course abbreviation: BSecEd Gippsland campus Contact Mr Paul Richardson (telephone (03) 9902 6969 for initial inquiries)
The Bachelor of Secondary Education provides initial preparation for secondary teachers. Graduates will be eligible for employment within state and independent schools and related teaching services.
The major objectives of the Bachelor of Secondary Education course are to provide students with a program of studies and experiences which should enable them to:

The overall aim of the course, therefore, is to produce a confident and competent teacher who is a well-educated person with a sound knowledge of the theoretical foundations of education and the necessary professional skills. Opportunities also exist for further study.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have satisfactorily completed the VCE or its equivalent and have achieved a study score of at least 25 in English units 3 and 4 and a study score of at least 20 in three other VCE studies.

Course structure

The degree is offered over four years and is designed to be cumulative in content. The major education studies are in the fields of learning and teaching, the social context of education, disciplinary teaching methods/practice and curriculum studies, and practicum/fieldwork. The course is structured to provide the following areas of study:

Studies of learning and teaching

Students engage with and explore theories of learning and how these relate to teaching, with particular emphasis on effective learning and quality teaching and on practices and strategies that facilitate both. Psychological development, language and literacy, and general principles of assessment are also studied in their relationships with learning and teaching.

General studies

General studies electives allow students to enhance their personal development by pursuing a discipline area of study in the sciences, humanities, or business/commerce.

The social context of education

Key aspects of the sociological and historical contexts of education contribute to students' understanding of their future working environment, and can influence teaching practice and professional engagement with educational communities.

Curriculum studies and teaching methods and practice

Students participate in programs that develop pedagogical knowledge and competencies and content knowledge in the key learning areas that they will teach.

Practicum

This is a major component of the fourth year of the course, and students work for extended periods under supervision in educational environments.
Candidates intending to qualify as secondary teachers need to be aware that their major and minor studies from other programs must satisfy the requirements for the study of two teaching methods in their fourth year and the requirements for employment laid down by the Victorian Department of Education, Employment and Training and non-government authorities.

Course outline

First year
Second year
Third year
Fourth year

This is a conceptual outline only. It gives a general indication of how the course will progress. It is subject to change without notice.

Length of course/workload required

This course is a four-year course taken on-campus with a set of fieldwork experiences each year. The expected number of hours per week for a full-time student is 48.

Further information

Further information regarding this course may be obtained from the Faculty of Education, Gippsland campus, telephone (03) 9902 6969, or visit the website at http://www.education.monash.edu.au/

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