EDF2001

Beyond the classroom ( 6 points, SCA Band 0, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr J Mitchell (Clayton)

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: A study of school systems and school communities as interactive communities of administrators, teachers, parents and students with special emphasis on secondary schooling. Social, political, historical and philosophical perspectives on the making and working of different schools and school communities and educational issues.

Objectives: The broad aims of this unit are to introduce students to a range of foundational concepts within education, particularly those related to the function of schooling within society; make students aware of some major debates within this area of study and enable them to adopt informed positions regarding these debates; stimulate students to consider the role they believe it is appropriate for themselves as educators to play in relation to a range of social issues that impinge on education; assist students to evaluate theories of education in relation to practice, particularly through the school placement or fieldwork; enable students to understand the range of experiences, cultures, values and backgrounds that pupils bring to classrooms, and consider the role of the teacher in relation to such diversity.

Assessment: Essay (2000 words): 50% + Group report (1000 words): 25% + Practicum assignment (equivalent to 1000 words): 25%.

Contact Hours: 2 hours per week