EDF5462

Method and Practice of Teaching Biology A ( 6 points, SCA Band 0, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms A Berry (Clayton), TBA (Gippsland)

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2005 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit prepares students to teach Biology in secondary schools both as a specialist VCE (years 11&12) unit and within the general science curriculum (years 7 -10). The teaching approach in this unit focuses on the development of conceptual understanding in biology through the selection of learning experiences and contexts that take into account the interests, knowledge, understanding, abilities and experiences of learners. Students will be expected to develop the ability to evaluate and reflect on the adequacy of their own understanding of biology concepts and as a result to make informed decisions about teaching approaches which can effectively promote desired learning outcomes.

Objectives: The learning objectives of this unit are to help students explore their understanding of biology concepts; to introduce students to a constructivist perspective to teaching and learning biology; to investigate and evaluate a variety of assessment and monitoring procedures that will help students to develop their understanding of biology concepts; to encourage the capacity for critical reflection for professional learning. As a result of studying students are expected to recognise the ways in which their learning histories influences their approaches to teaching; develop confidence and skill in linking biology learning to the contexts and needs of learners; be able to develop appropriate learning sequences suitable to a range of learners, for teaching a topic or topics, from the secondary biology curriculum.

Assessment: Assessment: Assignments: 35%, Class presentation: 35%, Class participation: 30% + Student participation in on-campus workshops is vital and therefore has an 80% attendance requirement for this unit + Students will be expected to participate in a residential camp in March.

Contact Hours: 3 hours per week

Prerequisites: A minor sequence in biological sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, botany, zoology not biochemistry or pharmacology)