EDF6401

Research on teaching and learning science and mathematics ( 12 points, SCA Band 0, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Associate Professor B Clarke

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Evening)

Synopsis: Research approaches for investigating learning and teaching in school science and mathematics classes, the outcomes of this research, and the implications of these outcomes for the practices of science and mathematics education. Developmental and information processing theories, especially Piaget, Ausubel, and a range of constructivists. Individual and social constructivist perspectives especially their research approaches and findings.

Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, students should understand research methods currently used in studies of science and mathematics learning; be familiar with ways these research methods have changed and the links between these changes and the nature of the questions asked by researchers, understand ways in which research on science and mathematics learning has informed the practices of teaching; and appropriate links between recently-created pedagogies and the nature of learning.

Assessment: Library research paper (2500 words): 30% + Short research paper (2500 words): 30% + Report (3500 words): 40%

Contact Hours: 3 hours per week