EDF4113 - General science education

Leader: Dr M Berry (Clayton), Dr A Ryan (Gippsland)

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Gippsland First semester (Open Learning) 2008 (Open Learning)

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the language, methods and major ideas useful in contemporary science teaching. Although the main focus is on the Victorian post secondary science curriculum, students will also explore science curricula from national and international perspectives. The unit will draw on concepts from constructivist theories of learning, pedagogical content knowledge and critical reflection. Emphasis will be placed on students building their understanding of science teaching through collaborative participation in a range of contexts and experiences.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. critically reflect on their experiences as learners of science and identify implications for their professional identity;
2. develop an understanding of a constructivist perspective on learning and its implications for science teaching;
3. become familiar with curriculum documents related to teaching science;
4. build pedagogical content knowledge through a focus on developing understanding of the relationships between content, context and pedagogical approach;
5. become sensitized to the "real world" of the learners in their classrooms and develop an appreciation for providing learning experiences that will be meaningful to students; and
6. develop technical competence in planning and implementing units of work and lessons.

Fieldwork

25 days shared across this unit, Core Education Units and students' selection of Core Curriculum/Curriculum Elective Units.

Assessment

This unit is graded Pass Grade Only (PGO); Assessment task 1: Written assignment (2,000 words, 50%); Assessment task 2: Written assignment (2,000 words, 50%)

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Level 3, undergraduate degree, 4 units of tertiary science or by special permission

Co-requisites

EDF4402, OR EDF4403, OR EDF4419, OR EDF4420

Prohibitions

EDF5458