Leader: Dr A Berry

Offered

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

Synopsis

The unit is designed to prepare students to teach Biology in secondary settings both as a specialist senior (Years 11 & 12) subject and within the general science curriculum (Years 7-10). The unit provides an introduction to Biology education as a specialist field that is based on the knowledge and ideas important for learners to know in order to equip them to become biologically literate citizens and to inspire an interest in, and enjoyment of, the natural world.

Objectives

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

1. understand and interpret the language, methods and major ideas useful in contemporary Biology teaching in post primary settings;
2. access and develop a range of effective teaching approaches in Biology education that may be suitable for the diverse social and cultural backgrounds of students;
3. access and build pedagogical content knowledge through a focus on developing understanding of the relationships between content, context and pedagogical approach;
4. interpret, critique and implement curriculum documents related to teaching Biology in secondary contexts; and
5. develop technical competence in planning and implementing lessons and units of work.

Fieldwork

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

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Report: (2,000 words; 50%); and Assessment task 2: Written report (2,000 words; 50%). This unit is graded Pass Grade Only (PGO). Hurdle requirement: Satisfactory completion of teaching practice.

Contact hours

3 hrs per week

Prerequisites

A minor sequence in biological sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, botany, zoology not biochemistry or pharmacology, EDF4113 General science education or EDF5462

Prohibitions

EDF5463 Biology education B