EDF4403 - Chemistry education

Leader: Associate Professor D Corrigan

Offered

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

Synopsis

This unit is an introduction to the relationships between learning and teaching in chemistry. Teaching strategies and contexts for use in chemistry classes in Years 7 to 12 will be explored. Methods for assessing and monitoring student learning in chemistry will be introduced. The relationship between science, technology and society, the cultural context for chemistry and the relevance of chemistry to students' lives will be a focus of this unit.

Objectives

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

1. set appropriate Chemistry content for Years 7 - 12 that takes into account the intelligibility, plausibility and fruitfulness of this content;
2. use appropriate contexts for the teaching of Chemistry content that accounts for the experiences, social and cultural backgrounds of their students;
3. demonstrate appropriate teaching strategies and support resources (human and material) for teaching Chemistry;
4. select and use a range of teaching procedures that will foster motivation and purposeful, independent learning in their students;
5. show critical understanding of the curriculum and pedagogy of Chemistry;
6. develop a philosophy for what Chemistry teaching means;
7. develop an appreciation for the relationship between science, technology and society and the cultural context for Chemistry;
8. be aware of the barriers raised by traditional science and Chemistry curricula;
9. value the practice of real world Chemistry; and
10. develop as professionals who are knowledgeable, skillful, flexible, and compassionate in their practice and who are guided by a sense of social and ethical responsibility.

Fieldwork

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

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Chemistry Reflective Teaching Portfolio (2,000 words, 50%); and Assessment task 2: Chemistry Curriculum Research Project (2,000 words, 50%). This unit is graded Pass Grade Only (PGO); and Hurdle requirement: Satisfactory completion of teaching practice for the year.

Contact hours

3 hrs per week

Prerequisites

A minor sequence in either Chemistry or Biochemistry and EDF4113 General Science Education or EDF5464

Prohibitions

EDF5465 Chemistry education B