MHT0004 - Organisational and group aspects of the school environment

Leader: Ms Carolyn Aston

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

Upon completion of this unit, students will have significant grounding in observation method and the role of participant observer; increased capacity to reflect upon and to manage in their own roles at school; a capacity to understand and analyse group dynamics in the class-room, the school, and the wider educational system; and knowledge of factors that foster a learning environment at school.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will:

1. gain skills in observation method in the role of participant observer, and a capacity for self reflection;
2. gain knowledge and understanding of the parameters of their own roles as teachers, including matters of responsibility, accountability and authority to act, and physical and psychological boundaries related to roles and territories in a school;
3. develop an understanding of dynamics of relationships between teachers and other members of a school community, from the perspective of psychoanalytic systems and sociological conceptual frameworks;
4. increase awareness of their own responses and behaviours in small and large groups;
5. develop a capacity to analyse group dynamics in school systems, including differences in small and large groups, from the perspective of established conceptual frameworks; 6. develop an increased understanding of typical fears within a school community, and a capacity to identify work practices that function to defend against associated anxieties;
6. gain knowledge of factors that help to create a learning environment in class-rooms and the wider school community;
7. demonstrate a capacity to observe and to analyse group dynamics in the field, and to communicate findings orally and in a written report.

Assessment

Written assessment 60%
On-line threaded discussion group/reading discussions 20%
Oral Presentation 20%

Prerequisites

MHT0001, MHT0002