Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate, Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to theory and practice in the broad field of Social and Environmental Education. This is an introductory unit for students who will study Geography, History and Social education specialisms in the second semester. The unit prepares students to become effective and knowledgeable Social and Environmental educators. The unit focuses on developing understanding of recent developments in the curriculum area of Social and Environmental Education, since varied models and approaches to this field are found in school. The main focus in the unit is on curriculum and teaching in the lower and middle levels of secondary school.

Objectives

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

1. develop appropriate strategies for teaching Social and Environmental Education in secondary school settings;
2. interpret and translate current curriculum documents into classroom practice that will engage school learners in active and inquiry-based learning;
3. and use a variety of resources and approaches to develop school students' literacy, numeracy and ICT skills;
4. devise, adapt, interpret and use courses, units, and varied learning resources to enhance classroom practice and student learning;
5. demonstrate an understanding of contemporary trends in Social and Environmental Education locally and internationally; and
6. reflect critically on the development of students' own learning and teaching skills.

Assessment

This unit is graded Pass Grade Only (PGO); Assessment task 1: Annotated review of Social and Environmental Education resources (2,000 words, 50%); Assessment task 2: Critical review of curriculum models in Social and Environmental Education (2,000 words, 50%)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Rosalie Triolo

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Minor sequence in Social Science. (Note: Students undertaking this unit as a middle school option through the Bachelor of Education (Primary) will meet different requirements. Specific advice should be sought.)

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled simultaneously in a professional experience unit(s).