Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Through engaging with current research literature students will begin to understand how young children, in a variety of cultural contexts, develop their understandings and skills in science and technology. The teaching of science and technology will be examined from a number of theoretical perspectives, and students will be supported in moving towards thinking about teaching and learning from a sociocultural perspective. Attention will be paid to some of the everyday concepts children develop and to the scientific concepts that they will be introduced to in institutional settings, and how these can be combined in meaningful and relevant ways.

Objectives

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

1. develop knowledge an understanding of how young children develop scientific and technological understandings, skills, and attitudes;
2. engage with current research about teaching and learning in science and technology;
3. critique a range of pedagogical approaches that support children's learning in science and technology;
4. recognise a range of world views in science and technology, and
5. begin to develop skill in observing and analyzing children's learning in science and technology, and consider teaching implications of these observations and analyses.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Folio of observations (2,000 words, 50%)
Assessment task 2 Written report (2,000 words, 50%)

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Marilyn Fleer

Contact hours

3 contact hours per week, 9 hours private study including readings, completion of set tasks and self-directed learning.

Prohibitions

EDF4501