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

This unit provides students with the opportunity to develop their own understandings of learning and teaching and to critically examine how curriculum can be more responsive to the needs of adolescents. It puts forward the idea that effective learning environments in the middle years must be sensory rich, intellectually challenging and based upon a critical constructivist philosophy of learning.
The unit challenges traditional classroom management constructs and encourages students to determine how best to serve the needs of young people in their care while fulfilling the social function of preparing citizens of a future world.

Objectives

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

1. build pedagogical content knowledge related to the intellectual development and individual growth of young adolescents and develop an appreciation for providing learning experiences that will be meaningful to young adolescents;
2. become familiar with and critically examine the literature relating to middle years approaches and the unique needs of adolescents as a group in transition from childhood to adult hood;
3. develop an understanding of a critical constructivist philosophy of learning and how it relates to classroom practice and relationships in the middle years;
4. work collaboratively with peers to develop an understanding of the importance and value of a team approach to curriculum and pedagogical reform.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Essay A critique of the literature (2 000 words or equivalent, 50%)
Assessment task 2: Group presentation (2 000 words or equivalent, 50%)

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor J Dorman

Contact hours

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