Postgraduate - UnitEDF5806 - Policy and practice of education

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

Synopsis

This unit develops an understanding of education policy and its various discourses in global, national, local and institutional contexts. Students explore the inter-relationships of policy discourses with educational practices in schools, the community, educational systems, professional associations, and globally coordinated projects. The unit explores international testing of literacy/numeracy, the international rights of children, and published policies of global entities (OECD, UNESCO), as well as Australia's national, state and local policies and practices, such as professional standards, curriculum, assessment, diversity, social inclusivity, ICT and Indigenous peoples.

Outcomes

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

• examine a range of education policy issues and dilemmas for educators in contemporary local, national and global contexts
• demonstrate an understanding of the pedagogical implications for educators within a range of education policies
• articulate an understanding of the multi-faceted and complex nature of educational policy and discourses at global, national, local and institutional levels
• apply their understanding of the inter-relationships between educational policy and practice in a range of educational settings
• evaluate and critique their own practice as educators in relation to policy imperatives and professional obligations, including the particular needs of students in their care
• reflect critically on themselves and their relationship to current educational policy debates.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: School Investigation and Reflection (3200 words) 40% and
Assessment task 2: Research project (4800 words) 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Anne Harris

Contact hours

Average of 24 hours per week including 3 contact hours