Postgraduate - Course4203 - Master of Teaching (Primary)

This course is open to graduates of any discipline who wish to teach in primary schools. The course is informed by world-class, research-based teaching that links theory and practice. It enables candidates with at least a three-year undergraduate degree to complete the equivalent of two more years of study (four semesters) that will allow registration as a graduate primary teacher with a master's qualification. Students spend time teaching in diverse educational contexts during the course of their enrolment and develop extensive knowledge of how primary aged children learn and how best to provide opportunities to develop and support such learning. The course presents opportunities for students to engage in ideas and theoretical frames within education, to connect these with practice and reflect on the implications of such connections.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of, and a commitment to, working as an ethical primary teacher who understands and respects diverse social, cultural, religious and ethnic contexts and can respond flexibly in meeting individual school student's needs
• demonstrate the capacity to engage in research-led teaching, critical inquiry and reflective practice
• integrate theories of learning and teaching and apply them as appropriate in classroom teaching, school leadership and curriculum construction
• design, plan and evaluate teaching and learning, ensuring school students' understanding and development
• utilise a range of technologies to inform and develop practice.

Students who have studied before may be eligible for credit for prior studiescredit for prior studies (http://www.education.monash.edu.au/students/prospective/credit.html).

This course includes the option of an independent research dimension requiring the knowledge and application of research principles and practices applicable to a field of professional work or learning, or a capstone experience comprising professional experience.

Mandatory checks and security clearances

Before participating in a professional placement in any educational setting students must meet specific security clearancessecurity clearances (http://www.education.monash.edu.au/placements/clearances/) that apply to the state or territory where the placement is being undertaken.

Students must complete teaching practice which consists of a minimum of 60 days of satisfactory supervised school experience. Students will only be given permission to complete a placement in their place of employment in exceptional circumstances and if they will receive the required level of supervision. Where permission is granted, students will not be permitted to undertake more than 50 per cent of the placement in their place of employment. Students must be available to undertake placements on a full-time basis and attend their placement at times determined by the faculty.

Graduates are eligible for registrationregistration (http://www.vit.vic.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx) and employment as primary school teachers in the government, Catholic and independent school systems in Victoria. For interstate and overseas positions, applicants are advised to check with local authorities.

This course consists of core units, depth study units and professional experience units.

Students must complete:

(a.) eight core units (72 points):

• EDF5703 Understanding and expressing ourselves
• EDF5705 Understanding and investigating our worlds
• EDF5711 English, literacies and policy contexts A
• EDF5712 English, literacies and policy contexts B
• EDF5713 Mathematics, numeracy and learner engagement A
• EDF5714 Mathematics, numeracy and learner engagement B
• EDF5807 Theory and practice of learning and teaching
• EDF5809 Teacher as a professional

(b.) two depth study units (24 points)

(c.) five professional experience units to complete 60 days of supervised school experience (0 points):

• EDF5071 Professional experience 1
• EDF5072 Professional experience 2
• EDF5073 Professional experience 3
• EDF5074 Professional experience 4
• EDF5075 Professional experience 5

Depth study units

Students select two depth study unitsdepth study units (http://www.education.monash.edu.au/units/depth.html) from a suite of options subject to discussion with the course adviser. Availability of units may vary from year to year.

Depth study units provide opportunities to develop expertise in one of three streams:

(1.) Advanced professional learning: Students select units in an area of interest to advance their professional knowledge in a range of areas including but not limited to literacy studies, educational technologies, music education, mathematics and science education, TESOL, inclusive and special education, and gifted education.

(2.) Professional inquiry: Students engage in a school-based professional inquiry. This stream enables engagement with schools at a professional level, with students working in partnership with a school to investigate an educational issue that is of mutual interest.

(3.) Research*: Students develop their understanding of research and their experience in undertaking a research project that may lead them to doctoral (PhD) studies. Students expand their understanding and appreciation of educational research perspectives, methods and research ethics and conduct a supervised piece of rigorous academic research around a topic of interest which demonstrates capacity for doctoral study.

*Eligibility for the research pathway is not determined at point of entry but can only be completed by invitation.

Refer to the course mapcourse map (http://education.monash.edu.au/students/current/coursemaps/2014/2014-map-4203-mteach-prim-ft.pdf) for the Master of Teaching (Primary) for course progression advice.

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with the following, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award:

• Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) after successful completion of 72 points of study and required professional experience units.

Master of Teaching (Primary)