EDF4033 - Innovation in curriculum and pedagogy in schools - 2017

This unit provides opportunities for students to further explore innovative curriculum, pedagogy and practice in schools that engages diverse student populations. The unit explores how teachers in schools implement innovation and bring curriculum 'to life' for their students though diverse pedagogies including inquiry learning and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). They also draw on research literature to investigate a range of issues including maximising student motivation in schools, engagement through curriculum development and innovative practice, and developing community-based curriculum and practices. Students understand how teachers are 'curriculum workers' constantly responding to change and the implications of this for their professional identity. Students then develop and demonstrate their use of practices that are inclusive, exciting and educational during their course and in their practicum experience.

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

1. describe, evaluate and compare different theoretical and practical approaches to developing curriculum, including traditional and innovative practices
2. utilise research literature to examine contemporary curriculum issues and explore exemplars of innovative practice in response to these issues
3. articulate the connections between robust curriculum development and innovative practice
4. analyse key policies and documents relating to curriculum, including the Victorian Curriculum F-10 and the Australian Curriculum, and show how they promote or constrain innovative practice
5. appreciate the importance of teachers as curriculum workers and explain how this is related to their professional identity
6. develop and demonstrate use of innovative practices including ICTs.

Research essay on innovative practices (2000 words, 50%)

Innovative curriculum development task (2000 words equivalent, 50%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2 contact hours per week
2. Requirements for on-campus block City-based students:
   • one intensive weekend block
   • at least 4 hours of active online engagement in Moodle activities per term
3. Additional requirements:
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Helen Grimmett

Early years education

Early years and primary education