EDF5124 - Biology education in the secondary years B - 2017

This unit builds on EDF5123 (Biology education in the secondary years A) by extending the opportunities for pre-service teachers to develop, implement and critically reflect upon their pedagogical practices in biology. In particular students consider the importance and value of outreach and fieldwork in teaching biology along with the possibilities offered by a range of online electronic resources. Pre-service teachers consider the types and ranges of assessment in biology and the ways in which these should inform student learning. An important component of this unit is an increased focus on the need for biology teachers to think critically about their own practice and the degree to which it enhances the learning opportunities for all students. Throughout the unit, students work collaboratively to develop team-teaching skills while being expected to demonstrate an ability to operate independently in order to plan and implement curriculum using appropriate pedagogies for teaching biology. Pre-service teachers learn first-hand how to use and undertake small research tasks that will help develop their professional practice and scholarship into the future.

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

1. demonstrate confidence and skill in generating solutions to complex problems in relation to teaching and learning
2. devise and implement a variety of assessment procedures to promote student learning in biology
3. plan and implement fieldwork for students that is linked to senior biology curriculum requirements and informed by the research literature
4. engage in critical reflection as a professional teacher and understand contemporary trends in practice and research at the national and international level
5. demonstrate a degree of autonomy and adaptability as a responsible professional practitioner.

Reflective assignment (2000 words, 50%)

Design curriculum task related to senior biology (2000 words equivalent, 50%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2-3 contact hours per week
2. Additional requirements:
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Jennifer Mansfield

Primary and secondary education

Secondary education

Secondary health and physical educationSecondary health and physical education (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/secondary-health-and-physical-education/)

EDF5123