EDF5184 - Teaching specialism in secondary education B - 2017

This unit extends students' understanding of varied methods and practices in their specialist field, with an emphasis on the later years of secondary school. Students continue to research contemporary and innovative ideas and research literature and explore the complexities, challenges, debates and issues associated with teaching and learning within their specialism. They consolidate knowledge and skills in a number of areas including lesson and unit planning, differentiating the curriculum and planning for diverse learner needs, selection and preparation of appropriate teaching resources and assessment strategies and selection of appropriate content and teaching procedures for their specialist field. The focus of the unit is on developing pedagogy relevant to learners in the secondary years and to the Australian Curriculum, but also draws on examples from education systems outside of the Australian context. This includes how to develop pedagogy in school systems where mainstream resources are not available so that students are prepared to teach across the world in varied settings. Students work collaboratively in professional learning teams, share their perspectives on what it means to teach and learn within their specialism, and monitor their own learning. This is viewed as an essential part of learning to teach and as integral to their professional work as a teacher.

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

1. demonstrate and apply their understanding of varied methods and practices in the teaching and learning of disciplines and subjects in their specialist field in the senior years and with an emphasis on secondary schools in varied settings
2. develop and share examples of lessons and units encompassing differentiated curriculum and individual planning for diverse learner needs and to meet curriculum expectations in secondary schools in varied settings
3. select and use appropriate resources and strategies for the teaching of disciplines and subjects in secondary schools in varied settings
4. understand and utilise policy and curriculum from Australia and elsewhere to inform teaching and learning in the secondary years
5. understand how to generate and implement assessment data and strategies which inform pedagogy
6. demonstrate an awareness of the ways in which research in their specialism informs teaching practice to enhance student learning
7. actively participate in professional learning teams and learning conversations pertinent to teaching their specialism
8. monitor and critically reflect on their own learning as they enter the teaching profession.

Investigation into teaching and learning within their specialism (2000 words or equivalent per student, 50%)

Portfolio of strategies utilising information and communication technologies (ICT) (2000 words or equivalent per student, 50%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2 contact hours per week
2. Additional requirements:
   • 10 hours of independent study per week

See also Unit timetable information

Primary and secondary education

Secondary education

EDF5183