6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Kathy Smith
(Clayton)
Sindu George
(Peninsula)
Unit guides
Prohibitions
EDF1127, EDF3214
Synopsis
This unit explores teaching science within five broad frames: science as a way of thinking and acting, learning about learning science, teaching as the transformation of knowing science, the engagement of learners and communicating science. The unit prepares students to develop a constructivist approach to teaching science, incorporating strategies such as connecting to children's prior knowledge, questioning and inquiry learning, hands-on approaches, scientific investigations and learner-owned/learner-centred investigations. The relationship among science, technology and society is explored, and the nature of science as a discipline is considered. Students build understanding of and demonstrate capacities to plan for science learning and teaching related to the Victorian and Australian curriculum from Foundation to Year 8.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:
- appreciate science as a way of thinking that generates knowledge (representing cultural and societal dimensions) that is used to describe and respond to our environment
- demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which science responds to technological and social change
- critically reflect on their experiences as learners of science and identify implications for their professional identities as science educators
- identify, develop, plan and deliver appropriate strategies to establish, monitor and develop learners' understanding of science as a way of knowing and the importance of reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Assessment
Investigating science learners' science ideas (2000 words, 50%)
Reflective critique on approaches to science teaching (2000 words, 50%)
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:
- Contact hours for on-campus students:
- 24 hours over the semester comprising seminars (2-3 hours each) and online activities
- Additional requirements
- independent study to make up the minimum required hours per semester
See also Unit timetable information