EDF5674 - Engaging with practices of contemporary science - 2019

The successful science (including mathematics) educator understands the development of knowledge, skills and abilities in science and how to transform that content knowledge through facilitating learning. This unit focuses on how science knowledge shifts and changes over time and through technological and social change. The contemporary practices of science and mathematics, and the resultant knowledge arising from such practices, have significantly changed to become inter-, multi- and trans-disciplinary in nature. This influences the ways in which new knowledge is generated and represented through models and explanations. The unit is taught in an interdisciplinary approach, across faculties, and provides authentic learning settings in which new science practices are explored and examined. It addresses the learning of pre-service and in-service teachers as well as those who communicate science to a range of audiences. It positions educators at all career stages and across learning contexts to lead and inspire learning around science.

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

1. articulate how they have extended their current knowledge, skills and abilities needed as a science educator
2. demonstrate an understanding for the ways in which science responds to changing technological and social change
3. demonstrate engagement with contemporary practices of science
4. demonstrate the connections between professional understandings of science practices and one's educational practices.

A fieldwork placement facilitated by the faculties of Education and Science

Multimedia representation: Examining current knowledge, skills and abilities in science education (equivalent to 3000 words, 40%)

Critique: Connecting science practices with educational practices (5000 words, 60%)

Flexible mode offers a stand-alone online offering that allows students to learn and engage in content and assessment in a supported way. It also provides a face-to-face component of 12 hours over the semester to engage students with the online learning content, which students are encouraged to attend if they are able.

Minimum total expected workload equals 288 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for flexible students:
   • 12 contact hours and 24 hours equivalent of online activities over the semester or
   • 36 hours equivalent of online activities over the semester
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • independent study to meet the minimum required hours per semester

See also Unit timetable information

Option for Master of Education in:

Expert teaching practice

General education studies

Option for Master of Leadership in:

Curriculum and pedagogy

Leadership

Elective for Master of Teaching in:

Early years education

Primary education

Secondary education