Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed skill in stating, planning to teach to, evaluating and reporting on the achievement of objectives in science teaching; developed knowledge of the development of children's thought processes, language, and conceptual development relating to science; become aware of a range of resources and of their application in teaching secondary science; gained familiarity with the science curriculum for secondary pupils and have planned a course outline and teaching schedule for a unit of work; developed basic skills in assessment and reporting of instruction in science; gained knowledge of a range of classroom organisation techniques and teaching strategies; become knowledgeable of procedures which are effective in teaching to meet individual needs; developed an awareness of professional attitudes and values appropriate to teaching in a modern secondary school; experienced a sufficient understanding of the history and philosophy of science to develop a relevant rationale to underpin various approaches to science teaching; become aware of the relevance of research findings in education; become knowledgeable of how students gain attitudes and values and of techniques for dealing with attitudes, values, and controversial issues.
Synopsis The subject consists of three topic areas: (1) history and philosophy of science or technology; (2) teaching strategies; (3) professional activities. In topic area (1) major themes will explore the nature of science and technology and the interaction of the two. In topic area (2) teaching skills will be developed in three major areas: (a) process teaching, (b) inquiry teaching and (c) the teaching of difficult concepts. In topic area (3) a selection of activities will be pursued in areas such as (a) curriculum development for classroom teaching; (b) resource materials - survey and use; (c) evaluation procedures and record keeping; (d) safety in science education; (e) use of laboratory, field-work and other practical learning situations; (f) resolving disadvantage in science and/or technology education. The subject is taught by readings, study guides, teleconferences, study group workshops, and independent study contracts. E-mail computer conferencing is available as an aid to study. A modern computer and a modem would be an aid to study.
Assessment Topic area 1 - essay or written discussion of set issues: 20% + Topic area 2 - preparation of model lesson plans: 40% + Topic area 3 - negotiated group or individual projects: 40%