EDP2104

Structuring education

Associate Professor A C Townsend

8 points
* 4 hours per week
* Second semester
* Peninsula
* Prerequisite: EDP1102 and EDP1104

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to articulate the principles underlying the different levels of provision of education and, in particular, those that apply to the provision of early childhood and primary education; be aware of family backgrounds and cultural and social changes that impact on the provision, and effectiveness, of education and of the rationale for, and philosophies underlying, decisions about education made by governments, education authorities, schools, parents and teachers; have developed some skills and confidence to work with others in a collaborative way when planning, implementing and evaluating education activities.

Synopsis This subject provides an introduction to key issues related to the ways in which educational provision is structured in a modern society, and might be structured in the future. Students will consider the underlying principles upon which education is based, including the learner; the cultural, family and life skill experiences which impinge upon the style and content of teaching; the sometimes competing philosophies of governments, communities and schools that must be addressed if student learning is to be maximised; and the teacher's own beliefs and values which influence both content and method of teaching. In addition, students will consider and practise in education settings, approaches to teaching and learning; curriculum development, implementation, assessment and evaluation; partnerships between schools, parents and other agencies; and lifelong learning.

Assessment Class presentation: 20%
* Written report (3000 words): 30%
* Examination (two hours): 50%

Recommended texts

Boss P, Edwards S and Pitman S (eds) Profile of young Australians Churchill Livingstone, 1995
Edwards A and Knight P Effective early years education: Teaching young children Open University Press, 1994
Townsend T (ed.) Restructuring and quality: Issues for tomorrow's schools Routledge, 1997