Students

EDST1000 – Exploring Australian Education: Social and Historical Contexts

2024 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-infrequent, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Gavin Hazel
gavin.hazel@mq.edu.au
Consultation times can be arranged via email
Meg Liang
meg.liang@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
As a foundational unit, this unit invites students to explore the practice of education in Australia today through the lens of what and how children and young people are learning and experiencing in contemporary early childhood, primary and secondary school settings. Concepts and perspectives drawn from sociology and history, and also from philosophy, cultural studies, politics and economics, will support your reflections on your own schooling, your direct observations on contemporary practices in education, and in discerning the implications they hold for your future development as a teacher. The concept of "the curriculum" and its many dimensions are explored as an important unifying theme throughout the unit as we investigate how teachers and school leaders seek to be responsive to students, colleagues, parents and communities in the context of the society schools serve. A wide range of contemporary issues are considered relating to families, gender, equity, indigeneity, media, technology and community. Key moments in the history of Australian education are also identified.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Develop insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • ULO2: Describe the structures and concepts that underpin contemporary policy and practice in Australian educational institutions.
  • ULO3: Apply initial academic research skills through searching relevant databases and other non-academic sources to read for purpose and investigate contemporary issues in Australian educational practice.
  • ULO4: Work collaboratively and ethically with others.

General Assessment Information

  • Students should be aware of and apply the University policy on academic honesty (see: https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=3) 

  • Unless a Special Consideration (see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration) request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of‚ 0 (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11:55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc).  

  • Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.  

  • Please format assessments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing. 

  • All assessments are submitted electronically. Turnitin plagiarism detection software is used to check all written assessments. 

  • Students can use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit. 

  • Students should carefully check that they submit the correct file for an assessment as no re-submissions will be accepted after the due date and time, including instances where students upload an incorrect file in error. 

  • Word limits are strictly applied. Work above the word limit will not be marked.  

  • All assessments are marked using a clear marking scheme or a rubric. 

  • Marking of all assessments is moderated by the Unit Convenor. 

  • Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ (https://ask.mq.edu.au/).  

  • It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assessments. If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to make contact with the unit convenor.

  • Exam timing. The exam timetable is not typically finalised until some time in May. Once it is available, please take careful note of the date and time of the exam. Please note: EDST1000 teaching staff do not have any power to change the date and do not know the date in advance. No early examinations can be set for individuals. Please do not book holidays until you have seen the exam timetable.

  • Exam attendance. The EDTS1000 exam is an invigilated, on-campus exam. Students are expected to be available at the date and time designated in the exam timetable. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time, you can consider applying for Special Consideration. Visit the Special Consideration page for information on the application process, supporting documentation requirements, and timeframes. For students who have experienced serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time, a later supplementary exam will be held, and any such students must make themselves available for whenever that is scheduled.

 

A Note on AI Use in this Unit

While artificial intelligence software can be useful to conduct searches for information, your assignments cannot report content generated by a third party or AI sources. Please note that information or references generated by a third party or AI (e.g. multisearch, Google Scholar, Chat GPT, etc.) needs to be checked for accuracy and reliability. AI and third party information generators are notorious for providing wrong, false, and incomplete information.

 

University policy on grading 

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks 

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. For Professional Experience (PEx) units the PE Report is marked as satisfactory or unsatisfactory and the Teaching Performance Assessment (in final PE units) is marked as not meets, meets or exceeds.  

 

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit 

To meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students should attempt all assessment tasks.  

 

  

Grade 

Descriptor 

HD 

(High Distinction) 

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem-solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline. 

D 

(Distinction) 

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. 

Cr 

(Credit) 

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline. 

P 

(Pass) 

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes 

F 

(Fail) 

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. 

 

Note: If you fail a unit with a professional experience component, the fail grade will be on your transcript irrespective of the timing of the placement. 

 

Withdrawing from this unit 

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact your course progression. 

 

Results 

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit https://ask.mq.edu.au 

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Participating in the field 30% No From week 3-13
Understanding Education: A Socio-Cultural Examination 40% No 23:55 12/04/2024
Exam 30% No University Examination Period

Participating in the field

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: From week 3-13
Weighting: 30%

 

Students, in groups of no more than three, will plan and facilitate an interactive class discussion to address one or more of the key questions posed for the week's module and elaborated on in the previous week’s lectures.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • Describe the structures and concepts that underpin contemporary policy and practice in Australian educational institutions.
  • Apply initial academic research skills through searching relevant databases and other non-academic sources to read for purpose and investigate contemporary issues in Australian educational practice.
  • Work collaboratively and ethically with others.

Understanding Education: A Socio-Cultural Examination

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 23:55 12/04/2024
Weighting: 40%

 

Students examine how contemporary educational practices have been influenced and continue to be influenced by socio-cultural factors. They explore the various types of students and the behaviours that were promoted or discouraged within these contexts, considering the potential impacts on the dynamics of inclusion and engagement of different student groups. (1500 words).

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • Describe the structures and concepts that underpin contemporary policy and practice in Australian educational institutions.
  • Apply initial academic research skills through searching relevant databases and other non-academic sources to read for purpose and investigate contemporary issues in Australian educational practice.

Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 30%

 

This exam will include multiple choice questions on basic concepts, theories, and practices from EDST1000 content and their application to education.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • Describe the structures and concepts that underpin contemporary policy and practice in Australian educational institutions.
  • Apply initial academic research skills through searching relevant databases and other non-academic sources to read for purpose and investigate contemporary issues in Australian educational practice.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Required and recommended texts

Tait, G. (2019). Making sense of mass education. Cambridge University Press. Other editions are also ok, but page numbers may not match those given for the 2019 edition.

Jones, T. (2020). A student-centred sociology of Australian Education. Springer. This text is available to download free from Macquarie University Library. Where possible recommended readings mentioned in lecture videos are supplied via the Leganto link on the iLearn site, and referenced in the tutorial slides.

 

Information about the unit iLearn site

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.   

Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit.  

Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials, including a reading template and guide to lecture note taking to assist your studies. 

Various activities and materials for discussion and critical reflection are included and students enrolled in INFQ or online mode are especially encouraged to use this web component. Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.  

Weekly lectures are available on the web through the ECHO360 lecture component. You must listen to all lectures. 

PowerPoint slides are available in iLearn in advance of the weekly lecture and/or are available in the Active Learning Tool.  

 

Access and technical assistance  

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php. You will need to enter your student username and password. 

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.  

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk  

Ph: 9850 4357 or 1800 67 4357  

Log a request: help.mq.edu.au. 

On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk 

 

Structure 

The unit structure can be found in the university timetable Creating your timetable - Enrolling | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au) In the tutorial students will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures and prescribed readings. They are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material. There will be a supporting iLearn site for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials.  

The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the following pages or on the unit iLearn site.

For students enrolled in the 'In-person - Weekday' attendance mode, there are weekly 1 hour tutorials held in Weeks 1-6 and 8-13. Total tutorial time: 12 hours. Attendance at all tutorials is expected.

For students enrolled in the 'In-person - Infrequent' attendance mode, there are two on-campus seminars (on 9/3 and 11/5). Total seminar time: 12 hours. Attendance at all on-campus sessions is expected.

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

School of Education Procedures 

In addition, the following policies and procedures of the School of Education are applicable in this unit. 

 

Attendance for undergraduate units 

See the university timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit.Creating your timetable - Enrolling | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au) 

Activities completed during weekly tutorials (DAY or ONLINE DAY mode) or on campus days (INFQ mode) are essential for building the core knowledge and/or skills required to demonstrate the learning outcomes of this unit [and to meet the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards and/or ACECQA requirements]. Attendance at all tutorials or on campus days is expected and the roll will be taken. Make up tasks may be given if attendance is missed to ensure all content is covered to meet accreditation requirements.  

Students are required to attend the tutorial in which they are enrolled. Any changes to tutorial enrolments must be completed officially through e-student. Please do not contact the unit convenor requesting a change. 

 

Infrequent Attendance Students 

Information about the dates of the on-campus sessions can be found in the university timetable and are listed in the 'Unit Schedule' section above. Creating your timetable - Enrolling | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au) 

  • The on-campus sessions are essential to student engagement and learning and attendance is expected. Failure to attend or to have an approved Special Consideration may result in a Fail grade for the unit.  
  • Prior to the on-campus sessions, you should have read the prescribed readings and listened to the lectures. Summarise the main points and make a note of the key terms and definitions. Prepare any discussion questions of your own that you wish to share. 
  • Please make effective use of the online component of the unit and access iLearn regularly. Keep up to date with listening to the lectures on a weekly basis. 
  • Further specific details and any updates (if needed) will be posted on iLearn as an Announcement during first half of the semester. 

Electronic Communication 

It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis.  Communication may occur via: 

  • Official MQ Student Email Address 

  • The Dialogue function on iLearn 

  • Other iLearn communication functions 

 

Fail Rule  This unit is a part of a professional course listed on Schedules 2 and 3 of the Academic Progression Policy. This course has additional requirements that are applicable for the full duration of the course, including course-specific inherent requirements, Fitness to Practice requirements and other compulsory course requirements. It also has rigorous academic progression standards. Inability to meet these requirements may result in a withdrawal of offer of admission and/or permanent exclusion from the course in accordance with the General Coursework Rules.

 

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

5Rs Framework

The 5Rs Framework, developed by the School of Education at Macquarie University, is embedded throughout your teacher education course. Your use of the 5Rs Framework will help you develop the capabilities that will make your teaching career sustainable and fulfilling. In this unit, you will learn using the 5Rs framework in the following important ways:

Resilient: EDST1000 builds students' resilience through group work and face to face presentations to peers.

Reflexive: EDST1000 includes an essay in which students reflect on how their beliefs were constructed via their personal schooling experiences. Lecture/ tutorial Q&A encourage reflection on a regular basis.

Responsive: EDST1000 builds students' understanding of the dynamics of inclusion and diverse educational approaches.

Research engaged: EDST1000 engages students with sociology of education research in the lectures through discussion of statistics and visual data for example, and through their reporting on research findings in Tasks 1 (presentation), 2 (essay) and 3 (Exam).

Ready to learn: EDST1000 requires student engagement in weekly activities in their tutorial engagement assessment and recourages pro-active participation and responsiveness to the weekly stimuli.

Unit information based on version 2024.03 of the Handbook