Students

EDST100 – Exploring Australian Education: Social and Historical Contexts

2019 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer/ Co-ordinator
Tiffany Jones
Co-ordinator
Anastasia Zarkos
Head Tutor
Jennifer Barr
Tutor
Scott Smith
Tutor
Rosemary Dunn
Tutor
Aimee Parr
Tutor
Maria Lobytsyna
Tutor
Jenny Nicholls
Tutor
Rhett Loban
Tutor
Philip Li
Tutor
Minami Uchida
Tutor
Sara Tomkins
Rod Lane
Credit points Credit points
3
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:

  • UO1. Develop insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • UO2. Describe the structures and concepts that underpin contemporary policy and practice in Australian educational institutions.
  • UO3. 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.
  • UO4. Work collaboratively and ethically with others.

General Assessment Information

The three assessment tasks, collectively, seek ongoing student engagement and both breadth and depth of understanding in relation to the unit’s learning outcomes. They model different types of assessment used in educational environments, which are based on different views of knowledge, in line with the different orientations to education explored in EDST100.

 

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:

  • Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments.
  • Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
  • All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin in .doc or .pdf format
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin.
  • Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required.

 

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports

  • Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report.
  • The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date.
  • Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date.

 

Please note:

  • Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission,

 

  • Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time.

 

 

 

Assignment extensions and late penalties

 

 

  • Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.

 

  • Late submissions without extension will receive a penalty of 5% reduction of the total possible mark for each day late (including weekends and public holidays). You are reminded that submitting even just 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.

 

  • No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.

 

  • Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date.

 

 

 

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment

 

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.

 

Note: Failed assessments cannot be re-marked as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.

 

Please note: The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.

 

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. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information.

 

 

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit

 

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45.

 

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016

 

The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.

 

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 UG 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 on your progression through the degree.

 

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 ask.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Engagement: Lead & Follow 30% No 07/07/19
Essay: The Making of ‘YOU' 40% No 15/04/19
Exam: Traditional Truths 30% No Exam Week

Engagement: Lead & Follow

Due: 07/07/19
Weighting: 30%

There are two components (1a and 1b) in the first assessment task designed to both encourage and assess the quality of ongoing student engagement: tutorial leadership (15%/ 15 marks) and ongoing participation in tutorial discussions (15%/ 15 marks). Both components are assessed by the tutor in either face-to-face class time utilising a purpose-designed rubric with scope for student peer assessment providing further input.

1a) 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.

1b) An individual grade will also be awarded for contributions to face-to-face or online tutorial group discussions throughout the semester that demonstrate an ongoing engagement with key issues raised and readings.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • UO1. Develop insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • UO2. Describe the structures and concepts that underpin contemporary policy and practice in Australian educational institutions.
  • UO3. 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.
  • UO4. Work collaboratively and ethically with others.

Essay: The Making of ‘YOU'

Due: 15/04/19
Weighting: 40%

Students analyse their own schooling experience (or one advertised by a generic school website) from a sociological perspective, including school motto, rules, rewards and punishments, uniforms, subject choices, values or lessons etc. They consider the types of students and ways of being that were encouraged and discouraged and the effects this may have on different types of students’ inclusion and engagement. Students analyse how their social and development characteristics impacted and were impacted by school teaching and learning approaches. They use readings from the first five modules to reflect on the strategies’ effectiveness (1500 words).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • UO1. Develop insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • UO2. Describe the structures and concepts that underpin contemporary policy and practice in Australian educational institutions.
  • UO3. 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: Traditional Truths

Due: Exam Week
Weighting: 30%

Other EDST100 assignment types have followed liberal, critical and post-modern patterns of assessment. To ensure all sociologies of education (including all views of knowledge) and all assessment types are represented (including conservative types privileged in much Australian schooling and casting knowledge as containing ‘facts’ and ‘truths’), we include this exam. It will include for example multiple choice questions on basic ‘facts’ and ‘truths’ of EDST100 content.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • UO1. Develop insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • UO2. Describe the structures and concepts that underpin contemporary policy and practice in Australian educational institutions.
  • UO3. 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.

Delivery and Resources

Compulsory Text:

 

  • Tait, G. (2016). Making Sense of Education. New York: Cambridge University Press.

 

Recommended additional text:

 

  • Jones, T. (2013). Understanding Education Policy: The ‘Four Education Orientations’ Framework. Dordrecht: Springer.

 

Module Readings & Discussion Stimuli Provided on the Unit Website.

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/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

Department Procedures

In addition, the following policies and procedures of the Department of Educational Studies are applicable in this unit.

Attendance for undergraduate units

All Internal tutorials begin in Week 1 of Session.

 

Activities completed during weekly tutorials (internal) or on campus days (external) 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.

 

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.

 

Unit Expectations

 

  • Students are expected to read weekly readings before completing tasks and attending tutorials
  • Students are expected to listen/attend weekly lectures before completing tasks and attending tutorials

 

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

 

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

 

External Students

  1. Any on-campus sessions are essential to student engagement and learning and attendance on all days is expected. Failure to attend or to have an approved Special Consideration, may result in a Fail grade for the unit. Please see attendance requirements in this unit guide. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Student Support

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

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

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.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment task

  • Engagement: Lead & Follow

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • UO4. Work collaboratively and ethically with others.

Assessment task

  • Engagement: Lead & Follow

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • UO1. Develop insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • UO2. Describe the structures and concepts that underpin contemporary policy and practice in Australian educational institutions.
  • UO3. 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.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement: Lead & Follow
  • Essay: The Making of ‘YOU'
  • Exam: Traditional Truths

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • UO1. Develop insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • UO3. 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.
  • UO4. Work collaboratively and ethically with others.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement: Lead & Follow
  • Essay: The Making of ‘YOU'
  • Exam: Traditional Truths

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • UO3. 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.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement: Lead & Follow
  • Essay: The Making of ‘YOU'
  • Exam: Traditional Truths

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • UO4. Work collaboratively and ethically with others.

Assessment task

  • Engagement: Lead & Follow

Changes since First Published

Date Description
20/02/2019 extra days for essay to avoid inevitable requests for extension (mon, after weekend)