Students

EDST8200 – Introduction to Professional Practice and Research

2021 – Session 1, Infrequent attendance, North Ryde

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Janet Dutton
janet.dutton@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MTeach(Prim) or MTeach(Sec)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit introduces key dimensions of teaching and educational research and supports students to negotiate the transition to postgraduate study and research in teacher education. Drawing on research informed learning and practices, the unit affords opportunities to engage in professional dialogue, evaluate existing knowledge of teaching and learning and understand historical and current perspectives on educational theory and practice. An introductory research module will be completed to develop skills in practitioner inquiry and using evidence in teaching practice. Learning experiences will also build knowledge and understanding about: theories and practices in classroom management; how to create supportive and safe learning environments; the role of parents/carers in education supportive and safe learning environment. Initial teacher education students will develop skills in reflexivity and initiate professional connections with teachers in a range of educational settings.

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 critical insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • ULO2: Understand and evaluate strategies for behaviour and classroom management that ensure a supportive and safe learning environment.
  • ULO3: Acquire knowledge of and critically reflect upon the ethical and legal responsibilities of being a primary/secondary teacher.
  • ULO4: Apply academic research skills to read for purpose and investigate contemporary issues in Australian educational practice.
  • ULO5: Develop skills in reflexive practice.
  • ULO6: Engage in research informed collegial interactions, feedback and professional interactions.

General Assessment Information

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

  • In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as serious and unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, see:  https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration
  • 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: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g., quizzes, online tests. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.
  • 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:

  • Please do not request a re-mark for a Failed assessment as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process. 
  • 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 unit

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice viahttps://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
Critical reflection 20% No Week 2, 3 & 7
Professional dialogue, engagement and participation 10% No Ongoing during session - see iLearn
Review of literature 40% No 29th March
Viva voce 30% No Exam weeks (as per individual booking)

Critical reflection

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 2, 3 & 7
Weighting: 20%

 

Critical reflections requiring knowledge from unit and substantiation from course readings. 3 X 1000 words critical reflections

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop critical insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • Understand and evaluate strategies for behaviour and classroom management that ensure a supportive and safe learning environment.
  • Acquire knowledge of and critically reflect upon the ethical and legal responsibilities of being a primary/secondary teacher.
  • Apply academic research skills to read for purpose and investigate contemporary issues in Australian educational practice.

Professional dialogue, engagement and participation

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Ongoing during session - see iLearn
Weighting: 10%

 

Participation in online learning communities. 3 nominated forums during the semester

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop skills in reflexive practice.
  • Engage in research informed collegial interactions, feedback and professional interactions.

Review of literature

Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 29th March
Weighting: 40%

 

Literature review of ways contemporary educational practice is shaped by socio-cultural and historical factors. 2000 words.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop critical insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • Understand and evaluate strategies for behaviour and classroom management that ensure a supportive and safe learning environment.
  • Apply academic research skills to read for purpose and investigate contemporary issues in Australian educational practice.

Viva voce

Assessment Type 1: Viva/oral examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Exam weeks (as per individual booking)
Weighting: 30%

 

Analysis and research-informed critique of an authentic teaching scenario. Based on an issue of educational significance relating to the legislative, administrative, ethical and organisational responsibilities of a teacher and the management of student behaviour.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop critical insights into the ways in which contemporary educational practice has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by socio-cultural and historical factors.
  • Understand and evaluate strategies for behaviour and classroom management that ensure a supportive and safe learning environment.

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

Attendance Requirements 

Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) 

Attendance at all synchronous activities, completion of non-synchronous formative/diagnostic class tasks and involvement in professional forums is compulsory as the Master of Teaching is a professional qualification.  All students must meet the 80% attendance requirement. 

Delivery

Learning in this unit comprises 10 modules that will be delivered in the following ways:

  • 5 x Synchronous online tutorials
  • Supported self-directed learning
  • 2 x On campus workshops/Zoom web conference
  • Professional dialogue forums via iLearn forums
  • Profession connected syndicate tasks

Delivery

Professional reading, dialogue and reflection are important components of this unit. Students will complete the weekly readings/viewings as indicated and participate in online professional dialogue, independent tasks and syndicate/group tasks throughout the session. Details of these will be provided in the unit schedule and iLearn. The forums, syndicate tasks and independent learning will be facilitated and supported  via a range of online methods and the knowledge and tasks will feed into the synchronous workshops.

Tutorials

Tutorial details and locations/meeting links can be found on the unit's iLearn page.

During tutorials students will participate in small group activities, whole class discussion and complete tasks as individuals, in pairs or small groups. Authentic case studies and school-based scenarios will be employed as well as videos of various aspects of teaching and learning. There will be opportunities for practising the preventative and intervention strategies that teachers employ when developing positive learning environments. Independent scholarly research will be conducted into key topics and there will be opportunities to interrogate contested dimensions of various issues in teaching. Workshop details are outlined on iLearn.

Required textbooks

Churchill, R. (2018). Teaching: Making a Difference, 4th Edition. Melbourne: Wiley.

De Nobile, J., Lyons, G., & Arthur-Kelly, M. (2017). Positive Learning Environments: Creating and Maintaining Productive Classrooms. South Melbourne: Cengage.

Weekly and recommended readings/videos are available via Leganto which is accessed from the iLearn site. You are recommended to purchase the textbooks however you will have access to full-text digital versions of all readings including required textbooks. 

Structure 

The unit comprises weekly online lectures, synchronous tutorials and independent learning. In the tutorial, students will engage in active learning, discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures and prescribed readings.  Discussions will draw on evidence from published research and other relevant material. Students are required to participate in small group activities and whole class discussion, to read the weekly material in advance, and to complete brief tasks either as individuals or in pairs. The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the unit iLearn site. 

There will be a supporting website for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials. Lectures will also be available through Echo in iLearn from the following website link: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

Unit iLearn site     

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.   

Students will need regular access to a computer during tutorials and access to the internet to complete this unit.  

Frequent (a minimum of twice weekly) access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted there, as will other relevant unit notices and materials, discussion forums, teaching resources, and support for workshop tasks.

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

Lectures  

All lectures are available online through ECHO360. You must listen to all lectures. 

Support resources 

Macquarie University has a range of services for students. If you are struggling with any aspect of academic life or career trajectory and skills, we have great supports within the university. Please refer to the comprehensive list of support services here.  

Access and technical assistance  

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

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

No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions.  

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff. 

This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills: 

  • Internet access: The iLearn site contains materials for this unit; it is also required for the online submission of all Assessment Tasks, and for the use of Turnitin submission for ALL tasks.   

  • Word processing, visual representations, and document formatting: You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.  

  • Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn

Unit Schedule

A detailed unit overview is available on iLearn. 

Week

Session week

Module

Topic

9

Week 1 

 

1

Introduction to professional practice

Week 1 

 

2

Social and historical context of Education

 

10

Week 2

3

Legal and ethical dimensions of teaching

11

Week 3

4

Preventive practices and creating positive classrooms 1

 

12

Week 4

5

Preventive practices and creating positive classrooms 2

 

13

Week 5

6

Theoretical approaches to preventing and managing behavior 1

 

14

Week 6

7

Theoretical approaches to preventing and managing behavior 2

 

15

 

RECESS

 

16

 

RECESS

 

17

Week 7 

8

Creating safe schools

18

Week 8 

9

Curriculum, pedagogy and assessment

 

19

Week 9 

-

Consolidation/revision

20

Week 10 

TEACHING PAUSE 

 

EDST8206/EDST8237 Professional Experience

21

Week 11 

22

Week 12 

23

Week 13

10

Teachers’ work

 

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

School of Education Procedures

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

Attendance for Master of Teaching units

Attendance at all synchronous activities, completion of non-synchronous formative/diagnostic class tasks and involvement in professional forums is compulsory as the Master of Teaching is a professional qualification.  All students must meet the 80% attendance requirement. 

Activities completed during weekly tutorials or on campus days 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. 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

 

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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

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

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.

Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook