Students

EDTE4250 – Geography in the Secondary School I

2022 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Susan Caldis
susan.caldis@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
29 Wallys Walk, Level 2, Room 267
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
130cp and (EDTE3870 or TEP387) or (EDST3140 and EDST3010)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit focuses on the teaching of Geography in the secondary school. Syllabus documents are examined and their implications analysed. While the more 'traditional' teaching and learning strategies are addressed, greater emphasis is placed on those strategies that are student centred and develop the students' ability to use and apply Geography's inquiry-based methodology. By the end of the unit students should have developed the knowledge, understanding and pedagogical skills required to enrich the teaching of Geography, and be capable of developing and implementing units of work from the relevant syllabus documents.

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: Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the philosophy, structure, content and inquiry-based methodologies of the new NSW K-10 Geography syllabus
  • ULO2: Design and implement coherent lesson sequences drawing on their knowledge of the new NSW K-10 Geography syllabus
  • ULO3: Demonstrate the capacity to identify and articulate clear and appropriate learning goals in lesson preparation, including a focus on literacy
  • ULO4: Demonstrate knowledge of students' varied approaches to learning and the need to cater for these by differentiating the curriculum.
  • ULO5: Demonstrate an ability to select, develop, use and evaluate a range of appropriate and engaging resources to support student learning
  • ULO6: Employ a range of strategies to assess student achievement of learning outcomes and effectively link outcomes and assessment strategies.
  • ULO7: Demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on and improve teaching practice.
  • ULO8: Prepare for and contributes to discussions about geographical education.
  • ULO9: Recognise the range of policies and policy documents that teachers in NSW may need to comply with in schools.
  • ULO10: Demonstrate the ability to develop a classroom management plan.

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 the correct file has been uploaded, that their submission has been successful, and that it 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.

 

  • 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.

 

  • Late Assessment Submission Penalty 

Unless a 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.

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 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
Participation 20% No Ongoing, to be concluded on 05/11/2022 by 23:59pm
Lesson planning and delivery 35% No 31/08/2022 during class and by 23:59pm
Assessment for learning task 45% No 04/11/2022 by 23:59pm

Participation

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Ongoing, to be concluded on 05/11/2022 by 23:59pm
Weighting: 20%

 

Participation in online forums and workshops

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the philosophy, structure, content and inquiry-based methodologies of the new NSW K-10 Geography syllabus
  • Design and implement coherent lesson sequences drawing on their knowledge of the new NSW K-10 Geography syllabus
  • Demonstrate the capacity to identify and articulate clear and appropriate learning goals in lesson preparation, including a focus on literacy
  • Demonstrate knowledge of students' varied approaches to learning and the need to cater for these by differentiating the curriculum.
  • Demonstrate an ability to select, develop, use and evaluate a range of appropriate and engaging resources to support student learning
  • Employ a range of strategies to assess student achievement of learning outcomes and effectively link outcomes and assessment strategies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on and improve teaching practice.
  • Prepare for and contributes to discussions about geographical education.

Lesson planning and delivery

Assessment Type 1: Plan
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 31/08/2022 during class and by 23:59pm
Weighting: 35%

 

Students plan a skills lesson using an explicit instruction approach. Lesson is delivered to the class. Students will be assessed on their ability to apply the principles of direct instruction and to teach core geographical concepts and skills using an integrated/authentic approach.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the philosophy, structure, content and inquiry-based methodologies of the new NSW K-10 Geography syllabus
  • Design and implement coherent lesson sequences drawing on their knowledge of the new NSW K-10 Geography syllabus
  • Demonstrate the capacity to identify and articulate clear and appropriate learning goals in lesson preparation, including a focus on literacy
  • Demonstrate knowledge of students' varied approaches to learning and the need to cater for these by differentiating the curriculum.
  • Demonstrate an ability to select, develop, use and evaluate a range of appropriate and engaging resources to support student learning
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop a classroom management plan.

Assessment for learning task

Assessment Type 1: Design Task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: 04/11/2022 by 23:59pm
Weighting: 45%

 

Students use a backwards programming approach to design an assessment for learning task linking syllabus outcomes, activities, assessment and reporting/feedback. The task includes peer evaluation and structured rationale with reference to course readings. 1500 words

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the philosophy, structure, content and inquiry-based methodologies of the new NSW K-10 Geography syllabus
  • Demonstrate the capacity to identify and articulate clear and appropriate learning goals in lesson preparation, including a focus on literacy
  • Demonstrate knowledge of students' varied approaches to learning and the need to cater for these by differentiating the curriculum.
  • Demonstrate an ability to select, develop, use and evaluate a range of appropriate and engaging resources to support student learning
  • Employ a range of strategies to assess student achievement of learning outcomes and effectively link outcomes and assessment strategies.
  • Recognise the range of policies and policy documents that teachers in NSW may need to comply with in schools.

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

 

Required: McInerney, M., Butler, J., Caldis, S., Cranby, S., Jones, S., Law, M., Maude, A., & Nicholas, R. (2021). Teaching Secondary Geography. Cambridge University Press  https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108980906  (see Chapters 7, 8, 11 and 12)

 

Required: National Committee for Geographical Sciences. (2018). Geography: Shaping Australia’s Future. Australian Academy of Science https://www.science.org.au/files/userfiles/support/reports-and-plans/2018/geography-decadal-plan.pdf

 

Recommended: Hobbs, L., Du Plessis, A.E., Oates, G., Caldis, S., McKnight, L., Vale, C., O'Connor, M., Rochette, E., Watt, H., Weldon, P., Richardson, P., & Bateup, C. (2022). Australian National Summit on Teaching Out-of-Field: Synthesis and Recommendations for Policy, Practice and Research. Deakin University. https://ooftas-collective.squarespace.com/s/TOOF-National-Summit-Report.doc; https://ooftas-collective.org/toofsummit

 

Also, please see the Leganto list.

 

Information about the unit iLearn site 

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn and has scheduled in-person and online sessions throughout semester 

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 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.

Weekly lectures are available on the web through the ECHO360 lecture component. You must listen to all lectures if you do not attend these ‘live’.

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.

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

 

Structure

The unit structure can be found in the university timetable https://timetables.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 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

 

Students are required to participate in small group activities, 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 following pages or on the unit iLearn site.

Unit Schedule

This unit explores the methodologies of teaching geography with a focus on Stages 4 and 5. The unit commences with a conceptualisation of geography to form a vision for the subject overall. Provocations around Geography as a STEM subject and an exploration of implications arising from out-of-field teaching also provide a context for discussion about the realities of teaching geography in schools. The use of an overarching question for the whole unit becomes a reflective prompt in each module. The modules consider how to develop geographical knowledge and understanding whilst integrating the use of geographical tools and skills. Further information will be available on the ilearn site.

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.

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. 

School of Education Procedures

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

 

Fitness to Practice

Academic Senate has approved the development of a Fitness to Practice (FTP) procedure to provide further clarity to students enrolled in practical, clinical and professional programs who have not met the requirements of the General Coursework Rules. It establishes how the University will manage the progression of students enrolled in practical, clinical or professional (PCP) programs or units listed on Schedule 3 of the Academic Progression Policy, with embedded placements and/or registration, accreditation or other mandated requirements. 

 

The Procedure is governed by General Coursework Rules, and the Academic Progression Policy and is supported by the Inherent Requirements Framework. It provides the process to identify, notify, intervene, support, monitor and exclude when required, those students who are not meeting the FTP requirements of their program. 

 

FTP is the demonstration of professional competence, acceptable professional behaviour, freedom from impairment and compliance with program specific requirements needed for a student to practice properly and safely throughout their practical, clinical or professional program. 

 

Students must ensure they meet Inherent Requirements before enrolling in their program; that they have the physical, cognitive, communication and behavioural capacity to complete the program. Students with a disability or chronic health condition may have reasonable adjustments made. Students must also demonstrate that they are fit to practice and demonstrate the capabilities and professional behaviours required of that profession. 

 

Attendance for undergraduate units

See the university timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit. https://timetables.mq.edu.au/

 

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

  • Information about the dates if the on-campus sessions can be found in the university timetable. https://timetables.mq.edu.au/
  • The 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. 

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.

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.

The 5R's 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:

 

  • Reflexivity: regularly returning to an overarching question to reflect on and make decisions about the enactment of appropriate pedagogical practice in the geography classroom in response to the distinctive core of geography, changing educational structures and contexts, and personal values and beliefs about teaching overall and the teaching of geography.
  • Research-engaged: through an exploration and application of empirical research about pedagogical practice in the geography classroom

Changes since First Published

Date Description
29/07/2022 The due date for Assessment Task has been extended from 15 August 2022 to 31 August due to workshop schedule

Unit information based on version 2022.04 of the Handbook