Students

EDST8290 – Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design for Learning

2022 – Session 2, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Senior Lecturer in Inclusive Education
Poulomee Datta
poulomee.datta@mq.edu.au
Contact via Via email
29WW, Office Number 236
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MSpecEd or GradDipSpecEd or MInc&SpecEd or GradDipInc&SpecEd or GradCertInc&SpecEd or MEd or GradCertEd or GradDipEdStud or GradCertEdStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit will develop an advanced understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a framework through which to approach differentiated instruction, assessment and participation opportunities for all learners. This includes the development and application of techniques and strategies for engaging in flexible and responsive approaches to effective pedagogy for all. This unit will also investigate theoretical perspectives, including critiques of and evidence for differentiated practice and UDL to develop knowledge of effective, proactive, flexible, and responsive strategies for addressing the needs of a diverse range of learners. This unit will explore current research on inclusive approaches to learning in schools as well as the broader socio-cultural context of communities. This unit includes mandatory professional experience.

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: Summarise universal approaches to curriculum, pedagogy and assessment and apply this learning to the practice of teaching.
  • ULO2: Analyse advanced knowledge and application of differentiated practice consistent with current research and policy.
  • ULO3: Evaluate assessment, instructional strategies and curriculum in light of effective teaching strategies.
  • ULO4: Identify the legal and human rights basis for differentiated and universal approaches to learning.
  • ULO5: Articulate key concepts and practices relevant to the application of universal design for learning and differentiated teaching.
  • ULO6: Application of relevant principles of instruction during professional experience placement.

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 

  • 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.  

  • 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. 

Practicum (Professional Experience) 

Students are ONLY required to complete 5 days professional experience. 

All students enrolling in this unit are required to complete 5 days of professional experience (practicum). This is an accredited requirement of this unit's assessment.

Students can choose to either complete 5 days of supervised professional experience at the on campus MUSEC School (this is a School for Special Purposes) or they can choose to arrange a placement at an education setting that is inclusive of students with disability (in consultation with the Course Director, Dr Loraine Fordham). Further details about when this may be completed can be found on the unit Ilearn site.

Students residing outside the Sydney Metropolitan area may elect to complete their professional experience at MUSEC School or another Sydney education setting, or they may negotiate another appropriate site closer to home. External professional experience sites must be approved by the Course Director.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assignment 50% No 23:59 02/09/2022
Assignment 50% No 23:59 28/10/2022
Professional Experience/Practicum 0% Yes Week 13

Assignment

Assessment Type 1: Design Task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: 23:59 02/09/2022
Weighting: 50%

 

This assessment will present a plan for the implementation of a problem solution, focusing on the reasoning behind the implementation, how it meets a set of requirements and how it accommodates the necessary constraints. It may also include the development and examining of skills and practice related knowledge and application of relevant content from the unit addressing specific conceptual and theoretical issues of differentiated instruction and universal design for learning (Approximately 2000 words).

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Summarise universal approaches to curriculum, pedagogy and assessment and apply this learning to the practice of teaching.
  • Analyse advanced knowledge and application of differentiated practice consistent with current research and policy.
  • Identify the legal and human rights basis for differentiated and universal approaches to learning.

Assignment

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 23:59 28/10/2022
Weighting: 50%

 

This assessment will include a range of questions with a focus on integrating and examining practice-related application of knowledge of relevant content from the unit. These questions may involve analysis of assessment results, curriculum analysis, short critical review of research, short essay, case studies, scenario-based development of intervention strategies, addressing specific conceptual and theoretical issues in supporting differentiated instruction and universal design for learning (Approximately 2000 words).

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Summarise universal approaches to curriculum, pedagogy and assessment and apply this learning to the practice of teaching.
  • Evaluate assessment, instructional strategies and curriculum in light of effective teaching strategies.
  • Articulate key concepts and practices relevant to the application of universal design for learning and differentiated teaching.

Professional Experience/Practicum

Assessment Type 1: Work-integrated task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

Supervised professional experience practicum allows for systematic and first-hand observation of teaching competencies.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Application of relevant principles of instruction during professional experience placement.

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

Recommended texts 

Hyde, M., & Dole, S., & Tait, K.(Eds.) (2021). Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement, Fourth Edition. Oxford University Press. 

Killen, R. (2016). Effective teaching strategies: Lesson from research and practice (7th ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Thomas Social Science Press/Cengage.com

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 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.  

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 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. 

General organisation of the unit

The unit is organised in external mode only, and in a flexible delivery format. 

Delivery is designed such that students may seek as much or as little assistance as required in completing the unit. In flexible delivery units, it is critical that students are organised and disciplined. If you get significantly behind in your topic coverage, it may be impossible to catch up. Please start your study as soon as possible.

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn. Students are expected to access the iLearn site and engage with unit materials regularly during the teaching weeks of the semester.

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 https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/tools-and-resources/ilearn. You will need to enter your student username and password.

Unit delivery: Teaching and learning activities

  • Study guides provide an overview of topics and guide learning.
  • Readings are designed to prepare students for the seminars as well as broaden their understanding of topics.
  • Online presentations provide information and highlight key concepts.
  • Forums provide students with the opportunity to ask question and discuss issues relevant to the unit. Contributions to the online discussion forum are not compulsory but can be a beneficial way of exchanging ideas and discussing unit content with other students. Although unit convenors typically check the Discussion Forums daily (on weekdays), they will not respond to all posts, as discussion between students may be more appropriate. Forums should be checked every 48 hours for important announcements. 
  • Dialog allows students to communicate privately with the unit staff. Dialog should be checked every 48 hours for important information. 
  • Zoom Meetings allow students to meet online with unit staff to seek clarification or discuss relevant issues. 
  • Assessments allow students to refine and demonstrate achievement of unit learning outcomes. 

Technologies used and required

The unit uses an iLearn web site. You may access the site from:

               https://ilearn.mq.edu.au

Zoom Meetings will be used for consultation. You can sign up to use the service for free (https://www.zoom.us) and download clients for computers and mobile devices here:

               https://www.zoom.us/download#client_4meeting

Unit Schedule

Please check the iLearn site for the unit weekly schedule.

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. 

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.   

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 

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 

Passing a Professional Experience Unit 

In order to pass a Professional Experience unit, students must achieve a satisfactory result for their professional experience placement AND achieve a satisfactory result overall for their academic assessment tasks (where applicable) in the unit. 

Professional Experience Unit Placement Expectations 

Students must be able to present evidence of completion of the following prior to session census date (or as otherwise advised) in order to receive a placement for Professional Experience: 

  • A Working with Children Check or State/ Territory equivalent. For school placements this must be verified by DoE before your first placement. Complete and email: The practicum students declaration and a copy of relevant ID documents to the department’s probity unit at least two weeks prior to the start date of your first professional experience placement. You will also need to present photo ID on your first day of professional experience. 

  • Anaphylaxis training (practical and online training) (school placements only). Please note that Anaphylaxis training is only current for 2 years so students will need to update this, most probably at the start of their final year  

  • Read and acknowledge agreement to abide by the DoE Code of Conduct (school placements only) 

  • Child Protection Awareness Training (CPAT) (school placements only) (once only) 

  • Mandatory Child Protection Training (school placements only) (annually) 

  • Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination - see SONIA for where you must submit your immunization evidence. 

For more details re school placement requirements see: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/professional-learning/pre-service-teacher-resources/induction-for-pre-service-teachers/mandatory-pre-requisites-for-pre-service-teachers-participating-.  

This includes completing the pre-service teacher acknowledgement: https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/teaching-and-learning/professional-learning/pre-service-teacher-resources/Document2_Pre-service_teacher_Acknowledgement_October_2020.pdf 

Students are responsible for ensuring that their evidence is current.  Please be aware that you may need to update your training or credential during your program of study.  

  • A Working with Children Check or State/Territory equivalent is required by the end of Week 2 to be eligible for a placement. Students may need to withdraw from this unit if this has not been obtained in time.  

  • Students who are completing a unit offered by another department are expected to inform and negotiate with that unit convenor about their professional experience block dates and to discuss how that unit's requirements can be met. For some situations, it may mean that you are enrolled externally for that unit so that your attendance for tutorials for that unit is not impacted.  

  • Feedback from Tertiary Supervisors and/or Supervising Teachers is of a general nature. It is incumbent on the student to check the requirements of any assessments or bookwork prior to submission. 

  • If a Student is identified being in need of additional support for Professional Practice and/or Bookwork, the Department’s ‘Additional Support’ procedure will be activated and they will not be able to withdraw themselves from this Unit. 

  • The timing of placements can vary. For placements early in the Session, Fail grades may be approved by the University prior to the end of Session for students who do not meet the placement expectations of the Unit. 

Fitness to practice requirements 

  • Macquarie University operates under a ‘Fitness to Practice’ model as specified in the University's Academic Progression Policy.  For this Unit, this means that, when undertaking a placement, a student is declaring that they are able to demonstrate 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 or unit. It is the responsibility of the student to determine whether they are fit to undertake a placement. Therefore, if a student is feeling unfit to undertake a placement, they should not do so. For more information https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/academic-progression 

The relevant General Coursework Rules (#17-19) are as follows: 

(17) The following requirements apply where a student is enrolled in a practical, clinical or professional course with fitness to practice requirements: 

  1. the University and the provider of the clinical or professional experience opportunity may appoint a suitably qualified supervisor who is external to the University to supervise a student’s practical professional experience; 

  2. if a student fails one practical, clinical or professional activity they may be permanently excluded from that course; or 

  3. if a student fails an essential unit twice or fails the equivalent of 20 credit points they may be permanently excluded from further enrolment in that course. 

(18) Any determinations made under Rule 17 (a-c) will be made in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures on placement and fitness to practice, in force from time to time. 

(19) Notwithstanding the above, a student may be suspended from participation in a practical, clinical or professional activity, for any reason, until such time as any investigation or a process set out in a University policy or procedure, including an appeal process, is completed. 

  • Students completing a double degree will be able to continue with their other degree program provided they meet the academic progression requirements of the Academic Progression Policy. 

  • Students completing a single Education degree (such as the BEd) are advised to seek academic advice. 

Professional Experience Unit Placement Expectations  

To be eligible to commence the block placement component of this unit, students 

  • Must have submitted all written assessment tasks and/or associated unit component requirements prior to the commencement of the block 

  • Must meet the participation requirements for the unit  

(Unit Convenor to define participation requirements) 

  • Students may not be able to commence their placement until all alleged academic honesty breaches have been investigated and concluded.  

In order to meet the Professional Experience placement expectations of this unit, students must: 

  • attain a ‘Satisfactory’ grade for their Professional Experience Practical Work in their Evaluation Report.

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 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:

Reflexive: Students learn about the differentiated strategies in the tutorial learning activities and then apply these in the professional experience placement which is their final assessment task.

Research engaged: For both assessments, students need to analyse and substantiate their points with the literature. Students need to critically analyse the literature to discuss their assessment tasks. The tasks requires application of analytical skills in reference to recent and relevant literature in the field.

Unit information based on version 2022.03 of the Handbook