Students

EDST8240 – Professional Practice 3 and Educational Research

2023 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-infrequent, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Co-Convenor and tutor
Associate Professor Iain Hay
iain.hay@mq.edu.au
Contact via email
25WW Room 386
by appointment via email - please do not leave a message on my office phone best to email
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
80cps and EDST8999 and (EDST8211 or EDST8238)
Corequisites Corequisites
(Admission into MTeach (Prim) and EDST8212 or EDST8213 ) OR (Admission into MTeach (Secondary) and (EDST8219 or EDST8221 or EDST8223 or EDST8225 or EDST8227 or EDST8229 or EDST8231 or EDST8233 or EDST8235))
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit is a Professional Experience unit for intending primary/secondary school teachers. This unit synthesies students' knowledge of teaching diverse learners and skills in independent educational research. Students will teach in a school for 30 days under the guidance of a Supervising Teacher and concurrently conduct practitioner research to meet the requirements of the mandatory NESA Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA).

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: Critically analyse and demonstrate differentiated, evidence-based teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students with diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
  • ULO2: Understand, implement and evaluate the processes of planning, teaching, assessing and reflecting over a lesson sequence to determine the impact of teaching on student learning.
  • ULO3: Employ research knowledge and methods appropriate for effective, research-based practitioner inquiry.
  • ULO4: Identify, apply and synthesise evidence of practice aligned to AITSL graduate teacher standards.
  • ULO5: Demonstrate research informed collegial interactions, feedback and professional interactions in learning communities.
  • ULO6: Engage in scholarly inquiry and reflexivity in regard to teaching practice of self and others.

General Assessment Information

  • Students should be aware of and apply the University policy on academic honesty (see: https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=3)
  • Unless a Special Consideration (see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration) request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of‚ 0 (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue.
  • This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
  • Please format assessments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
  • All assessments are submitted electronically. Turnitin plagiarism detection software is used to check all written assessments.
  • Students can use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit.
  • Students should carefully check that they submit the correct file for an assessment as no re-submissions will be accepted after the due date and time, including instances where students upload an incorrect file in error.
  • Word limits are strictly applied. Work above the word limit will not be marked.
  • All assessments are marked using a rubric.
  • Marking of all assessments is moderated by the Unit Convenor.
  • Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ (https://ask.mq.edu.au/).
  • It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assessments. If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to make contact with the unit convenor.

 

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks

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

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 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 course progression.

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.

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. 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.

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk Ph: 9850 4357 or 1800 67 4357 Email: help.mq.edu.au. On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk  

Unit Structure:

The unit structure can be found in the university timetable https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2023/ In the tutorial students will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures/workshops and prescribed readings. They are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material. There will be a supporting iLearn site for the unit providing additional readings, links, and materials.

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

*Please note this unit is delivered via infrequent mode which includes online sessions, face-to-face on campus/school-based workshops, WIL school-based professional experience placement and online Viva Voce presentations. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Supervising Teachers' Professional Experience Evaluation Report 0% Yes 7 days after PE block - 5/5/23 23:55
Teaching Performance Assessment 100% No Viva Voce presentation 9/5/23 & MQTPA 21/5/23 23:55
ASSET Survey 0% No by 25/5/23 at 23:55

Supervising Teachers' Professional Experience Evaluation Report

Assessment Type 1: Field work task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: 7 days after PE block - 5/5/23 23:55
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

This report is completed by the Supervising Teacher on completion of the student's 30 day Professional Experience placement (Including the TPA) using the AITSL Graduate Teaching Standards.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically analyse and demonstrate differentiated, evidence-based teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students with diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
  • Understand, implement and evaluate the processes of planning, teaching, assessing and reflecting over a lesson sequence to determine the impact of teaching on student learning.
  • Employ research knowledge and methods appropriate for effective, research-based practitioner inquiry.
  • Identify, apply and synthesise evidence of practice aligned to AITSL graduate teacher standards.
  • Demonstrate research informed collegial interactions, feedback and professional interactions in learning communities.
  • Engage in scholarly inquiry and reflexivity in regard to teaching practice of self and others.

Teaching Performance Assessment

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Viva Voce presentation 9/5/23 & MQTPA 21/5/23 23:55
Weighting: 100%

 

Pass/Fail completed on placement (no word limit). Teaching Performance Assessment(NESA requirement) includes: choosing 5 focus students and planning teaching and assessing through a process of reflexive practice.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically analyse and demonstrate differentiated, evidence-based teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students with diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
  • Understand, implement and evaluate the processes of planning, teaching, assessing and reflecting over a lesson sequence to determine the impact of teaching on student learning.
  • Employ research knowledge and methods appropriate for effective, research-based practitioner inquiry.
  • Identify, apply and synthesise evidence of practice aligned to AITSL graduate teacher standards.
  • Demonstrate research informed collegial interactions, feedback and professional interactions in learning communities.
  • Engage in scholarly inquiry and reflexivity in regard to teaching practice of self and others.

ASSET Survey

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: by 25/5/23 at 23:55
Weighting: 0%

 

The ASSET survey will provide the School of Education with a detailed understanding of our students and their experiences; including, who they are, their attitudes and beliefs about education, and how prepared they feel to work as teachers. In addition, as part of the registration of the Department of Educational Studies teacher preparation programs with the NSW Education Standards Authority, we are specifically required to collect impact data on programs. The proposed annual survey will serve the purpose of providing part of these mandatory data. Further, it will provide the Department of Educational Studies with valuable information to revise and improve the programs offered to students. Finally, you may elect to make your de-identified data available to researchers in the Department if you choose.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Engage in scholarly inquiry and reflexivity in regard to teaching practice of self and others.

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

Please note this unit is delivered via infrequent mode which includes online sessions, face-to-face on campus/school-based workshops, WIL school-based professional experience placement and online Viva Voce presentations. 

*For all information, previous MQTAP exemplars, resources and templates for Macquarie Teaching Performance Assessment (MQTPA) please go to the central iLearn site: EDSTCOMMs under the heading TPA. 

As of semester 1, 2023, you will record your teaching performance live via the integrated GoReact tool in your due week. 

Before doing so, please try the tool and record a little presentation of yourself under the link provided in "preparation". You will also find an instruction on how to record a video.

Please remember, recording on your personal device and uploading IS NOT AN OPTION

Unit Schedule

Week Activity  Mode
1 Online seminar (24/2/23 from 9:00-11:00) - Zoom link to be supplied via iLearn Online
2 On campus (f-t-f) workshop (3/3/23 from 9:00 - 2:00) - at 29 WW in room 123 (Academy Space)  F-to-F
3 to 8 School-base professional experience placement (6/3/23 - 1/5/23) F-to-F
Note: MQU Reccess/School Holidays (10/4/23 - 22/4/23)  
9 On campus/school (f-t-f) workshop (5/5/23 from 9:00 - 2:00) - at 29 WW in room 123 (Academy Space) or local school (TBC) F-to-F
10 Viva Voce presentation via Zoom (9/5/23) select one session (9:30-11:30 or 12:00-2:00) Zoom link to be supplied nearer date Online
11 MQTPA written submission due 21/5/23 at 23:55 Turnitin

 

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.

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

Attendance for undergraduate units

See the university timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit. https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2023/

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. Make up tasks may be given if attendance is missed to ensure all content is covered to meet accreditation requirements.

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

Attendance for Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) 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 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.

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

Infrequent Attendance Students

Information about the dates of the on-campus sessions can be found in the university timetable. https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2023/

  • 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.
  • Further specific details and any updates about times and locations will be posted on iLearn as an Announcement during first half of the semester.

Important information FOR POSTGRAD PE UNITS

Students in the MTeach (Prim/Sec) must have met the standard for both the Literacy and Numeracy test prior to commencing the professional experience placement unit EDST8240 - Professional Practice 3 and Educational Research. Enrolling in EDST8240 while waiting for your results will not be accepted.

Passing a Professional Experience Unit

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 (MQTPA) (where applicable) in the unit.

Professional Experience Unit Placement Expectations

  • Students must be able to present evidence of completion of several tasks prior to session census date (or as otherwise advised) in order to receive a placement for Professional Experience. Please check your email from the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Office. Requirements are outlined here as well: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/professional-learning/pl-resources/pre-service-teacher-resources/induction-for-pre-service-teachers/mandatory-pre-requisites-for-pre-service-teachers-participating-  
  • Students must have submitted all written assessment tasks and/or associated unit component requirements prior to the commencement of the block
  • 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 School of Education’s ‘Additional Support’ procedure will be activated and they will not be able to withdraw themselves from this Unit.
  • Students may not be able to commence their placement until all alleged academic honesty breaches have been investigated and concluded. 
  • 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

Twice Fail Rule for Professional Experience Units

General Coursework Rule 10(7) stipulates that if a student fails a required unit twice in an undergraduate professional program listed on Schedule 2, they may be permanently excluded from further enrolment in that program.

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 BTeach/MTeach) are advised to seek academic advice.

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.

Changes from Previous Offering

The main change since the previous offering  is that Teacher Education Students can use the GoReact video platform located on iLearn to record their teaching/lessons for the MQTPA submission.

Macquarie School of Education 5Rs Framework

The 5Rs Framework, developed by the School of Education at Macquarie University, is embedded throughout your teacher education course. Your use of the 5Rs Framework will help you develop the capabilities that will make your teaching career sustainable and fulfilling. In this unit, you will learn using the 5Rs framework in the following important ways, through professional experience school placement, Viva Voce presentation and MQ Teaching Performance Assessment (MQTPA), the 5Rs: Responsive, Resilience, Reflexive, Research engaged and Ready to learn will be apparent through:

  • Planning
  • Teaching
  • Assessing (and reporting)
  • Reflecting

The Macquarie University Teaching Performance Assessment (MQTPA) task is designed to ensure that Teacher Education Students (TES) graduating from the Macquarie School of Education at Macquarie University can meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) at the Graduate level. TES will complete the MQTPA in the final Professional Experience unit for their course. To ensure the MSoE is preparing the TES for evidence-based quality teaching cycles, the MQTPA is informed by reflexive practice. TES will complete the MQTPA through the collection of various forms of evidence as detailed throughout this document. TES also need to refer to the Professional Experience Requirements for their final Professional Experience unit, as this document will support the evidence collected and annotated whilst on placement. The TES will be assessed using a three-point Likert scale scoring rubric for each section 1 - 4 below. Teacher Education Students will achieve: Not Met / Met / Exceeds Expectations on the requirements of the specific skills/abilities/competencies in each of the four components:

1. Planning

2. Teaching

3. Assessing

4. Reflexivity and in an overall holistic assessment.

Experienced university assessors are trained in assessing the MQTPA. The assessors consist of academics who teach in PE units in the Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary courses. The unit convenors (n=3) of the final PE unit in all courses conduct overall moderation, which includes analysing a range of TPAs to check for consistency.

 

Unit information based on version 2023.03 of the Handbook