Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Gavin Hazel
|
---|---|
Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
EDST8206 or EDST8509 or EDST8217 or EDST8301
|
Corequisites |
Corequisites
EDST8204 and (EDST8207 or EDST8507)
|
Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
Unit description |
Unit description
This unit develops teacher education students' pedagogical content knowledge and skills of the NSW Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) Key Learning Area, with the focus on teaching about people and places in the History and Geography syllabuses. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
General Submission Information
Please format assessments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
All assessments must be submitted electronically. Turnitin plagiarism detection software is used to check all written assessments. It is the responsibility of all students to ensure that their submitted work is in a format compatible with Turnitin software for plagiarism checking. Submissions must meet the required file type and formatting specifications outlined in the assessment guidelines. Failure to submit work in an acceptable format may result in delays in processing your submission and potential penalties for non-compliance with assessment requirements. If you are unsure about the file format or have technical difficulties, it is your responsibility to seek assistance before the submission deadline. Students should be careful to 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. 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 contact the unit convenor.
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.
Word limits are strictly applied. Work above the word limit will not be marked.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Students should be aware of and apply the University policy on academic integrity (see: https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=3).
Unauthorised use of generative artificial intelligence
occurs when a student uses material produced by a generative artificial intelligence in an academic exercise, without authorisation and submits it as their own work.
Unauthorised use of generative artificial intelligence may include using generative artificial intelligence to:
produce or retrieve information and then using that information in an academic exercise;
paraphrase text;
increase or enhance the quality of an academic exercise, beyond the purposes permitted within the academic exercise;
produce an answer for a task or quiz; and/or produce non-text-based work and then using that non-text-based work in an academic exercise.
Any student suspected of using unauthorised AI in an assignment will be referred to the Faculty of Arts Discipline Committee. Penalties can include reduced marks for an assessment, being awarded '0' for a task, failing an entire unit, being excluded from a course of study. Please see each assessment task description/rubric for expectations about AI.
Special Consideration / Late Penalties
Applications for extensions must be made via Service Connect.
Late 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 to late submissions, up until the 7th calendar 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.
Important to note:
Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs) will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.
Students should not request an informal arrangement from their tutor, lecturer or Unit Convenor (or equivalent).
Where an application for Special Consideration is approved and the outcome is an extension to the due date of a task, submissions that are received after the new due date will be subject to late penalties that are calculated from the new due date. This only applies where the outcome is an extension to the due date – see the Special Consideration Policy for a schedule of all possible outcomes.
Marking
All assessments are marked using a rubric.
Marking of all assessments is moderated by the Unit Convenor.
University Policy on Grading
Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading System and University Assessment Policy.
To attain a pass or higher grade in Professional Experience a student must obtain a satisfactory in both the Professional Experience component and a pass or higher grade in the academic component. For Professional Experience units the Professional Experience Evaluation Report is marked as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. The Macquarie Teaching Performance Assessment (MQTPA - in final WIL/PEx units) is marked as Not met, Met or Exceeds.
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed because 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 Service Connect.
Withdrawing from this unit
If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via Service Connect before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact your course progression.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Interdisciplinary Inquiry-Based Learning in History and Geography | 50% | No | 01/09/2025 |
Sustainability Research Project | 50% | No | 13/10/2025 |
Professional Experience Report | 0% | Yes | 14/11/2025 |
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 01/09/2025
Weighting: 50%
This assessment task requires groups to develop and deliver a concise presentation, not exceeding 15 minutes, focusing on the integration of History and Geography via inquiry-based learning activities conducted outside the traditional classroom environment. The presentation should articulate the interconnectedness of historical and geographical concepts and propose practical, stage-appropriate inquiry-based activities designed for an outdoor or alternative learning environment. Additionally, groups must rationalize their choice of location for these activities, emphasizing its educational value and relevance to the subjects.
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 13/10/2025
Weighting: 50%
This assignment challenges students to design a comprehensive research task for primary students centred on sustainability, incorporating both historical and geographical perspectives.
The project should engage primary students in an inquiry-based learning process, encouraging them to explore the complexities of sustainability through a multidisciplinary lens.
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: 14/11/2025
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
A report completed by the supervising teacher about the performance and capabilities demonstrated during professional experience
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
This Unit employs a blend of lectures, tutorial workshops, and a variety of engaging learning activities to deepen students' understanding of key concepts within the History and Geography syllabuses. It is designed to equip students with robust research skills and a comprehensive grasp of effective teaching and assessment strategies tailored to these subjects.
For Day Students:
Day students will engage in a structured learning program that includes:
Lectures: Participation in 10 weekly 1-hour lectures designed to introduce and explore fundamental concepts in History and Geography education.
Tutorial Workshops: Attendance at weekly 2-hour tutorials focused on practical applications of teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and research skills specific to the subjects.
Independent Learning Activities: A semester-long commitment to self-directed learning, involving the analysis of educational videos, active participation in online discussions, and engagement with Podcasts to reinforce and expand upon lecture and tutorial content.
For Infrequent Students:
Infrequent students, while having similar core content, follow a slightly modified engagement strategy:
Lectures: Access to the same 10 weekly 1-hour lectures via iLearn, ensuring all students receive a consistent theoretical foundation.
On-Campus Sessions: Two mandatory full-day sessions on campus, designed to provide intensive, hands-on learning experiences that complement the online lecture material.
Online tutorials: In additon to on-campus sessions, a series of onlien tutorials will also be offered. Thesea re designed to provide flexible learnign opportunties and support the on campus sessions.
Independent Learning Activities: Similar to their internal counterparts, infrequent students are expected to engage in a series of self-directed learning tasks throughout the semester, including video analysis, online discussions, and exploration of digital resources.
Professional Experience Context:
A key component of this module is the application of theoretical knowledge in a real-world educational setting. Both internal and infrequent students will complete a Professional Experience Placement. This will be a 15-day professional experience placement in a primary school. This placement is a critical opportunity for students to apply their understanding of child learning processes within a professional context, allowing them to observe, practice, and refine their teaching strategies under the guidance of experienced educators.
Information about the unit iLearn site
This unit has a full web presence through iLearn. 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: via email onehelp@mq.edu.au or Ph: 9850 4357 or 1800 67 4357. On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk.
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.
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 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
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.
In addition, the following policies and procedures for the Macquarie School of Education apply to this unit.
Academic Progression Policy
This unit is a part of a professional course listed on Schedules 2 and 3 of the Academic Progression Policy. This course has additional requirements that are applicable for the full duration of the course, including course-specific Inherent Requirements, Fitness to Practice requirements and other compulsory course requirements. It also has rigorous academic progression standards. Inability to meet these requirements may result in a withdrawal of offer of admission and/or permanent exclusion from the course in accordance with the General Coursework Rules.
Fitness to practice in a Professional Experience unit
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 Academic Progression Policy.
Communication
It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a weekly basis. Communication may occur via:
Official MQ Student Email Address
The Dialogue function on iLearn
Other iLearn communication functions
Attendance and Participation
See the University timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit. Creating your timetable - Enrolling | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au)
Attendance at all synchronous activities, completion of non-synchronous formative/diagnostic class tasks and involvement in professional forums is expected as the Master of Teaching is a professional qualification. Activities completed during weekly tutorials (DAY or ONLINE DAY mode) or on campus days (INFQ mode) 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 and/or on campus days is expected and will be recorded. 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 to request a change.
Infrequent Attendance Students
Information about the dates of the on-campus sessions can be found in the university timetable. Creating your timetable - Enrolling | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au)
The on campus sessions are essential to student engagement and learning and attendance is expected. Failure to attend or not to have an approved Special Consideration may result in a Fail grade.
Prior to the on campus sessions, students should have read the prescribed readings and listened to the lectures, summarise the main points, and make notes 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 details and any updates about times and locations will be posted on iLearn as an Announcement during first half of the semester.
Professional Experience Unit Expectations
Important Professional Experience information can be found on Education Commons – see iLearn for details of how to self-enrol in Education Commons
Students must be able to present evidence of completion of mandatory requirements prior to session census date (or as otherwise advised) to receive a placement for Professional Experience. Please check your email from the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Office. Requirements are outlined here: 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 completed associated unit requirements scheduled 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 discuss how that unit's requirements can be met. For some situations it may mean that a student is enrolled externally for that unit so that attendance for tutorials for that unit is not impacted.
Feedback from Placement Support Team and/or 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 Professional Experience written tasks prior to submission.
Students may not be able to commence their placement until all alleged academic honesty breaches have been investigated and resolved.
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.
If a Student is identified as being In Need of Additional Support (INAS) for Professional Practice and/or Professional Experience written tasks, the Macquarie School of Education’s ‘Additional Support’ procedure will be activated.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success 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.
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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 2025.03 of the Handbook