Students

EDST4200 – Using and Interpreting Educational Data

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor and Lecturer
John Ehrich
john.ehrich@mq.edu.au
Contact via email
25 WW Level 6B/56
9 am - 4 pm Monday - Friday
Tutor
Suzanne Evans
suzanne.evans@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
25 WW Level 6
Tutor
Sylvester Okeke
sylvester.okeke@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
25 WW Level 6
Tutor
Hye Eun Chu
hye-eun.chu@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
25 WW Level 6
Tutor
Susan Markose
susan.markose@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
25 WW Level 6
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
160cp at 1000 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit focuses on the use of various forms of educational data to support learning. Students will examine the sources of data and develop an understanding of the types of data that can be used for different purposes. They will learn to analyse, interpret, apply and critically evaluate data from classroom assessments, state and national tests and large-scale standardised assessment programs. They will also develop reflexive skills as they draw upon a range of data to inform their practice.

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: Identify various sources of educational data.
  • ULO2: Apply data literacy skills to make inferences from qualitative and quantitative data sets.
  • ULO3: Examine techniques for analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data.
  • ULO4: Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments.
  • ULO5: Identify professional challenges presented in the data and reflect upon the implications for their own teaching practice. Examine the purposes and types of feedback to students and reportage to parents and other stakeholders.

General Assessment Information

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.

Quiz

The quiz is an individual assessment task and must be completed by each student individually. Similarities in responses between students will be checked and investigated for possible collusion.

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.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
ASSET Survey 5% No 4/10/2025
Analysis and report on NAPLAN data set 50% No 23:55 29/9/2025
Weekly online quizzes 15% No 15/8/25; 22/8/25; 17/10/25; 24/10/25; 31/10/25
Examination 30% No During Examination Period

ASSET Survey

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 3 hours
Due: 4/10/2025
Weighting: 5%

 

The Survey is in 5 parts and students receive 1% for each part submitted.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify professional challenges presented in the data and reflect upon the implications for their own teaching practice. Examine the purposes and types of feedback to students and reportage to parents and other stakeholders.

Analysis and report on NAPLAN data set

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: 23:55 29/9/2025
Weighting: 50%

 

Students are to write a report on a fictional school using a simulated NAPLAN data set which will require the interpretation, analysis and comparison of the data set with normative NAPLAN data. From the analysis, students will determine a specific issue which is identifiable in the data (e.g., poor attendance of students, boys not making benchmarks in reading etc.). Students will then review current empirical research on the factors relating to the chosen issue. Finally, students will outline a proposal (a list of recommendations) which are aimed at resolving the chosen issue and improving the outcomes of the fictional student cohort.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify various sources of educational data.
  • Apply data literacy skills to make inferences from qualitative and quantitative data sets.
  • Examine techniques for analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments.
  • Identify professional challenges presented in the data and reflect upon the implications for their own teaching practice. Examine the purposes and types of feedback to students and reportage to parents and other stakeholders.

Weekly online quizzes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 15/8/25; 22/8/25; 17/10/25; 24/10/25; 31/10/25
Weighting: 15%

 

From week three there will be 7 short online quizzes spread across the subject. These quizzes, while summative, will also have a formative assessment purpose (i.e., to consolidate content and skills taught each week).

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify various sources of educational data.
  • Apply data literacy skills to make inferences from qualitative and quantitative data sets.
  • Examine techniques for analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments.
  • Identify professional challenges presented in the data and reflect upon the implications for their own teaching practice. Examine the purposes and types of feedback to students and reportage to parents and other stakeholders.

Examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: During Examination Period
Weighting: 30%

 

The final examination will consist of short answer and extended response questions which will address all learning outcomes and content from the unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify various sources of educational data.
  • Apply data literacy skills to make inferences from qualitative and quantitative data sets.
  • Examine techniques for analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data.

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

Resources

Required and recommended texts

There is no required textbook for this subject.

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.

Unit Schedule

Wk

Week Start

Lecture

Tutorial Topic

Reading  

1

28th   July

Introduction

Types of assessment

The Unit Guide

Bruniges, M. (2005). An evidence-based approach to teaching and learning. http://research.acer.edu.au/research_conference_2005/15 

Killen, R. (2005). Programming and Assessment for Quality Teaching and Learning. Cengage. (pp. 128 - 135) only

2

  4th August

Quantitative and qualitative data

Analyzing educational data

Matters, G. (2006). Using data to support learning in schools: Students, teachers, systems. Australian Council for Educational Research (pages 1 - 14 only).

Shaddock, A. (2014). Using data to improve learning. ACER Press. Chapter 3,  8, 9, & 10

3

11th August

Quiz 1

15 August

Principles of measurement

Basic mathematics of measurement

Reynolds, C. R., Livingston, R. B., & Willson, V. (2009). Measurement and assessment in education. Pearson. Chapter 2 (pages 33 - 51).

4

18th August

 Quiz 2

22 August

Standardized Testing & NAPLAN

Understanding standardized testing & NAPLAN

Reynolds, C. R., Livingston, R. B., & Willson, V. (2009). Measurement and assessment in education. Pearson. Chapters 3. Pages 61 – 85.

5

25th August

 

 

 

6

1st September

 

 

 

7

8th September

 

 

 

8

15th September

 

 

 

 

22nd September

 

 

Recess                

 

29th   September

MAJOR ASSIGNMENT due 29th September

11:55

 

 

Recess

9

6th October

 

 

 

10

13th October

Quiz  3

17th October

Quality of educational data/assessments

Reliability

Reynolds, C. R., Livingston, R. B., & Willson, V. (2009). Measurement and assessment in education. Pearson. pages 91 - 112.

Killen, R. (2005). Programming and Assessment for Quality Teaching and Learning. Cengage Press. Chapter 4, pages 103 - 107.

Marloes M. L. Muijselaar, Panayiota Kendeou, Peter F. de Jong & Paul W. van den Broek (2017). What Does the CBM-Maze Test Measure? Scientific Studies of Reading, 21:2, 120-132, DOI: 10.1080/10888438.2016.1263994  

11

20th October

Quiz 4

24th October

Quality of educational data/assessments

Validity

Reynolds, C. R., Livingston, R. B., & Willson, V. (2009). Measurement and assessment in education. Pearson. Pages 123 -146.

Killen, R. (2005). Programming and Assessment for Quality Teaching and Learning. Cengage Press. Chapter 4, pages 107 -122.

Perso, T. (2009). Cracking the NAPLAN code: Numeracy and literacy demands. Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom, 14 (3) online. 

Woodcock, S., Howard, S. J., & Ehrich, J. (2020). A Within-Subject Experiment of Item Format Effects on Early Primary Students’ Language, Reading, and Numeracy Assessment Results. School Psychology, 35(1), 80–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/spq0000340

12

27th October

 31st October

 

Grading & reporting

Marking, grading & reporting

Reynolds, C. R., Livingston, R. B., & Willson, V. (2009). Measurement and assessment in education. Pearson. Chapter 11, pages 277 – 295.

Killen, R. (2005). Programming and Assessment for Quality Teaching and Learning. Cengage. Pages (204 - 242, chapters 9 & 10).

13

3rd November

 

 

 Revision period

 

EXAMS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 connect.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.

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 [[insert ITE degree title here]] 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.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

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. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, 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.

Unit information based on version 2025.01R of the Handbook