Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Kerry-Ann O'Sullivan kerryann.osullivan@mq.edu.au Contact via kerryann.osullivan@mq.edu.au WW29 356. Phone 98508702 By email contact Greg Robertson greg.robertson@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MEd or PGDipEdS or GradCertEdS or MEdLead or MHEd or PGDipHEd or PGCertHEd or GradCertHEd or MEChild or GradCertEChild or MTeach(Birth to Five Years) or GradCertClinEdSim or MIndigenousEd or GradDipIndigenousEd or GradDipChildLit or MChildLit
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description Current debates in Australian education and public policy focus on the issues of curriculum and assessment. Central to any discussion is the role of teachers and their pedagogies. Pedagogy is more than classroom teaching. It is the crafting together of teachers' professional knowledge, skills, and abilities, to create effective learning opportunities and outcomes for all students in a range of contexts. This unit explores the ways research informs pedagogical practice and enhances teacher professional learning. It investigates the evidence base of effective pedagogy, the contemporary relationship of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, and the changing nature of teaching and learning. It is advisable to have teaching experience for this unit.

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:

1. understand and reflect critically on the key conceptual frames used in relation to issues of pedagogy and effective learning and teaching;
2. understand and examine critically contemporary thinking about effective pedagogy and the national and state ‘quality teaching agendas’;
3. discuss and evaluate in an informed, critical manner the central issues in debates about pedagogy and curriculum and assessment and their application to educational contexts through drawing upon their knowledge of current research, policies, and practices in the field; and
4. analyse, evaluate and develop their own pedagogical practices in relation to enhancing the learning outcomes for all students

General Assessment Information

Each assessment task targets and is clearly aligned with the unit’s learning outcomes and the demonstration of graduate capabilities while requiring a synthesis of both scholarship and personal critical reflection. The use of the skills of communication and creative, critical thinking and the application of knowledge are embedded in these tasks.

All assessment tasks are submitted online and Tasks 1 and 3 must be submitted through TURNITIN.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Preliminary Task	5%	No	end Week 2
Task 3	40%	No	12th November
Task 1	25%	No	17th September
Task 2	30%	No	22nd October

Preliminary Task

Due: end Week 2
Weighting: 5%

Completion of some preliminary tasks online to commence study.

On successful completion you will be able to:

4. analyse, evaluate and develop their own pedagogical practices in relation to enhancing the learning outcomes for all students

Task 3

Due: 12th November
Weighting: 40%

Major research and individual investigation of a selected pedagogical issue / problem.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. understand and reflect critically on the key conceptual frames used in relation to issues of pedagogy and effective learning and teaching;
2. understand and examine critically contemporary thinking about effective pedagogy and the national and state ‘quality teaching agendas’;
3. discuss and evaluate in an informed, critical manner the central issues in debates about pedagogy and curriculum and assessment and their application to educational contexts through drawing upon their knowledge of current research, policies, and practices in the field; and
4. analyse, evaluate and develop their own pedagogical practices in relation to enhancing the learning outcomes for all students

Task 1

Due: 17th September
Weighting: 25%

Critical review of a self selected journal article

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. understand and reflect critically on the key conceptual frames used in relation to issues of pedagogy and effective learning and teaching;
3. discuss and evaluate in an informed, critical manner the central issues in debates about pedagogy and curriculum and assessment and their application to educational contexts through drawing upon their knowledge of current research, policies, and practices in the field; and

Task 2

Due: 22nd October
Weighting: 30%

Online learning blog portfolio - 4 entries and forum participation

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. understand and reflect critically on the key conceptual frames used in relation to issues of pedagogy and effective learning and teaching;
2. understand and examine critically contemporary thinking about effective pedagogy and the national and state ‘quality teaching agendas’;
3. discuss and evaluate in an informed, critical manner the central issues in debates about pedagogy and curriculum and assessment and their application to educational contexts through drawing upon their knowledge of current research, policies, and practices in the field; and
4. analyse, evaluate and develop their own pedagogical practices in relation to enhancing the learning outcomes for all students

Delivery and Resources

This unit is conducted externally; regular participation online is required.

Prescribed weekly readings are available through MultiSearch in the library. The access is linked through iLearn.

Technologies and Resources

This unit has a full WebCT 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 as this is an external unit, fully online. All content, activities and important assessment information is posted here, as are other relevant unit notices and materials, including a reading template and other resources to assist studies. All assignments are submitted online.

Students are required to contribute regularly to the online Forums.

Unit Schedule

There are 4 Modules for this unit:

1. Pedagogy: Learning and exploration

2. Research and models of pedagogy

3. Curriculum and Assessment: Pedagogy and Policy

4. Advancing pedagogy through reflection and application

Module 1 and introduction Weeks 1-3

Pedagogy: learning and exploration

Module 2 Weeks 4-7

Research and models of pedagogy

Module 3 Weeks 8-11

Curriculum and assessment: pedagogy and policy

Module 4 Weeks 12-13

Advancing pedagogy through reflection and application

Learning and Teaching Activities

Discussion Forums

Students are required to contribute regularly to the discussion forums established on a range of topics and to provide specific pedagogical ideas to the rest of the learning community.

Weekly activities

This unit is taught in external mode and a student’s independent study, critical reading, professional engagement, and active online participation are important components. Students are required to participate in various independent / small group activities, whole class discussion forums, to read the weekly material in advance, and to complete brief online tasks including maintaining an independent learning portfolio. Research is central to this unit’s study.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Appeals Policy
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Progression Policy
Assessment Policy
Fitness to Practice Procedure
Grade Appeal Policy
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct

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.

Student Support

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

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

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.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. understand and reflect critically on the key conceptual frames used in relation to issues of pedagogy and effective learning and teaching;
2. understand and examine critically contemporary thinking about effective pedagogy and the national and state ‘quality teaching agendas’;
3. discuss and evaluate in an informed, critical manner the central issues in debates about pedagogy and curriculum and assessment and their application to educational contexts through drawing upon their knowledge of current research, policies, and practices in the field; and
4. analyse, evaluate and develop their own pedagogical practices in relation to enhancing the learning outcomes for all students

Assessment tasks

Preliminary Task
Task 3
Task 2

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. understand and reflect critically on the key conceptual frames used in relation to issues of pedagogy and effective learning and teaching;
2. understand and examine critically contemporary thinking about effective pedagogy and the national and state ‘quality teaching agendas’;
3. discuss and evaluate in an informed, critical manner the central issues in debates about pedagogy and curriculum and assessment and their application to educational contexts through drawing upon their knowledge of current research, policies, and practices in the field; and

Assessment tasks

Task 3
Task 1
Task 2

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. understand and reflect critically on the key conceptual frames used in relation to issues of pedagogy and effective learning and teaching;
2. understand and examine critically contemporary thinking about effective pedagogy and the national and state ‘quality teaching agendas’;
3. discuss and evaluate in an informed, critical manner the central issues in debates about pedagogy and curriculum and assessment and their application to educational contexts through drawing upon their knowledge of current research, policies, and practices in the field; and
4. analyse, evaluate and develop their own pedagogical practices in relation to enhancing the learning outcomes for all students

Assessment tasks

Task 3
Task 1
Task 2

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. understand and reflect critically on the key conceptual frames used in relation to issues of pedagogy and effective learning and teaching;
2. understand and examine critically contemporary thinking about effective pedagogy and the national and state ‘quality teaching agendas’;
3. discuss and evaluate in an informed, critical manner the central issues in debates about pedagogy and curriculum and assessment and their application to educational contexts through drawing upon their knowledge of current research, policies, and practices in the field; and
4. analyse, evaluate and develop their own pedagogical practices in relation to enhancing the learning outcomes for all students

Assessment tasks

Task 3
Task 1

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

2. understand and examine critically contemporary thinking about effective pedagogy and the national and state ‘quality teaching agendas’;
3. discuss and evaluate in an informed, critical manner the central issues in debates about pedagogy and curriculum and assessment and their application to educational contexts through drawing upon their knowledge of current research, policies, and practices in the field; and

Assessment tasks

Preliminary Task
Task 3
Task 1
Task 2

Changes from Previous Offering

In 2013, EDCN813 was newly designed for a fully online/ external offering; in 2015 refinements were made to include new readings and some rewording of assessment task requirements. For 2018, new readings have been included and some refinement of the assessment requirements also made.