EDF5029 Establishing and sustaining partnerships and positive relationships

This unit focuses on the relational aspects of teaching and learning. You will explore a range of curriculum documents developed to support building personal and social capabilities that contribute to positive classroom environments and relationships with, and between students and the wider community. You will explore the role and importance of school, family and community partnerships in supporting student learning and wellbeing. Attention is paid to the role of partnerships with professional organisations in enhancing teachers’ professional knowledge, practice and wellbeing. Pre-service teachers will be provided with practical strategies and ideas about ways to build positive student relationships, and to understand reasons behind student behaviour and how to address challenging behaviours, including consideration of whole-school approaches to student health, wellbeing and safety. The role of teachers working in partnership with others as part of whole-school responses to, for example, bullying, youth suicide, gender issues and trauma, will be explored. You will consider how to proactively create supportive and dynamic learning environments while at the same time being responsive to incidents of conflict and challenging behaviours that occur within the learning environment. Unit activities will model effective classroom communication and pedagogical strategies. You will explore the philosophy and practice of key approaches that build learning communities and challenge mainstream punitive practices. You will be supported to think critically and creatively as you experience and practice the creation of safe, supportive and healthy learning environments within your own university classroom.