EDF5137 General science education in the secondary years A
Faculty of Education
EDF5137 General science education in the secondary years A is a level 5, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Education, offered in 2021 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2021
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 2 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EDF5137
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After EDF5137
No unit lists EDF5137 as a prerequisite in the 2021 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Corequisite: Enrolment in D3001 BEd(Hons), D3002 to D3009 BEd(Hons)(Secondary doubles), D6001 MTeach
Prerequisite: Minor in one of biology, chemistry, earth science (geology), environmental science or physics together with a two-unit sequence in another of these areas
Prohibition: EDF4859
Overview
This unit introduces you to the language, methods and major ideas useful in contemporary science teaching and focuses on content, pedagogy and the interrelationships between them, laying a strong foundation for career-long professional learning. You will develop your subject matter knowledge and skills from critically engaging with national and international research literature relevant to teaching in secondary schools and refine your attitudes through reflecting on your past and current experiences. The unit draws on concepts from constructivist theories of learning, pedagogical content knowledge and critical reflection enabling you to apply evidence-based teaching approaches that successfully facilitate student learning. You will be assisted to trial and critique a wide variety of purposeful and effective teaching strategies including the implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) skills and techniques considered essential for establishing a productive, diverse and sustainable secondary classroom. The unit emphasises a view of learning about teaching as an ongoing, collaborative process that is developed through engaging with theory, research and critical reflection on experience.
Offerings in 2021
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Research report (2000 words or equivalent)50%
- Reflective task and classroom presentation (2000 words or equivalent)50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
acquire a sound understanding of key theoretical and pedagogical perspectives and issues in the teaching of science
- 2
translate conceptual ideas and processes about science into classroom learning activities for students
- 3
develop an understanding of a constructivist perspective on learning and its implications and a variety of assessment techniques available for use in science education classrooms
- 4
demonstrate an awareness of the ways in which science education research helps inform teacher practice to enhance student understanding of science concepts across a range of disciplines
- 5
critically understand the principles of curriculum design as these relate to the content of current general science curricula
- 6
demonstrate inclusive practices in the teaching of science that account for the diverse experiences and social and cultural backgrounds of your students
- 7
use and creatively integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance student engagement and conceptual understanding.
Workload and teaching
- Teaching approachActive learning
You can expect to undertake a minimum total workload of 144 hours per teaching period which may include:
- on average 24 contact hours of scheduled activities which may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement; and
- 120 hours of self-directed/independent study to make up the minimum required hours
For the unit teaching schedule, please visit the timetable.
You will be provided with the opportunity to engage with relevant literature and resources. Further, you will be encouraged to deepen your understanding of topic areas through collegial discussion and debate, and by participating in activities designed to extend your understanding.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Please visit the unit Moodle site for further information.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Karen Marangio
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Karen Marangio
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EDF5137?
EDF5137 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is EDF5137 offered?
In 2021, EDF5137 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is EDF5137?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EDF5137 have an exam?
No. EDF5137 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.