EDUC 7016 - Multicultural Society and Educational Policy

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

This course explores culturally plural societies, the construction of schools, and how these relate to social and educational policies. The course is designed with a student-centred learning focus. It is, in part, determined by their decision-making process as part of a critical pedagogical approach. There is thus considerable flexibility in the program. Key themes relating to 'core' values are explored in the context of cultural and educational theories. Historical, political, philosophical, social and economic perspectives can be included in the analysis of educational systems both in Australia and internationally. These, as well as alternative orientations to cultural pluralism, are examined regarding epistemologies, curriculum, school organisations and educational policy.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code EDUC 7016
    Course Multicultural Society and Educational Policy
    Coordinating Unit School of Education
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 2 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Course Description This course explores culturally plural societies, the construction of schools, and how these relate to social and educational policies. The course is designed with a student-centred learning focus. It is, in part, determined by their decision-making process as part of a critical pedagogical approach. There is thus considerable flexibility in the program. Key themes relating to 'core' values are explored in the context of cultural and educational theories.
    Historical, political, philosophical, social and economic perspectives can be included in the analysis of educational systems both in Australia and internationally. These, as well as alternative orientations to cultural pluralism, are examined regarding epistemologies, curriculum, school organisations and educational policy.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Nina Maadad

    Dr Nina Maadad
    School of Education
    Floor/Room 8 .33
    Nexus 10 Tower
    The University of Adelaide
    Tel: +61 8 831 33711
    Email nina.maadad@adelaide.edu.au



    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
    1 Identify the range of and explain how factors including the linguistic, cultural, historical, social, environmental, economic, political contexts influence educational policy development  in multicultural societies.
    2 Compare and critically analyse the education policies of different countries, states, regions in terms of how they meet the educational and learning needs of multicultural societies.
    3 Participate in, provide insights on and contribute positively to whole class and group discussions on multicultural education policy development.
    4 In groups, develop an educational policy for a multicultural society.
    5 Deliver an academic presentation based on research, keep an audience engaged, lead a discussion on a multicultural educational policy issue.
    6 Present a well researched written academic argument, in an essay format on  a multicultural education policy issue.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    2,3,4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    2,3,4,5,6

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2,4,7

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1,2,3,4,5,6

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    6

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    4,5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1,4,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    There is no set textbook for this course. Rather students will be required to read selected literature and notes on key issues covered in the course and texts as appropriate.

    You will be asked to bring to some of the sessions samples of school-based, educational or organisational policies, which will be used for group exercises. Please note you will be assessed on your participation and on the group exercises.
    Recommended Resources
    There is no set textbook for this course. Rather students will be required to read selected literature and notes on key issues covered in the course and texts as appropriate.

    You will be asked to bring to some of the sessions samples of school-based, educational or organisational policies, which will be used for group exercises. Please note you will be assessed on your participation and on the group exercises.
    Online Learning
    This course is delivered in blended mode and MyUni will be used extensively in this course for announcements, resources, and assessment. Students are expected to be actively checking the MyUni course page regularly for announcements, lecture slides, general course information, assessment details, intensives preparation, additional readings and suggested links. Please ensure you access the MyUni course page before the start of semester. This is your responsibility.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course consists of face-to-face intensive workshops and online discussion.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Delivery of Engagement Mode                                                                                                             Hours
    Face-to-face intensive workshops (4 full days)                                                                                     30-32 hours
    Online Discussion                                                                                                                               6 - 8 hours
    Assignments, reading and research (Approx 12 hours per week)                                                              120 hours

                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                             TOTAL      156 hours
    A total of 80% attendance at both intensives is required for students to participate in structured learning activities to achieve the learning outcomes for this course.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Module  1 Introduction to Multicultural Society and Educational Policy
    Construction of identities and communities
    Culturally plural societies
    Module  2 Core Values of ideologies
    Determining values by socio-cultural, political and educational systems
    Global culture, values and citizenship vis-a-vis national citizenship
    Module 3 Policy development process
    International Policy contexts & standard setting documents
    National Education Policy contexts – comparing other country policies
    Module 4 Local Education Policy contexts
    Culturally inclusive pedagogy, Countering Racism
    Whole school approaches to Multicultural Education
    Specific Course Requirements

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.

    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance. 

    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.

    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Attendance at intensive workshops is compulsory.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome
    Discussion Forum (x4)
    Evaluative and reflective analysis
    Summative

    TBA

    20% 1,2,3
    Individual presentation
    Using PowerPoint (10 mins) - questions and facilitation of group discussion (3 minutes) 
    Summative TBA 30% 1,2,3
    Written assignment 
    Evaluative; 3000 word essay
    Summative TBA 50% 1, 2, 3
    Assessment Related Requirements

    *  A total of 80% attendance at both intensives is a requirement for students to pass this course. 

    Colleagues are encouraged to participate actively in class discussion. Participation includes prior preparation for class (e.g. readings, research), making positive, insightful and constructive contributions to class and group discussions, asking relevant questions, respectful, listening to different perspectives, supporting co-learners and collaborating in a team. 

    To gain a pass, a mark of at least 50% must be obtained on ALL assessed components as well as a total of at least 50% overall.

    Assessment Detail
    Assessment 1: Discussion Forums
    There are eight (8) discussion forums for this course. Four (4) discussion boards will be assessed where your comments will be assessed using a marking rubric. Students will complete a total of 6 hours’ worth of discussion boards over the duration of the course.

    Assessment 2: Individual Presentation
    Presentation of a significant multicultural educational policy issue in a specific context during class for 20- 25 mins including presentation, group activity, questions and facilitation of class discussion.

    Assessment 3: Major Written Assignment (3000 words) on one of the topics below
    1. Analyse the education policies of your chosen jurisdiction that relate to education for a multicultural society, in the light of relevant international standard setting documents, and identify where the internationally agreed standards and values are (or are not) reflected.
                      
    2. Compare and contrast the education policies of your jurisdiction that relate to education for a multicultural society with those of another country/State/region. Analyse the socio-cultural, socio-economic or other contextual factors that might substantiate these differences.
                    
    3. Identify examples of current school-based practices of education for a multicultural society from your own or other countries. Critically evaluate them against state/national policy and international standards.

    4. How does a teacher reinforce the integration of multicultural identities and counter racism or alienation of culturally diverse learners?

    5. An agreed evaluative question (you must discuss your proosed question with the lecturer).

    Due dates and assessment rubrics will be discussed in the Introductory Lecture and then made available on the Course Assessment Page on MyUni.
    Submission
    You must submit an assessment task in accordance with the specified deadline, format and lodgement instructions, except as provided in the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy.

    All submissions will be via MyUni.

    Specific information will be provided in the Assessment instructions for each item online.

    Students will be required to upload all written Assignment via Internet-based plagiarism detection service turnitin on MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.