EDUC 4531A - Physics Curriculum & Methodology A (UG)

North Terrace Campus - Quadmester 1 - 2021

The focus of this course and its companion Curriculum and Methodology B is learning and teaching theory and its application in practice for teaching. This includes planning, developing and assessing learning for diverse student cohorts in line with the Australian and SACE Curriculum requirements in this subject specialisation.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code EDUC 4531A
    Course Physics Curriculum & Methodology A (UG)
    Coordinating Unit School of Education
    Term Quadmester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites Pass in 6 courses of Physics
    Restrictions Available to BTeach students only
    Assessment Lesson planning task (45%), Unit planning task (45%), Reflective participation (10%).
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Steven Stolz

    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 the Curriculum and Methodology course each student will be able to:
    Course Learning Outcomes APST GA ARTS GA UNI
    1 Demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the discipline and the teaching strategies of the learning area 2.1 1, 2 1, 2
    2 Design and sequence unit and lesson plans based on essential content of the subject area, curriculum and assessment principles 2.2, 2.3, 3.2 1, 2 1, 2
    3 Assemble a range of subject appropriate resources, including online, that engage a diversity of students in their learning 2.6, 3.4 1, 2 1, 2
    4 Integrate relevant research and theory to develop a broad repertoire of subject appropriate teaching and learning strategies, including the use of ICT 3.3 2 2
    5 Assemble relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers including professional associations 6.2, 6.3 4, 6 4, 6
    6 Demonstrate a commitment to work ethically and collaboratively so as to meet the professional expectations required of teachers 3.2, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 6 6
    7 Demonstrate communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a diverse range of students 3.5, 4.2, 5.2 3, 5 3, 5

    Note: Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST):
    http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/hrdevelopment/pages/workforcedevelopment/Standards/?reFlag=1  

    Graduate Attributes: Faculty of Arts Graduate Attributes:
    https://arts.adelaide.edu.au/learning-teaching/

    Graduate Attributes: University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes:
    http://www.adelaide.edu.au/learning/strategy/gradattributes/

    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1, 3
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1, 2, 3, 4
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    7
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    5
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    7
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    5, 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    LEARNING RESOURCES: For the Common Curriculum and Methodology Core seminars the textbooks are:

    Churchill, R., Ferguson, P. et al. (2013) Teaching: Making a Difference, 2nd ed.,Wiley, Milton. (Note 3rd or online editions are all acceptable)

    Brady, L., & Kennedy, K. (2012) Assessment & Reporting: Celebrating Student Achievement, 4th ed., Pearson, Frenchs
    Forrest.

    Details of required and recommended texts and readings for your subject specialisation will be provided on your subject specialisation MyUni site and may also be included in the course outline under Learning Resources.


    These are mainly documents for Stage 1 and Stage 2 Physics set by the SACE which include information about the new SACE Physics curriculum, the subject outlines and assessment plans. The documents can be accessed through http://www.sace.sa.edu.au/subjects/. The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers document can be accessed through http://www.aitsl.edu.au/australian-professional-standards-for-teachers/standards/list.

    The Australian National Curriculum for Science documents can be accessed through http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Science/Curriculum/F-10.
    Recommended Resources
    In addition to the documents for the Australian National Curriculum, Stage 1 and Stage 2 physics published on the SACE website, and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, the lecturer will provide students various topic-related articles / websites. Participants will be encouraged to explore every avenue and source of learning resources, publications and electronic resources. Examples of resources include, but not limited to, documents concerning the New SACE (especially the curricula for science and physics), the TIMSS and PISA studies, and the Australian National Curriculum Initiative.
    Online Learning
    Any lecture notes/PowerPoint slides will be available on MyUni (See the address on the front of this document). In addition, links to online resources such as topic-related journal articles and multimedia materials will also be posted on MyUni. Discussions outside the seminar/workshop sessions will occur via the course's MyUni Discussion Board to give everyone in the class a chance to share ideas and concerns.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    The focus of Curriculum and Methodology A & B courses is the practical application of theory. Topics covered in the common core seminars include; teaching strategies, curriculum content, lesson and unit planning, assessment, classroom organisation, and behaviour management within a supportive classroom environment. These areas will be contextualised for teaching your subject specialisation in workshops. Seminars and workshops are interactive, incorporating a blend of whole class directed activity and group work.

    Seminars and workshops will use a mix of online and face to face learning and require independent study outside of scheduled contact hours.

    Online Learning

    The MyUni site will be the primary site through which course materials and information will be shared, both for the common core seminars and subject specialisation workshops. As a minimum the MyUni site will contain:
    •    Assessment details, including extended description of the tasks, due dates and marking criteria or rubrics
    •    Recorded lectures and PowerPoints
    •    Required, recommended and additional readings
    •    Required, recommended and additional resources
    •    Summary of learning activities and topics MyUni may also be used for group discussions and collaborative and shared learning activities

    Subject Specialisation Curriculum and Methodology assignments will also be submitted and returned via MyUni. Subject specific Online Learning information may also be included in the course outline under Learning Resources.

    Workload

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

    Full time students will be enrolled in 2 Curriculum and Methodology concurrently – one in each of 2 subject specialisation areas – each scheduled over 8 weeks.

    For each Curriculum and Methodology course students are required to attend the 2 hour workshop per week (or equivalent where scheduled as intensive blocks) and the scheduled common core seminars.

    Where, due to exceptional circumstances, students are unable to attend a seminar or workshop the lecturer in charge must be contacted as soon as practicable to negotiate how to catch up on missed work.

    All students are expected to actively participate in seminar, workshop and online discussions and learning activities.

    For each Curriculum and Methodology Course students are expected to spend additional time per week on individual work related to the course. This will primarily involve reading, research and preparation as directed during seminars and workshops. An average of approximately 4 hours per course per week is common.

    Additional time will also need to be allocated for assessment tasks.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Related Curriculum and Methodology Core Topics to be covered

    TOPIC

    APST

    Learning Outcomes

    Principles of learning and teaching

    • Conceptual frameworks underpinning
    2.1, 2.2, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 1, 4

    Curriculum Frameworks:

    • SACE curriculum and quality assurance
    • Australian Curriculum
    • International Baccalaureate
    • Steiner
    • Using Curriculum frameworks to inform planning and practice
    2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 2, 3, 4

    ICT Integration

    • Using ICT effectively for teaching, learning and assessment
    2.1, 2.6, 3.4 3, 4

    Planning learning:

    • Underlying principles and concepts
    • Planning tools and resources
    • Sourcing and evaluating teaching and learning resources
    • Matching resources to needs and contexts
    • Planning to meet student needs-getting from intentions to outcomes
    • Developing capabilities as well as subject matter knowledge
    • Integrating knowledge, skills and application
    • Aligning and sequencing learning
    • Scaffolding, coherency and making connections
    • Planning to meet student needs
    • Identifying and responding to changing conditions and needs
    2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 4.2 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7

    Assessment:

    • Assessment as an integral part of learning
    • Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence
    • Evidence of Learning
    • Forms of assessment of learning progress and achievement
    • Identifying and meeting individual needs
    • Criterion based assessment
    • Rubrics and marking schema
    • Peer and self assessment
    • Seeking, giving and receiving feedback
    • Feedback, questions and learning
    • Formative assessment
    • Identifying strengths and challenges
    • Competition, collaboration and cooperation
    • Engaging learners
    3.3, 5.2 2, 3, 4

    Research as Learning:

    • MELT research skills framework
    • Research Project and Personal Learning Plans
    3.3 4

    Learning Stakeholders:

    • Who are they and what role do they play?
    • Working with parents and carers
    • Students as partners
    7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 6, 7
    These topics will be explored in the context of, and supplemented with strategies for, teaching in your subject specialisation in the Subject Specialisation Curriculum and Methodology workshops.

    Details of specific dates, times and locations for the Subject Specialisation workshops will be provided on MyUni.

  • 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 Weighting APST Learning Outcome
    Workshop Activities on Assessment Summative 20% 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.5, 5.2 1, 2, 7
    Lesson Plan and Portfolio Summative 30% 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 6.2, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
    Unit Plan and Portfolio Summative 40% 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.2, 6.2, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
    Attendance 10% 2.1, 6.2, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 1, 6, 4

    Note: There may be additional formative assessment tasks required.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    All Curriculum & Methodology lectures are compulsory. An attendance roll is taken. This is in keeping with university
    policy:
    Attendance at other structured learning activities may be mandatory provided the achievement of learning outcomes is substantially dependent on the attendance, e.g. an orchestra/ensemble, placement, field trip, tutorial or seminar where there is an expectation of an interactive learning process. (Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy, Procedure 1, paragraph c; http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/700/)
    Assessment Detail

    Criteria for Lesson Plan, Unit Plan and Portfolio tasks include:

    •    Sufficient number of resources - as a guide no less than 30, no more than 100
    •    Evidence that resources have been selected for year level, subject matter and learning need appropriateness
    •    Evidence of critical analysis, evaluation and reflection in selection of resources
    •    Evidence of understanding of Australian Curriculum and SACE Curriculum requirements and guidelines for the subject matter
    •    Format of Unit Plan, including Lesson Plans, suitable for the subject matter and subject specialisation
    •    Learning activities and resources enable appropriate differentiated learning for a range of learning needs
    •    Timing, pace, order and structure of the Unit Plan and Lesson Plans is appropriate for the year level, differentiated learning needs and the subject matter
    •   Evidence of teaching and organisational strategies that will support student engagement and effective classroom management
    •   Learning Outcomes, Learning Activities and Assessment are in alignment
    •   Contains all relevant and necessary information to enable effective implementation for the pre-service teacher
    •   Evidence of knowledge and understanding of APST standards regarding assessment and learning

    Criteria for Assessment tasks include:
    •    Evidence of understanding of the relationship between learning outcomes, learning activities and assessment
    •    Evidence of understanding of concepts of and purposes for formative and summative assessment
    •    Evidence of knowledge and understanding of standards of learning required by Australian Curriculum and SACE curriculum, and if relevant other criteria
    •    Evidence of knowledge and understanding of APST standards regarding assessment and learning

    Faculty of ARTS Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy:
    https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303/ASSESSMENT CRITERIA  

    WORKSHOP PARTICIPATION

    All students are expected to ask questions, express their opinions, share their experiences and knowledge and listen to those of others in a respectful and professional manner. Where asked or instructed students are expected to undertake activities and be fully prepared for class.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    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.