EDUC 4534B - Studies of Society & Environment B (UG)

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

The course aims to present information on a range of methodologies and develop a variety of pedagogical skills to help students to be better prepared for the start of their teaching career.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code EDUC 4534B
    Course Studies of Society & Environment B (UG)
    Coordinating Unit School of Education
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact 2 hours per week, in addition to a 2 hour common lecture focussing on Assessment and Reporting
    Restrictions Available to B Teaching students only
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Grant Rodwell

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    This is a general course of lectures and seminars designed to introduce students to the variety of subjects in this field in South Australian middle and senior secondary schools. It focuses on the value of these subjects and the existing guidelines for curriculum development, such as SACSA, and the relevant SSABSA curriculum statements. 

    In addition considerable consideration is given to the variety of resources, teaching strategies and assessment procedures. In particular, the course concentrates on appropriate methodologies for the teaching of concepts, skills and values in these areas, and the theoretical underpinnings of these approaches.

    Concurrent with this general course most students do a further curriculum subject in a specific discipline. Students from this course are therefore able to teach entirely, or contribute in a specific way to the increasing number of interdisciplinary subjects which have emerged, such as Society and Environment, Studies of Societies, Australian, Aboriginal or Women’s Studies, as well as their own specific social or cultural discipline.

    1. Knowledge and understanding of the student’s discipline areas.

    2. Cognitive skills in analysing, evaluating and synthesising information

    3. The capacity for critical thinking and problem solving.

    4. Interpersonal skills and communication skills of a high order (developed but not addressed

    5. Proficiency in gathering and sharing teaching resources.

    6. The capacity to engage in reflective practice and professional learning

    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)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2,3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3,4,5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3.4.6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4,5
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 5,6
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 3,6
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1,4,6
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1,2,4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Colin Marsh & Catherine Hart, Teaching the Social Sciences and Humanities in an Australian Curriculum, Pearson, French Forest, 2011.
    Recommended Resources
    Gilbert, Rob, (ed.) Studying Society and Environment: A Guide for Teachers, 3rdEdition, Victoria, Thomson Social Science Press, 2004.

    Chapin, June R., A Practical Guide to Secondary Social Studies, USA, Pearson Education, Inc, 2003
    Online Learning
    It is essential that students check the MyUni site regularly for assessment tasks, criteria and readings.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course consists of 12 - 1 hour lectures and 12 accompanying workshops. Each lecture will address a particular aspect relevant to the practice of teaching and this will be developed further by students in the workshops. The content will alternate between teacher and student-centred delivery incorporating both individual and group contributions.
    Workload

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

    The course is designed to combine curriculum and methodology sessions to integrate with students’ teaching practicum. Apart from direct contact time students will be expected to spend extra time on background reading and assignments.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Introduction to course; reasons for its existence; range of social, cultural and environmental subjects in South Australian Middle and Senior Secondary schools; pedagogical and philosophical underpinnings for this learning area; value and outcomes of these subjects.

    Range of various theoretical models of teaching, and subsequent application of specific approaches in the classroom, with particular reference to Studies of Society & Environment.

    The SACSA Framework and SOSE

    Existing SSABSA requirements in their curriculum statements in the SOSE area, and requirements for Future SACE.

    Resources - availability within the school

    availability within the community

    Unit and lesson planning.

    Different forms of assessment and reporting.

    Plurality of courses which have emerged and the developments towards a National Curriculum.

    Specific Course Requirements
    Not applicable
  • 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

    No information currently available.

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    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.