EDUC 6529B - Science Curriculum & Methodology B

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

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 6529B
    Course Science Curriculum & Methodology B
    Coordinating Unit School of Education
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    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
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites Pass in 2 Level I Physical and Biological Sciences courses
    Restrictions Available to GradDipEd students only
    Assessment essay, unit of work, online tasks, designing pracs & investigations
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Bruce Baker

    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 student will be able:

    APST     Standard

    AQF7/8 GA
    Semester Two
    1

    Assemble a range of subject-appropriate resources, including online, that engage
    a diversity of students in their learning.
    2.6 & 3.4 Application 2, 4, 5, 8
    2

    Develope a broad repertoire of subject-appropriate teaching and learning strategies, including use of ICT. 3.3 & 3.2 Skills 2,3,5
    3

    Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning. 3.6 & 5.4 Knowledge 1, 2, 6
    4

    Identify and interpret student learning needs and design learning strategies so as to respond to student diversity. 5.1 & 5.2 Skill & Application 1, 2, 3, 4, 8
    5

    Formulate a range of feedback and assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning in the subject area and for various curricula eg SACSA, SACE, ACARA, IB. 5.1,5.2,5.5 & 7.2 Knowledge, Skill & Application 1, 4, 5
    6

    Demonstrate understanding of assessment, moderation and its application to support consistent and comparable judgements of student learning. 5.3, 5.4 & 5.5 Knowledge 1,2
    7

    Demonstrate a commitment to work ethically and collaboratively so as to meet the professional expectations required of teachers 6.2, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 Knowledge, Skills & Application 3,4,8
    8

    Demonstrate communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a diverse range of students 3.5, 4.2, 5.5 Knowledge, Skills & Application 2,4
    Note:

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

    Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF):
    http://www.aqf.edu.au/aqf/in-detail/aqf-levels/ 

    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)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 3,4,5,6
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2,3,4,6,7
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2,4,7
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1,4,5,7,8
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1,2,5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 3
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1,4,7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Junior Science Course Reader/Notes (available through MyUni)
    ACARA (NAP-SL), SACE, SACSA Framework, Primary Connections Website, OECD (PISA Study) & IEA (rTIMSS) websites
    Recommended Resources
    Web-resources and science-teacher’s resource sites will be provided during the course.
    Online Learning
    MyUni – Science Curriculum and Methodology [EDUC 4529A/B & EDUC6529A/B]
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course runs for sixteen weeks across two semesters, and each week comprises of a two-hour lecture on core-topics and a two-hour tutorial workshop. Attendance at all seminars and tutorials are important to gain broader insights and achieving the objectives outlined for this course. Attendance will be recorded during each tutorial group.

    The course adopts the Inquiry-Reflective-Praxis model of learning, which describes a continuous commitment to inquiry, scientific thinking, evidence-based research and knowledge extension. The course challenges students to critique and reframe personal and organisational conceptions of precepts to evaluate, extend and create new knowledge and experience.
    Workload

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

    The course requires four hours of contact time for sixteen weeks, and a further three-five hours per week for self-study, reflection and completion of individual and group assignments.


    Lectures (Core Course): Please refer to BTch/GDE Handbook for dates/times/venues

    Tutorials / Seminars
    7 Mar 11 Apr Friday 9:10AM - 11:00AM Barr Smith South, 2060
    2 May 9 May Friday 9:10AM - 11:00AM Barr Smith South, 2060
    28 Jul 18 Aug Monday 4.10PM – 6.00PM Engineering Annex, 308
    6 Oct 3 Nov Monday 4.10PM – 6.00PM Engineering Annex, 308
    Learning Activities Summary
    ... contnined from Semester One

    Week Date Seminar/Key Concepts Workshop

    9

    T4
    28 Jul

    Planning and delivering lessons for science

    Principles & Learning Cycle [Include 5E Model]

    Objectives [SACSA Framework]

    Resources [SACSA, Primary Connections]

    Managing diverse classroom activities

    Microteaching & Feedback [5 minute lesson]

    10

    T5
    4 Aug

    Assessment Types

    Practical Work & Field Trips

    Safety Classroom/Lab. Management [OHS]

    Projects / Investigations

    Experiments and errors! (Hands-on)

    11

    T5
    11 Aug

    Revisit Learning Models & Curricula Frameworks [ACARA/SACE/SACSA]

    Visit to RiAus – Adelaide [Teacher PD models]

    Summative Test

    Assessment Grid

    SACSA Familiarisation

    Including Key Competencies and Essential Learnings

    12

    T6
    18 Aug

    Resource Sharing and Networks

    NSDL/TLF

    CSIRO Science Education Centre

    Science Resource Centres (including Virtual Centres)

    Science of Toys

    Cartoon Science

    Scientific Toys presentations

    Concept Cartoons presentations

    TLF group work & registration
    Practicum 2 / Semester Two break

    13

    T6
    13 Oct

    Working Scientifically and Classroom Designs

    AITSL & ASTA Standards

    Research – Praxis Nexus

    Setting up the Science Network

    SMaRTE Portal

    Professional Development/Presentation

    14

    T6
    20 Oct AITSL & ASTA Standards
    Research – Praxis Nexus
    Professional Sharing (AITSL Standards)
    SMaRTE Portal
    Professional Development/Presentation

    15

    T6
    27 Oct AITSL & ASTA Standards
    Research – Praxis Nexus
    Professional Sharing (AITSL Standards)
    SMaRTE Portal
    Professional Development/Presentation

    16

    T6
    3 Nov AITSL & ASTA Standards
    Research – Praxis Nexus
    Professional Sharing (AITSL Standards)
    SMaRTE Portal
    Professional Development/Presentation


  • 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
    Attendance and Participation in seminars and tutorials 10%
    Percentage deducted for each tutorial workshop absent

    Assignment #1 [Deadline: 9 May 2012, 4.00pm] 50%
    Scientific conceptions and misconceptions (2500 words)
    (graduate attributes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

    Assignment #2 [Deadlines: Weeks 13 – 16, tutorial workshop] 30%
    Small Group Discovery and Presentation (in pairs)
    Unit/lesson Design, Programming and Resources presented in Digital Portfolio format (to include notes, resources and links, presentation slides, lesson/unit plans, worksheets and assessment rubtics)
    (graduate attributes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

    Assignment #3 [Deadlines: Weeks 13 – 16, tutorial workshop] 10%
    Peer Assessment of Small Group Discovery Presentation (Tutorial Group)
    Unit/lesson Design, Programming and Resources (using selected AITSL & ASTA Standards)
    (graduate attributes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students are required to satisfy the attendance at tutorials and lectures requirement and complete all three assignments by the stipulated deadlines, and obtain an overall pass to complete the course.
    Assessment Detail
    Assignment #2: Unit/lesson Design, Programming and Resources (Small Group Discovery – in pairs)
    Science resources and networks are pertinent in enabling instructional design and delivery of instructions. Moreover, professionals network to share resources, critically evaluate their utility in the classroom and refine further pedagogical elements. With a colleague [Randomly assigned: Please refer to details of groups on MyUni], identify three science websites/applets/resources (beyond those available in Australia), map them to the Australian Science Curriculum (Years 6-9), and present your findings during your tutorial session.

    In the identification and collation of information and ideas, you are to utilise information and communications technology (ICT) and innovations in engaging your students in enhancing their learning. You may want to critically evaluate these ICTs (Wiki, Blogs, Bulletin Board, Widgets, Apps, Applets) and demonstrate their effectiveness in enhancing student’s learning.

    A pertinent aspect of this presentation and assignment is to link the topic/contents and information to AITSL’s National Professional Standards for Teachers.

    Lecturer(s)/tutor(s) will guide the process and direct teams (working in pairs) to information and resources.


    Assignment #3: Peer Assessment of Small Group Discovery Presentation (Tutorial Group)

    You are required to assess your peer’s presentation through the Rubrics made available on MyUni. Please be candid yet sensitive in your feedback; constructive feedback is desired.
    Submission
    PRESENTATION AND SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS
    1. Students must retain a copy of all assignments submitted.
    2. All individual assignments must be attached to an Assignment Cover Sheet which must be signed and dated by the student before submission. Lecturers will withhold student‘s results until such time as the student has signed the Assignment Cover Sheet.
    3. All group assignments must be attached to a Group Assignment Cover Sheet which must be signed and dated by all group members before submission. All team members are expected to contribute approximately equally to a group assignment.
    4. Markers can refuse to accept assignments which do not have a signed acknowledgement of the University‘s policy on plagiarism (refer to policy on plagiarism below, Section 8).
    5. (Policy on late submission of work – including penalties)
    6. Guidelines for referencing are specific to each School/Program. Reports/essays for this course generally follow the APA format. 
     

    Assignment Submission and to Late Submission of Work

    The procedure for preparing and submitting assignments is as follows:
    · Assignments are to be accompanied by a completed Assignment Cover Sheet.
    · Under no circumstances should assignments be sent direct to the Course Coordinator/Lecturer. All assignments are to be submitted through the Professions Hub (Ground Floor, 10 Pulteney Street).
    · Email or faxed assignments will not be accepted (unless by prior arrangement with the Professions Hub Officer).
    · Unless an extension of time has been granted, assignments must be postmarked on or before the due date. Late submission will invariably result in a penalty (usually a 10% reduction for each day late) being applied. Failure to obtain a postmark will result in the received date of the document in the Professions Hub Office being recorded as the actual date of submission with the associated 10% per day marks penalty.  Any assignment handed in 10 days or more late will automatically record a mark of zero and be directly returned to the student not marked.

    Furthermore, as a note of caution - any student who obtains or attempts to obtain a postmark prior to the actual day of mailing off an assignment is guilty of misconduct and this is a very serious offence that will be dealt with accordingly and could lead to failure of the course and/or other further actions being taken.

    · Please note that "Express Post" envelopes do not normally have postmarked dates on them – please request this at the Post Office to ensure the correct date is recorded.
    · The Professions Hub Office will record the receipt of your assignment, date stamp & return the stamped, self addressed acknowledgment card (if enclosed), and ensure that the lecturer/marker receives your assignment within one working day. Acknowledgement Cards without a stamp will not be returned.
    · The Professions Hub Office will not follow up assignments that are not received. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that assignments arrive on time.
    · The pages of an assignment should be stapled. Glider-clip the assignment cover sheet, and the acknowledgment card, to the assignment. Please do not staple. Only questions relating specifically to the assignment to which the cover sheet is attached should be written on the cover sheet. Supplies of cover sheets will be issued to students with your course material. Should you run out of these sheets please contact the Professions Hub Office.
    · When two or more assignments are submitted at the same time, a separate cover sheet giving full particulars of the course etc must be used for each assignment.
    · Assignments consisting of audio tapes should always be accompanied by a completed cover sheet for identification purposes.
    · If you are unable to finish the assignment by the due date you should submit whatever work you have completed.
    · Late submission will result in a penalty being applied. A 10% reduction of the maximum mark achieved for each day (includes weekend) late will apply. For example:
              If an assignment is 1 day late
              Mark achieved 58% - 10% (for 1 day late).
              Final mark = 48%
    Assignments that are 10 days late or more will not be marked and will be returned to student without feedback.

    · Always keep a duplicate copy of your assignments. In the event of loss in transit you could save yourself the task of rewriting. The onus of proving that lost assignments have been completed will be on you. Proof must be given that the assignment was posted by the due date, eg a certified mail receipt slip or equivalent.
    · Extensions will not be granted under any circumstances on the basis of work related commitments.
    · Extensions will only be granted on exceptional circumstances, such as medical or associated grounds (please see UoA’s policy at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/64). Note Clause #5: Student’s responsibilities - Contact relevant academics to negotiate assessment accommodations.
    · If requesting an extension on the above grounds the Course Lecturer must be notified by email before the due date. Appropriate documentation, ie medical certificate etc, MUST then accompany the assignment. If such documentation is not received with the assignment it will be regarded as a late submission, as stated above.
    · It should be pointed out that if you are granted an extension of time to submit your assignment, the delay in finalising your results may prevent you from completing your program in time for graduation. 

    RETURN OF ASSIGNMENTS AND FEEDBACK
    Assignments will be returned to students within three/four weeks of the due date with written feedback. Assignments will generally be returned during tutorials/lectures.

    Students must not submit work for an assignment that has previously been submitted for this course or any other course without prior approval from the lecturer-in-charge.
    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.