Year

2022

Credit points

10

Campus offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit

Prerequisites

EDET660 Effective Teaching 2: Leadership, Management, Advocacy and Teaching: English and Literacy (B-12) OR EDET661 Effective Teaching 2: Leadership, Management, Advocacy and Teaching: Mathematics and Numeracy (B-12) OR EDET662 Effective Teaching 2: Leadership, Management, Advocacy and Teaching: Science and Inquiry (B-12) OR EDET663 Effective Teaching 2: Leadership, Management, Advocacy and Teaching: Humanities and Social Sciences (B-12) OR EDET664 Effective Teaching 2: Leadership, Management, Advocacy and Teaching: The Arts (B-12) OR EDET665 Effective Teaching 2: Leadership, Management, Advocacy and Teaching: Technologies (B-12) OR EDET666 Effective Teaching 2: Leadership, Management, Advocacy and Teaching: Health, Wellbeing and Physical Education (B-12)

Incompatible

EDFX624 Preparation for the Profession and Graduate Professional Experience 3 , EDET691 Effective Teaching 3: Teacher Inquiry and Evidence-based Practice , EDET603 Effective Teaching 3: Teacher Inquiry and Evidence-based Practice

Unit rationale, description and aim

Includes 25 days professional experience placement in a school setting (8-12 years old) with a focus on the teaching in the primary subject specialisation.

Effective teaching is underpinned by reflection, enquiry and evidenced based practice. Teachers need skills that enable continual, self-regulated professional learning.

This unit facilitates readiness for the profession and provides opportunity for school-based reflective enquiry into practice. It enables pre-service teachers to reinforce and expand professional knowledge, practice and engagement in the different roles and responsibilities of teachers in positively influencing student learning. The unit provides pre-service teachers with a substantial block of extended professional experience that approximates the realities of everyday teaching in a supportive classroom context and the related school and broader community. The intention is to extend pre-service teachers’ repertoire of pedagogical skills and practices for planning, delivering and evaluating teaching and learning programs. Pre-service teachers will use a framework of enquiry to align curriculum, assessment, learning and teaching to provide effective and differentiated learning across the full range of learning needs. They will collect, interpret and use data to demonstrate quality teaching practices and to track learning progressions to evaluate the impact of their teaching on student learning.

The aim of this culminating unit is to synthesise learning from Education Studies, Effective Teaching and Curriculum Studies to ensure pre-service teachers’ readiness for the profession. 

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

LO1 - Profile achievement of the Australian Teacher Professional Standards at a graduate level and demonstrate readiness to transition into the profession based on multiple sources of evidence (GA4, GA5, GA9; all APSTs)

LO2 - Demonstrate integrated knowledge of and ability to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and learning for selected curricula relevant to pre-service teachers’ areas of specialty (GA4, GA8; APST 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7; ACECQA B2, B9, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7)

LO3 - Collect, examine, interpret and moderate multiple sources of evidence, including student data and feedback from professionals, to ensure consistent judgements of student learning and to modify teaching practices and programs (GA3, GA4, GA7, GA8 APST 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 6.3, 7.1; ACECQA B9, F3, F5))

LO4 - Demonstrate effective teaching practices that evidence readiness for entry to the profession (GA1, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA7, GA8, GA9, GA10; All APSTs with the exception of 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 2.4, 3.7, 7.4; ACECQA C4, C7, D1, D5, F5)

Graduate attributes

GA1 - Demonstrate respect for the dignity of each individual and for human diversity

GA3 - Apply ethical perspectives in informed decision making

GA4 - Think critically and reflectively

GA5 - Demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession

GA7 - Work both autonomously and collaboratively 

GA8 - Locate, organise, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information

GA9 - Demonstrate effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media

GA10 - Utilise information and communication and other relevant technologies effectively

AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS - GRADUATE LEVEL

On successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should be able to:

On successful completion of their initial teacher education, graduate teachers should be able to draw upon three domains of teaching: Professional Knowledge (know students and how they learn, and know the content and how to teach it); Professional Practice (plan for and implement effective teaching and learning; create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments; and assess, provide feedback and report on student learning) and Professional Engagement (engage in professional learning and engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community).

In this final professional experience unit, pre-service teachers are required to demonstrate mastery of the full suite of APST: Graduate level by completing two culminating assessments:

  • Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA);
  • Final Professional Experience Report. 

1.1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.

1.2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.

1.3 Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.

1.4 Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

1.5 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities. 

1.6 Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.

2.1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.

2.2 Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.

2.3 Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.

2.4 Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of, and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.

2.5 Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.

2.6 Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.

3.1 Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.

3.2 Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.

3.3 Include a range of teaching strategies.

3.4 Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.

3.5 Demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student engagement.

3.6 Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.

3.7 Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process.

4.1 Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.

4.2 Demonstrate the capacity to organise classroom activities and provide clear directions.

4.3 Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.

4.4 Describe strategies that support students’ well-being and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements.

4.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues and the strategies available to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching.

5.1 Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.

5.2 Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of providing timely and appropriate feedback to students about their learning.

5.3 Demonstrate understanding of assessment moderation and its application to support consistent and comparable judgements of student learning.

5.4 Demonstrate the capacity to interpret student assessment data to evaluate student learning and modify teaching practice.

5.5 Demonstrate understanding of a range of strategies for reporting to students and parents/carers and the purpose of keeping accurate and reliable records of student achievement.

6.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.

6.2 Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.

6.3 Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices.

6.4 Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learnings. 

7.1 Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession.

7.2 Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage.

7.3 Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.

7.4 Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

ACECQA Curriculum Specifications

On successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should have developed the following specific knowledge:

B. Education and curriculum studies

B2 The Australian curriculum

B9 Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation

C. Teaching pedagogies

C1 Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches

C2 Play based pedagogies

C3 Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners

C4 Teaching methods and strategies

C5 Children with diverse needs and backgrounds

C6 Working with children who speak languages other than, or in addition to, English

C7 Contemporary society and pedagogy

D Family and community contexts:

D1 Developing family and community partnerships

D5 Culture, diversity and inclusion

F. Early childhood professional practice

F3 Professional identity and development

F5 Research

Content

Topics will include:

  • Self-reflective professional learning: including goal setting, critical reflective practice and sources of professional learning and feedback
  • Ethical professional practice for engaging with data and evidence for enquiry into and critical reflection of teaching and learning in school contexts
  • Use of theory, practice and critical enquiry that informs teaching practices to impact on learners and learning
  • Strategies for collecting and interpreting data to evaluate student learning and modify teaching practice to improve learning outcomes
  • Seeking and applying constructive feedback from supervisors, colleagues, students and community to reflect on and improve teaching practices
  • Establishing and maintaining an engaging learning environment cognizant of current teaching and learning theories in the classroom
  • Management of the full range of teacher’s responsibilities, including routines, transitions, supervision, teaching and learning, assessment, pastoral care of school students and relationships within the school community
  • Preparing to transition; including ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of teachers 

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

The key strategy of this unit will be enquiry-based learning, enacted predominantly in the classroom/school. The pre-service teacher engages in the GTPA as a capstone experience in the school context. Approximately 12 hours of directed teaching (lectures or workshops), readings and online support before, during and after the placement. Directed instruction will provide support for students in the completion of the GTPA within the context of a professional experience placement.

In this unit the pre-service teacher will engage in the sustained role of teacher in a classroom/school setting undertaking the diverse duties of a practising teacher; including: planning, teaching, assessment and moderation, differentiated engagement with students, department/year-level/school meetings, collaborative team planning sessions, supervision, and other duties required within the setting. This supports the pre-service teacher to undertake the capstone experience in the class/school setting. The pre-service teacher will work collegially with a mentor and/or supervising teacher and will actively participate in feedback discussions and proactive planning with both the supervising teacher and the university academic.

Teaching and learning strategies may include, but are not limited to:

  • Weekly face-to-face lectures and / or online lectures (synchronous and asynchronous)
  • Hands-on tutorials and discussions that promote peer learning
  • Self-directed reading and research
  • Collaborative learning opportunities.

 

Technology Enhanced Learning

The unit will include a Learning Management System site with resources and online links, announcements, and a discussion board to post questions and reflections that promote connection between on campus content and school experiences. It may include:

  • Online review exercises.
  • Discussion board to exchange ideas and refine learning.
  • Video illustrations of teaching practice and focussed readings addressing a wide spectrum of teaching contexts, practices and competencies


Face-to-face/Online Learning support

Students enrolled in both face to face and online learning modes are required to regularly log into the Learning Management System to access recorded lectures and important announcements, to communicate with other students and lecturers, and to submit assessment and access feedback and grades. Students who are enrolled in either face to face or online learning will have equal access to support from the lecturer in charge and tutors.

Additional equipment requirements for online learning:

  • Reliable broadband access is recommended.
  • Headset with microphone to listen to podcasts, view videos and interact in synchronous classes.


ACU Online

This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: TEACHING REQUIREMENTS

In the final professional experience, pre-service teachers must satisfactorily demonstrate attainment of the Australian Standards for Teachers: Graduate level in order to complete requirements and pass this unit.

The final professional experience placement consists of 25 days (5 weeks) of continuous school-based experience in the same classroom. A pre-service Early Childhood/Primary teacher will be placed in a primary setting that will support practice teaching in their primary subject specialisation.

In this unit, pre-service teachers will be expected to undertake:

  • 5 weeks of teaching, with a teaching load at 75-80% of normal load
  • GTPA Project development, implementation and data collection. (Refer to Professional Experience Handbook for detailed guidelines regarding teaching and other requirements).


Recommended Teaching Experiences

The following engagements are recommended across the 25-day placement. They provide a scaffolded, praxis-oriented approach to building experience, competency and confidence, and are designed to align with on-campus content. These engagements are to be discussed, negotiated and planned with the supervising teacher/s.

Proposed Teaching Expectations

2 Observation Days Prior to the Block:

  • Orientation, observation and assisting the supervising and nominated teacher/s in the teaching and learning process. 
  • Initial planning/pre-assessing for GTPA.


Days 1 – 5:

  • Planning and implementation of one lesson to half day teaching per day. Building capacity to taking responsibility for whole day teaching.
  • Continue planning or commence assessing/teaching GTPA.
  • Professional experience reflection, self-auditing and evaluation.


Days 6 – 10:

  • Planning and implementation of half to full day teaching and assessing per day including GTPA. Responsibility for most class transitions and routines.
  • Professional experience reflection, self-auditing and evaluation.


Days 11 – 25:

  •  Planning and implementation of all day teaching and assessing including GTPA. Responsibility for all class transitions and routines.
  • Professional experience reflection, self-auditing and evaluation.

Assessment strategy and rationale

The assessment tasks allow pre-service teachers to demonstrate achievement against the course learning outcomes by demonstrating academic and professional standards. The Education Studies units in this course focus on developing understanding of, and skills across the professional knowledge, practice and engagement needed to meet expectations of the APST: Graduate level. In this unit assessments focus on skills of enquiry as means to enhance teaching practices and strategies. Performance in the professional experience placement is assessed in two ways. First, the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) is the centrepiece of this unit and its assessment. This praxis-oriented assessment is an externally validated, nationally moderated, inter-institutional task that must be completed holistically. Second, evidence of the pre-service teacher as observed in practice by other professionals, including at least the supervising teacher and a university academic, is used to confirm achievement of the APST: Graduate level. 

http://www.acu.edu.au/policy/student_policies/assessment_policy_and_assessment_procedures)

Minimum Achievement Standards

The professional experience included in this unit represents the culmination of the pre-service teacher’s development towards readiness for the profession. The assessment comprises two culminating pieces of evidence of professional readiness; i) the final report of Professional Experience Assessment; and ii) the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA). Pre-service teachers must achieve a pass in both assessments to satisfactorily complete this unit.

 If a fail grade is determined for either assessment requirement, regardless of the outcome of the other, this will result in a fail for the entire unit. Pre-service teachers who fail this unit will be asked to ‘show cause’ and their enrolment in the course will be terminated if the unit is failed twice.

Electronic Submission, Marking and Return

Assessment task submission and return of marked GTPA assessment will be done through Turnitin on the Learning Management System. 

Overview of assessments

Brief Description of Kind and Purpose of Assessment TasksWeightingLearning OutcomesGraduate Attributes

Assessment Task 1:

Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA)

Critical Task

The GTPA asks pre-service teachers to reflect critically on a teaching, learning and assessment cycle and its impact on student learning. It must be accompanied by documentary evidence of the teaching, learning and assessment cycle and of student learning.

The GTPA is a common, culminating assessment used across multiple ITE programs and providers. Information about the specific requirements of the GTPA is detailed in the guideline materials supplied via the provided Learning Management System site.

Pass/Fail

LO1, LO2, LO3

GA3, GA4, GA5, GA7, GA8, GA9

Professional Experience Assessment

The summative Professional Experience is assessed in consultation with a supervising teacher and a university academic over the placement. The pre-service teacher must demonstrate attainment of the Australian Professional Standards of Teachers: Graduate within the context of classroom/school setting practices. Refer to the Unit Professional Experience Report Book for interim and final reports.

Pass/Fail

LO4

GA1, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA7, GA8, GA9, GA10

Representative texts and references

Required text(s)

Australian Curriculum https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) www.acara.edu.au

Relevant State and Territory curriculum documents. 

Mills, G. E. (2018). Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher (6th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.

Recommended references

Alexakos, K. (2015). Being a teacher/researcher: A primer on doing authentic inquiry research on teaching and learning. Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers. 

Brady, L., & Kennedy K. (2018). Assessing and reporting: Celebrating student achievement (5th ed.). Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Australia.

Charteris, J., & Smardon, D. (2015). Teacher agency and dialogic feedback: Using classroom data for practitioner inquiry. Teaching and Teacher Education, 50, 114-123.

Dana, N. F., & Yendol-Hoppey, D. (2020). The reflective educator's guide to classroom research: Learning to teach and teaching to learn through practitioner inquiry (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Deppeler, J. (2017). Navigating the Boundaries of Difference: Using Collaboration in Inquiry to Develop Teaching and Progress Student Learning. In L. Florian and N. Pantic. Teacher Education for the Changing Demographics of Schooling (pp. 149-165). Springer, Cham.

Leat, D., Reid, A., & Lofthouse, R. (2015). Teachers’ experiences of engagement with and in educational research: what can be learned from teachers’ views?. Oxford Review of Education, 41(2): 270-286. 

Mor, Y., Ferguson, R., & Wasson, B. (2015). Learning design, teacher inquiry into student learning and learning analytics: A call for action. British Journal of Educational Technology, 46(2), 221-229. 

Posch, P. (2019). Action research - conceptual distinctions and confronting the theory-practice divide in Lesson and Learning Studies. Educational Action Research, 27(4), 496-510.

Taylor, L. A. (2017). How teachers become teacher researchers: Narrative as a tool for teacher identity construction. Teaching and Teacher Education, 61, 16-25.

To, J., & Carless, D. (2016). Making productive use of exemplars: Peer discussion and teacher guidance for positive transfer of strategies. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 40(6), 746-764.

Wall, K., & Hall, E. (2017) The teacher in teacher-practitioner research: three principles of inquiry. In Boyd, P. and Szplit, A., International Perspectives: Teachers and Teacher Educators Learning Through Enquiry, KielceKrakow: 35-62 

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