Unit rationale, description and aim

To optimise the ability to engage in praxis-based learning which focuses on both development and application of theory into practice. Pre-service teachers need to develop their skills and knowledge for teaching in practical teaching contexts -in professionally supportive environments. The aim of the unit is for pre-service teachers to develop their pedagogical and professional knowledge for teaching.


This professional experience comprises a minimum of 30 days placement and supervised teaching in a school context and will include the opportunity throughout the placement for targeted professional experience teaching within the specialisation area. It is complementary to the work in other units and enables pre-service teachers to apply the theory, skills, techniques, and processes presented and learned in Education Studies and Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment studies. 


This professional experience focuses on the identification of the professional role of the teacher as one of reflector and learner within a particular classroom context and as an integral member of a school community. It has a focus on research-informed practice – through critical evaluation and reflection on the teacher impact upon student learning. The unit allows supervising teachers, Teach For Australia staff, and school mentors - to work collaboratively with the University to assess, challenge, and extend the abilities of pre-service teachers in the unit. This school-based professional experience enables pre-service teachers to reinforce and expand their competency in providing for and challenging student learning. - and extends their repertoire of pedagogical skills in the planning and delivery of appropriate teaching and learning programs. It further provides opportunities for school-based study and the development of closer links between theoretical considerations and the teaching and learning experiences encountered in schools. 

2025 10

Campus offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit

Prerequisites

EDLX510 Effective Teaching and Learning in Professional Practice

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.

Design and implement a critical enquiry, applying ...

Learning Outcome 01

Design and implement a critical enquiry, applying appropriate codes of ethics, into a pedagogical focus that promotes continued professional learning for improved learners learning (APST 1.2, 3.6, 6.2, 6.4, 7.1)

Collect, examine and interpret multiple sources of...

Learning Outcome 02

Collect, examine and interpret multiple sources of evidence, including feedback from supervisors and student assessment data, to modify teaching practice (APST 5.1, 5.4, 6.3)

Critically self-reflect on the enquiry process and...

Learning Outcome 03

Critically self-reflect on the enquiry process and the collected evidence of learning and teaching for transforming and improving student learning and the pre-service teacher’s professional learning and practice (APST 1.2, 3.6)

Understand and critique the role of education syst...

Learning Outcome 04

Understand and critique the role of education systems, school philosophies and mission statements, strategic cross-sectorial policy developments, curriculum construction and management decisions in quality learning and teaching practices as a member of a collaborative learning community of professional educators (APST 6.2, 6.4, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4)

Teach effectively to promote learning and illustra...

Learning Outcome 05

Teach effectively to promote learning and illustrate achievement of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at graduate level (APST 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3)

Content

Topics will include:

  • Professional roles and responsibilities as a member of the school and wider community, professional ethics, and the collegial nature of schools
  • Relationship building and communication skills (oral, written, electronic) with students, colleagues, parents/carers, and school community
  • Creating effective class and school learning environments through a situational analysis of school/class/student learning strengths and needs
  • Lesson, unit and program planning including sequencing of appropriate, effective teaching strategies and learning activities which cater for different learning needs and contexts
  • Assessment techniques/processes and appropriate reporting procedures for effective learning
  • Classroom management skills appropriate for creating and maintaining positive, safe and challenging learning environments
  • The importance of parents/carers as partners in the educative process
  • Establishing and maintaining an engaging learning environment cognizant of current teaching and learning theories in the classroom.
  • Development of curriculum and class programs to enhance teaching and learning.through analysis of curriculum scope and sequence and cross curricula priorities for stages/school/class
  • Schools as learning communities and the teacher’s role as collaborative team member.
  • Managing relationships within the school community.
  • Analysing the particular school context for the impact of education systems, school philosophies, system, state, national and international policy developments and school structures on quality learning and teaching practices.
  • Management of the full range of teacher’s responsibilities including routines, transitions, supervision and pastoral care of school students.
  • Strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.
  • Assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess and moderate student learning.
  • Strategies for collecting and interpreting student assessment data to evaluate student learning and modify teaching practice to improve learning outcomes, with a focus on the – Primary teaching area.
  • Ethical professional practice for engaging with data and evidence for enquiry into and critical reflection of teaching and learning in school contexts.
  • Critical reflection and collaborative interaction with other teachers and other professionals to improve teaching, assessment and professional judgement.
  • Seeking and applying constructive feedback from supervisors, mentors and teachers to reflect on and improve teaching practices.
  • Opportunities for continued professional learning within and beyond the school context and the implications for improved student learning.
  • Self-auditing and reflective practices and their place in the authentication of attainment of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.

Assessment strategy and rationale

The assessment tasks and their weightings are designed so that the pre-service teachers can progressively achieve the Course Learning Outcomes and the Professional Standards and is consistent with University assessment requirements (https://policies.acu.edu.au/student_policies/assessment_policy_and_assessment_procedures).


The unit is designed, within the context of the course as a whole, so that the pre-service teacher can progressively achieve the course learning outcomes and work towards the Australian Professional Standard for Professional Teachers (Graduate level) in an in-situ, practical context.


In this final professional experience pre-service teachers are required to demonstrate mastery of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate level) by completing two culminating assessments: Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA); and Final Professional Experience Report.


Pre-service teachers, the University and schools collaborate in co-ordinating the school-based experiences of the pre-service teachers as they develop further their appreciation and understanding of the role of teacher. The report completed at the end of this unit covers the following themes:

  • Professionalism – in conduct, in the execution of teaching and learning and in relationships with all parties
  • Detailed, clearly expressed, thoroughly prepared and well-presented lessons
  • Organisation and implementation of a range of learning activities and assessment strategies
  • Diversity of teaching approaches
  • Development of knowledge, skills and effective classroom strategies, including ICT, to promote engaging learning environments
  • Engagement in a range of activities around the teacher’s role, including assisting the class teacher, structured and critical reflection, as appropriate to the setting.


The University will award the final grade based on reports from relevant staff. Both assessment tasks need to be passed to be awarded a pass grade. Consistent with University regulations, pre-service teachers who fail this unit may be asked to respond to the ‘unsatisfactory progress’ report, and this may in turn lead to termination from the course.

Overview of assessments

Assessment Task 1 Graduate Teacher Performance A...

Assessment Task 1

Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA)

Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA), undertaken in the teaching area; as described in national documentation for the year of study

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 Canvas site of this unit.

Weighting

Pass/Fail
Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment Task 2 Professional Experience Report...

Assessment Task 2

Professional Experience Report

Professional Experience Assessment (CTITE 8)

Professional Experience requirements include compilation of evidence as required.

(Refer to the Unit Professional Experience Guidebook for interim and final reports)

Compilation of evidence will include:

  • Structured observation and analysis of school and classroom contexts
  • Preparation for all teaching episodes including the setting of goals, outcomes, content, assessment criteria catering for a variety of abilities and characteristics
  • Relevant teaching resources
  • Critical reflection on own teaching experiences
  • Feedback from supervising teacher/s and university staff.

This evidence must be compiled into a well-presented and well-organised Professional Experience folder, which must be updated on a daily basis throughout the placement.

Artefacts and reflections should provide evidence of attainment of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers: Graduate and can be included in the ePortfolio.

Weighting

Pass/Fail
Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit applies a situated, practical approach to develop the pre-service teacher’s understanding of effective pedagogies and professional attributes. Relevant preparation for the school context will be provided in either on-campus or on-line modes, but the work/learning of the unit is that of being a teacher in a school, working with real learners, colleagues and parents. The pre-service teacher engages in the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) as a capstone experience in the school context.

Refer to Professional Experience Handbook for detailed guidelines regarding teaching and other requirements. ( Uploaded under accreditation attachments)


Pre-service teachers in this phase of the Professional and Community Experience undertake a minimum of 30 days under agreed supervision arrangements. This experience will involve:

  • Assisted immersion in school and class contexts to begin to experience aspects of the primary school teacher’s role and responsibilities
  • Participation and engagement, as a community of learners with peers, supervising teachers and university staff, in observation opportunities, team and small group teaching, and whole class teaching, observations and analysis of high-quality teaching episodes in both the major and the minor teaching areas
  • Observation and analysis of high-quality teaching episodes in both the major and the minor teaching areas
  • A variety of learning-teaching strategies may be used including:
  • Face-to-face lectures for briefing and debriefing
  • Attendance at all Professional Experience briefing, and debriefing meetings is a unit requirement.
  • Online delivery of content and online quizzes
  • Seminars, tutorials, or workshops, which include pre-service teacher-led discussions and group work, provide opportunities for pre-service teachers to reflect on and build on their experiences in the field Information and communication technologies may be utilised to facilitate an understanding of an educational community of practice.

Professional Experience: Teaching Requirements

Through school-based experiences, pre-service teachers will examine the nexus between theory and practice as they analyse and reflect upon current practices, develop communication, planning and teaching skills and relate their experiences to the theoretical foundations introduced through lectures and tutorials at university. In partnership with the teachers and school communities, they will practice and develop the content and skills explicitly addressed in other units.

AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS - GRADUATE LEVEL

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

AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS - GRADUATE LEVEL

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.

1.5 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.

2.5 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.

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Clark, J. S., Porath, S., Thiele, J., & Jobe, M. (2020). Action research. New Prairie Press.

Duran, D., & Topping, K. (2017). Learning by teaching: Evidence-based strategies to enhance learning in the classroom. Taylor & Francis.

Good, T. L., & Lavigne, A. L. (2018). Looking in classrooms (11th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Henniger, M. L. (2009). The teaching experience: An introduction to reflective practice (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Custo Publishing.

Killen, R. (2015). Effective teaching strategies: Lessons from research and practice (7th ed.). Cengage Learning Australia.

Moore, A. (2012). Teaching and learning: Pedagogy, curriculum and culture (2nd ed.). Milton Park, England: Routledge.

Main, K., & Pendergast, D. (Eds.). (2020). Teaching primary years: Rethinking curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. Routledge.

Pollard, A., & Black-Hawkins, K. (2019). Reflective teaching in schools (5th ed.). London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Whitton, D., Barker, K., Nosworthy, M., Humphries, J., & Sinclair, C. (2016). Learning for teaching, teaching for learning (3rd ed.). Southbank, Vic: Cengage Learning Australia.

Zeichner, K., & Liston, D. (2014). Reflective teaching: An introduction (2nd ed.). New York: Routledge.

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