Unit rationale, description and aim
The mission of Catholic Education includes, yet transforms, the formal and informal curriculum, as well as the teaching and learning processes through which curriculum is enacted. Its purpose reflects a theology of learning, an incarnational relationality, and an integrated anthropology.
Students will critically analyse contemporary theory and research on the leadership of teaching and learning, particularly in the context of the mission and vision of Catholic education introduced in EDLE650. Central to this analysis is a focus on the role of leadership in supporting quality teaching and improved outcomes of schooling for all students, and the challenges and opportunities these pose for leaders to transform schools, teaching and learning. Key aspects include leadership practices that have a positive impact on learning for leaders, teachers and students.
The aim of this unit is to equip leaders to build positive, innovative, and dynamic cultures of learning grounded within the mission, vision, and culture of a faith community.
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.
Investigate the macro and micro contexts influenci...
Learning Outcome 01
'EDLE651 - Leading Learning in Catholic Educational Communities and Cultures - Graduate Capabilities v2 - '
Critically analyse contemporary research and theor...
Learning Outcome 02
'EDLE651 - Leading Learning in Catholic Educational Communities and Cultures - Graduate Capabilities v2 - '
Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of leadershi...
Learning Outcome 03
'EDLE651 - Leading Learning in Catholic Educational Communities and Cultures - Graduate Capabilities v2 - '
Design and justify a conceptual framework (or mode...
Learning Outcome 04
'EDLE651 - Leading Learning in Catholic Educational Communities and Cultures - Graduate Capabilities v2 - '
Content
Topics will include:
- The school as a hospitable space – fostering inclusive and welcoming Catholic schools
- Understanding quality teaching and learning: Learning sciences, nature of learning, principles of learning, quality teaching - what makes a difference
- Conceptual frames and mindsets: Values, vision, ethics, and moral purpose of inclusive and positive learning
- Leadership that makes a difference: Contemporary research on leading learning communities
- Connecting leadership with the professional work of teachers and learning: Leadership practices and their impact on teaching and learning
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate achievement of each learning outcome. Assessment tasks build on each other through a developmental and applied approach, provide students the opportunity to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes and professional standards and criteria consistent with University assessment requirements. The unit adopts a constructivist and reflexive approach across the two assessments. The first assessment examines core concepts, models, and understandings of contemporary learning cultures. Students critically relate these to their current leadership context. Assessment 2 requires analysis of students’ context using a range of tools and frameworks. Assessment 2 requires students to draw on insights from both assessments to develop a response to those contextual issues identified in Assessment 1. In order to pass this unit, students are required to successfully complete both assessment tasks regardless of their mode of enrolment.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Applied Analysis Drawing from...
Assessment Task 1: Applied Analysis
Drawing from a range of scholarly literature, describe key elements of what constitutes an inclusive and positive learning culture in Catholic schools (or another relevant setting). Using relevant cultural audit tools, identify an area for improvement.
50%
Assessment Task 2: Action Plan Development Devel...
Assessment Task 2: Action Plan Development
Develop an improvement plan in response to the findings of the critical analysis section of Assessment Task 1.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit may be offered in fully online, campus or multi-mode for the equivalence of 150 hours of study. The unit blends a range of theological, psychological, sociological, and educational literatures to engage students in critical reflection about their own community. It challenges them to analyse critically the lived experience of people within their educational community, as well as reflect on the impact of their own leadership practice.
Introductory lectures and scholarly readings provide foundational content and knowledge for students on what contributes to positive and inclusive approaches to learning in Catholic schools. Various models of organisational culture are introduced to equip student with tools for analysis of their own leadership context. Case studies and research findings provide further examples for students to contrast and compare against their own practical experience. Students explore how to develop improvement plans in response to the audit process, including how to evaluate the effectiveness of any proposed change.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - Lead
In connection to the learning outcomes, on successful completion of this unit, students should have developed the following industry specific knowledge based on the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - Lead standards:
Australian Professional Standard For Principals - Professional Practice
In connection to the learning outcomes, on successful completion of this unit, students should have developed the following industry specific knowledge based on the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - Professional Practice standards: