Year
2024Credit points
10Campus offering
Prerequisites
Nil
Incompatible
EDST543 Science Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 1
Unit rationale, description and aim
In order to plan and deliver lessons that promote learner engagement and enhance student learning, intending secondary teachers need a knowledge and understanding of the junior secondary curriculum, along with theoretical frameworks and pedagogical approaches that are emblematic of teaching in their chosen teaching areas.
Pre-service teachers will study the junior secondary Science curriculum, including general capabilities, cross-curriculum priorities and other allied materials. They will critique their prior knowledge and experience in the field and how these connect with the scope of the curriculum, identifying opportunities, challenges and responsibilities of Science teaching. Pre-service teachers will explore theoretical frameworks associated with teaching and learning in Science education. They will learn evidence-based approaches to plan for effective teaching and learning, including embedded literacy and numeracy, and the use of digital technologies. They will learn approaches for engaging learners and to meet the learning needs of diverse students. An introduction to assessment, in particular diagnostic and formative, is undertaken. They will learn to compose good questions, tasks and develop skills to shape the dialogic talk of the classroom. They will learn to compose good questions, to assemble productive assessment tasks and develop skills to shape the dialogic talk of the classroom. Focusing on the detailed planning of a short series of lessons, pre-service teachers will learn to structure lesson sequences within units of work in order to demonstrate a knowledge of curriculum and learning theory. They will engage in micro-teaching to practice engaging students and guiding the classroom discourse.
The aim of this unit is for the pre-service teacher to develop their pedagogical content knowledge through becoming familiar with the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for teaching Science at a junior secondary level.
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.
| Learning Outcome Number | Learning Outcome Description | Relevant Graduate Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| LO1 | Plan and devise a structured learning program in junior secondary Science, showing a mastery of the concepts, substance and structure of the junior secondary Science curriculum and assessment principles (APST 2.1, 2.3, 5.1. 5.2) | GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC8, GC11, GC12 |
| LO2 | Critically analyse and develop a range of approaches to planning and delivering engaging and purposeful teaching/learning sequences for junior secondary Science and including the selection of appropriate resources, informed by an understanding of how students learn in Science (APST 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.5) | GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC11, GC12 |
| LO3 | Describe, design and evaluate a variety of pedagogical approaches in junior secondary Science which allow the specific learning strengths and needs of students to be met (APST 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.4, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3) | GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC8, GC10, GC11, GC12 |
| LO4 | Identify and explain the use of linguistic resources to provide directions, explanations and support student learning (APST 1.3, 2.1, 2.4, 3.3, 3.5, 4.1, 5.2) | GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC11, GC12 |
| LO5 | Synthesise and critically reflect upon the professional responsibilities of the Science teacher, including the provision of a safe and supportive learning environment (APST 1.3, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.3, 4.5, 5.1, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 7.1, 7.2, 7.4) |
AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS - GRADUATE LEVEL
On successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should be able to:
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. |
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. |
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. |
4.5 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. |
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. |
7.4 Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice. |
Content
Topics will include:
- The pre-service teachers’ prior experience of, and engagement with Science education
- The Australian junior secondary Science curriculum, including general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities, focusing on appropriate state/jurisdictional expectations, syllabi and guidelines
- Theoretical frameworks associated with Science teaching and learning
- Pedagogical approaches emblematic of Science teaching and learning
- Planning and curriculum alignment
- Planning for effective teaching and learning in junior secondary Science education
- Differentiated teaching in Science Education
- Needs of learners from diverse cognitive, physical, social and cultural backgrounds
- Needs of learners from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds
- Incorporating literacy and numeracy in Science teaching
- Digital technologies for teaching/learning in Science education
- Conversational, questioning and scaffolding techniques to shape dialogic classroom talk in Science education
- Teacher-presented explanations
- An introduction to assessment in junior secondary Science education with particular emphasis on formative and diagnostic
- Learning beyond the classroom
- Student welfare and safety in Science education classrooms and typical Science teaching/learning environments
- Professional responsibilities and relationships
- Professional associations and continued professional learning
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit applies a social constructivist approach to develop the pre-service teacher’s understanding of effective pedagogies through active engagement and collaborative learning. It is designed to build the pre-service teacher’s understanding of teaching strategies designed to consolidate the learning of content, apply knowledge to problem-solving tasks and develop analytical and evaluating skills. The pre-service teacher’s skills of professional communication and ability to work collaboratively will be practised through group activities and culminating in micro-teaching opportunities. Teaching skills of planning and assessing, and ability to locate and synthesise information, will be developed through designing Humanities and Social Sciences lessons. The pre-service teacher will continue to gather and reflect upon evidence of attainment of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers: Graduate.
The teaching and learning strategy described above will use an appropriate selection of approaches, including, for example:
- Weekly lectures (synchronous and asynchronous)
- Hands-on discussions that promote peer learning
- Microteaching opportunities
- Self-directed reading and research
- Collaborative learning opportunities
The unit is hosted on a Learning Management System (LMS) site with resources and online links, announcements, and a discussion board to post questions and reflections that promote the connection between content and educational experiences.
Mode of delivery: This unit may be offered in different modes to cater to the learning needs and preferences of a range of participants.
Multi-mode
Learning activities are delivered through a planned mix of online and in-person classes, which may include full-day sessions and/or placements, to enable interaction. Activities that require attendance will appear in a student’s timetable.
Online unscheduled
Learning activities are accessible anytime, anywhere. These units are normally delivered fully online and will not appear in a student’s timetable.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks and their weightings are designed so that the pre-service teacher can progressively achieve the course learning outcomes and the professional standards. The Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment units in this course focus on pre-service teachers acquiring content knowledge and developing the skills to assimilate conceptual knowledge in order for that knowledge to inform skills that will be applied in practice.
The assessment tasks are sequenced to allow feedback and progressive development. These tasks reflect ‘real world’ school contexts and teaching responsibilities, thereby preparing the pre-service teacher for professional experience placement and one’s role as a teacher.
Overview of assessments
| Brief Description of Kind and Purpose of Assessment Tasks | Weighting | Learning Outcomes | Graduate Capabilities | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment Task 1: Lesson Planning Develop three sequential lesson plans that are research-informed, and demonstrate the integration of curriculum, pedagogical, and assessment principles and strategies relevant to the teaching of the unit discipline area for a selected Year level between years 7-10. Justify choices made with supporting evidence. | 50% | LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4 | GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC10, GC11, GC12 | APST(GA)1.1, APST(GA)1.2, APST(GA)1.3, APST(GA)1.4, APST(GA)1.5, APST(GA)2.1, APST(GA)2.2, APST(GA)2.3, APST(GA)2.5, APST(GA)2.6, APST(GA)3.1, APST(GA)3.2, APST(GA)3.3, APST(GA)3.4, APST(GA)3.5, APST(GA)3.6, APST(GA)4.1, APST(GA)4.2, APST(GA)4.5, APST(GA)5.1, APST(GA)5.2, APST(GA)6.1, APST(GA)6.2, APST(GA)6.4, APST(GA)7.4 |
Assessment Task 2 For Assessment Task 2, choose one of the following tasks. It is recommended that you cover Option in your principal teaching area, and Option 2 in your second teaching area. Option 1 Microteaching portfolio A video compilation with a mock group of students illustrating approaches to presenting clear explanations, precise instructions, and purposeful questions. A variety of contexts and resources should be considered. Reflect on the process and outcomes. Option 2 Skills audit and professional learning plan Conduct an audit of your knowledge and skills in relevant secondary 7-10 curriculum documents and devise a related professional development plan. Reflect on the process and outcomes. | 50% | LO1, LO2 | GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC11, GC12 | APST(GA)1.1, APST(GA)1.2, APST(GA)1.3, APST(GA)1.5, APST(GA)2.1, APST(GA)2.3, APST(GA)2.5, APST(GA)2.6, APST(GA)3.3, APST(GA)3.4, APST(GA)3.5, APST(GA)4.1, APST(GA)5.1, APST(GA)6.1, APST(GA)6.2, APST(GA)6.4, APST(GA)7.4 |
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
Recommended references
Dawson, V.M., Venville, G. J., & Donovan, J. (2019). The art of teaching science: A comprehensive guide to the teaching of secondary school science (3rd ed.). Allen & Unwin. https://acu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61ACU_INST/qpf7hm/alma991013046199902352
Isabelle, A, D. (2017). Steps to STEM: A science curriculum supplement for upper elementary and middle school grades – Teacher’s edition. SensePublishers. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6300-791-7
Suh, J.K., & Park, S. (2017). Exploring the relationship between pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and sustainability of an innovative science teaching approach. Teaching and Teacher Education, 64, 246–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.01.021
Sund, P., & Gericke, N. (2020). Teaching contributions from secondary school subject areas to education for sustainable development - a comparative study of science, social science and language teachers. Environmental Education Research, 26(6), 772–794. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2020.1754341
Tsivitanidou, O., Gray, P., Rybska, E., Louca, L., & Constantinou, C. P. (Eds). (2018). Professional development for inquiry-based science teaching and learning. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91406-0
Wellington, J.J., & Ireson, G. (2018). Science learning, science teaching (4th ed.). Routledge. https://acu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61ACU_INST/13lm7d8/alma991013121297902352