EDF4510 - Connecting the curriculum

Leader: Dr S Webster (Clayton); Dr R Haworth (Gippsland)

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Gippsland First semester (Open Learning) 2009 (Open Learning)

Synopsis

The emphasis in the unit is on: inter-disciplinary studies; curriculum as it is enacted in the classroom and its connection to whole-school and community practices; and the implications of connected curriculum for pedagogy and assessment. In association with the practicum, students are required to critically evaluate, apply and imagine curriculum ideas that enable teachers to teach in cross-disciplinary settings. The unit will draw on contemporary curriculum developments in Australia and internationally including: problem-based learning, inter-disciplinary studies, curriculum integration, metacognition, and community-based curriculum.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, pre-service students should be able to:

1. develop a critical perspective on historical and contemporary curriculum ideas;
2. understand the notion of inter-disciplinary studies;
3. understand the implications of connected curriculum for pedagogy and assessment; and
4. apply these understandings by constructing a cross--disciplinary curriculum for a secondary school and/or middle school setting.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Critical evaluation task (2000 words, 50%); Assessment task 2: Curriculum design task (equivalent to 2000 words, 50%)

Contact hours

3 (max) contact hours per week

Prerequisites

Level 3, undergraduate degree, or by special permission