Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

As a pre-service teacher you need to be introduced to the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills required by an effective practitioner in the complex social environment of the home economics classroom. You will be provided with the opportunity to observe, explore, analyse, implement and reflect on learning and teaching strategies that can be used to enhance the learning for the diversity of students found in any classroom. Effective practitioners require the knowledge, understanding and practice of factors that impact on the safe and supportive learning environments and how these can be created and maintained.

In this third home economics curriculum unit you will expand on the knowledge and understandings gained from the first and second units. Your curriculum planning activities will be focused on the senior phase of schooling years.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with learning opportunities to continue on your journey to becoming a professional educator who possesses the capabilities to provide high-quality instruction and improved student learning in the senior phase of schooling.

Objectives

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

1. identify and analyse contemporary, evidence-informed theories and research on adolescent development that influence curriculum issues and directions in the area of home economics (QCT Standard Seven).
   
2. research, design, implement, and evaluate engaging and flexible learning experiences that are intellectually challenging for students in the senior phase of schooling. (QCT Standard One, Two, Three, and Four).
   
3. apply the principles of assessment to the development of assessment instruments and programs that comply with the syllabus requirements of the senior phase of schooling. (QCT Standard 5).
   
4. demonstrate an ability to be responsive to the needs of all learners in the home economics classroom (QCT Standard One Two and Three).
   
5. reflect critically on your personal professional practice and show a commitment to ongoing professional renewal (QCT Standard Ten).
   
6. appreciate and value the role of a teacher and the importance of contributing effectively to professional teams (QCT Standard Nine and Ten).

Content

Major topics in this unit include:

• curriculum development and planning within the context of contemporary policies, directions and issues.
  
• senior Home Economics syllabus documents including both Authority and Authority Registered (Home economics, Hospitality, and Early Childhood Studies)
  
• assessment with particular emphasis on the requirements of Year 11/12 syllabus documents which also incorporate national training packages with competency based assessment principles.
  
• management of safe learning environments
  
• diversity of learners and the corresponding diversity of teaching approaches

Specific skill and graduate capabilities you will develop include:

• knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline or professional area
  
• critical, creative and analytical thinking, and effective problem-solving
  
• effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
  
• the ability to work independently and collaboratively
  
• social and ethical responsibility and an understanding of indigenous and international perspectives
  
• characteristics of self-reliance and leadership

  Approaches to Teaching and Learning

  This unit will be available in internal mode. Teaching approaches include a selection from lectures, tutorials, and demonstrations; school and classroom observation; microteaching and discussion; computer and laboratory activities as appropriate; and whole class, small group and autonomous learning periods. Use is made of relevant literature. Reflection and autonomous learning will be encouraged throughout the implementation of this unit.

  Assessment

  There are two assessments to be completed throughout the semester.The nature of the learning/teaching approaches utilised in this unit mean you will be exposed to many processes, experiences and literature, all of which will require engagement and reflection both individually and with your peers. During all weeks leading up to the practice teaching block (Field Studies 3) you will be required to engage with the material presented using a variety of processes such as researching, discussing, reflecting etc. It is this active engagement that will provide you with the necessary abilities to successfully complete the summative assessment task.
  
  Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. You will be provided with feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit.

  Assessment name: Project (applied)
  Description: You will be required to design an assessment item and appropriate learning experience for the senior phase of schooling.
  Relates to objectives: 1,2,3,4
  Weight: 50%
  Internal or external: Internal
  Group or individual: Individual
  Due date: Prior to field study
  

  Assessment name: Project (applied)
  Description: You will be required to complete the assessment of student scripts, feedback and literacy development.
  Relates to objectives: 2,3,4,5,6
  Weight: 50%
  Internal or external: Internal
  Group or individual: Individual
  Due date: End of semester
  

  Academic Honesty

  Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.

  Resource materials

  Texts - available on line
  
  QSA Syllabus Documents in Home Economics and Key Learning Areas.

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  Risk assessment statement

  There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with the general conduct of this unit. Workplace health and safety protocols in relation to computer use will apply.

  Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

  Last modified: 29-Aug-2011