EDUC9122 Researching Learners and Learning (Secondary)

2015

4.5

1 x 1-hour lecture weekly
1 x 3-hour seminar weekly

1 Admission into MTSESC-Master of Teaching (Special Education) (Secondary)
1a Admission into MTS-Master of Teaching (Secondary)
1b Admission into MTSA-Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b))

EDUC9203 has been successfully completed

Effective teaching for student learning and well-being requires an understanding of the diverse range of learners - their development, their contexts, their individual differences and the various factors which impact on their development, learning and well-being. Theories and research literature explaining motivation, learning and well-being will inform pre-service teachers' knowledge of young people as learners.

The connections between developmental and learning theories and teaching practice relevant to secondary aged students will be examined using critical analysis and reflection. Pre-service teachers will work in small groups to complete an inquiry project and a Problem Based Learning case study to investigate the implications a range of issues might have for diverse students’ development and learning, and services and provisions that teachers might implement in response.

This topic aims to:

• make visible the pre-service teacher's understanding of themselves as a learner and to encourage them to become more effective and strategic learners

• introduce theories of learning and development and the research literature which supports an informed understanding of learners, learning and well-being

• identify from the research literature factors which contribute to learner diversity

• develop pre-service teachers' critical reflection and writing skills

• make explicit the connection between teachers' philosophies of teaching and learning and their pedagogical approaches

• demonstrate how teachers' practice is informed by theory and research by applying topic content to current educational policies and documents

• develop independent and collaborative inquiry, communication and study skills

On completion of this topic students will:

• demonstrate broad knowledge of the educational and psychological research and literature pertaining to learners and learning

• apply theory to practice through relating topic content to educational documents and inquiry into authentic case studies

• critically reflect on, analyse and evaluate selected ideas within the topic

• demonstrate collaborative skills to work effectively with colleagues

• communicate their ideas in both written and verbal presentations

• articulate a personal philosophy of teaching statement