Pre-requisites

ED920 Development Learning and Pedagogies
ED930 Classroom Management

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Apply specialised knowledge to critically analyse lesson scope and sequences for Science, and create lessons and organise classroom activities, incorporating state and national curriculum content, student learning needs, effective teaching strategies and clear directions.

• Communicate advanced knowledge and understanding of the concepts, structure and substance of Science as a discipline.

• Applied advanced knowledge of assessment theory to design assessments to probe scientific understanding and skills.

• Apply learning theory, pedagogy and a range of effective teaching strategies appropriate to teaching Primary Science, demonstrating a deep knowledge and understanding of research and contemporary practices to develop students’ ability to work and think scientifically.

• Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, and apply creativity and initiative in incorporating them into the planning and teaching of Science appropriate to the learning and teaching context to engage students from diverse backgrounds (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds) in their learning.

• Plan and articulate strategies for organising and managing Primary Science lessons in and beyond the classrooms, to support engagement and safe participation.

• Critically apply reflexive practice to their own learning process and ongoing development as a teacher including their understanding of the Christian faith in the context of Christian worldview, Scripture and broader vocation.

Unit Description

This unit will provide pre-service teachers with the opportunity to engage with current knowledge and understanding about the structure and substance of Science, students’ developmental levels in Science learning, and pedagogical approaches for improving their levels of competence in scientific thinking and processes. Through this unit pre-service teachers will engage with and develop their knowledge of the current curriculum for Science. The unit will also focus on developing and applying the pre-service teachers’ knowledge and understanding about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Christian perspectives on Science content and pedagogies.

Through this unit pre-service teachers will critically analyse pedagogies for assessing students’ learning needs in Science and developing effective learning experiences that will engage and cater for a diverse range of students. The unit will explore a range of resources for engaging and supporting students in their Science learning. The unit will also focus on developing the pre-service teachers’ personal competence in utilising ICT for scientific processes, in order to enhance students’ learning in Science and in ICTs. This unit will also focus on developing the pre-service teachers’ personal proficiencies in Science, and incorporates Christian faith, worldview and Scripture related to the teaching vocation.

Topics

1. Christian, Cultural, and Social Perspectives on Science.
2. Understanding and using the Victorian Curriculum F-10 and Australian Curriculum for Science relevant to primary schooling, cross-curriculum priorities and general capabilities.
3. Scientific concepts (Key concepts related to the primary curriculum will be covered, one per class) and scientific inquiry.
4. Learning theory and pedagogy – explicit instruction, modelling and scaffolding and steps to developing independent problem- solving, and inquiry-based learning.
5. Planning for formal and informal diagnostic, formative and summative assessment in Science.
6. Literacy and numeracy learning relevant to Science.
7. Differentiated and inclusive practices in Science for diverse learners.
8. Developing a range of teaching and communication strategies and resources, including ICT to support engagement and participation in Science.
9. Planning lesson sequences and units of work in Science.
10. Organising and managing Science learning environments and experiences.

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Unit offerings

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.