ObjectivesThe course aims to produce graduates who: * can teach within and across learning areas at secondary levels of schooling (Years 8 to 12); * have developed studies in depth in at least two areas relevant to teaching in secondary schools; * will be flexible, literate, independent and well-informed, equipped with the transferable skills highly valued in the teaching profession; * reflect critically on different teaching theories and practices, on their own teaching, and on their lives, in order to strive for excellence and creativity in their teaching roles; * apply educational theory, knowledge and understanding of complex teaching issues to make informed professional judgments in diverse educational situations; * appreciate the need for continuing professional development in their fields of expertise. Learning outcomesThe expected student outcomes are the knowledge, understandings, skills and attributes that graduates are expected to possess. They are reported below under professional knowledge, professional practice and professional relationships.Professional KnowledgeGraduates of the course are expected to be able to: * achieve high levels of knowledge and understanding of the content, and processes of learning and teaching as applied to secondary contexts; * develop in-depth knowledge and skills in at least two areas relevant to teaching in secondary schools; with one capable of being taught to Year 12; * show familiarity with a range of methodologies, resources and assessment techniques that support student learning; * design programs, use resources and structure teaching and assessment to create a positive learning environment; * demonstrate personal skills related to literacy, numeracy and ICTs; * draw on well-founded educational research and practice to inform their teaching; * be aware of organisational structures and processes of secondary education; * have a fundamental understanding of the purposes of secondary education as a basis for ongoing critical review; * understand and facilitate students' transitions from primary to secondary school; * understand and facilitate students' informed decisions in relation to achieving satisfying transitions from secondary school to further study/training/employment or combinations thereof.Professional PracticeGraduates of the course are expected to be able to: * use a range of teaching and learning strategies and resources to provide a positive, challenging and inclusive learning environment; * know how to assess and monitor student learning, maintain records of progress and report on these to learners and parents/caregivers; * show ability to establish a classroom environment with fair and consistent expectations and interactions within broader policies relating to student behaviour; * interact ethically and responsibly with learners and their caregivers, and with colleagues and the wider community; * communicate knowledge and views clearly and respectfully; * reflect on professional practice as the basis for improving knowledge and practice; and * work within the organisational structure of secondary schooling to bring about improvements in teaching and learning.Professional RelationshipsGraduates of the course are expected to be able to: * show capacity to fulfill administrative, professional and industrial expectations within legal and other relevant frameworks; * understand how to manage confidential information and conflict in a sensitive manner; and * apply skills required for building positive, respectful relationships with learners, their caregivers, colleagues, and the wider community.
Entry requirementsApplicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from the University (other than in education or teaching) or an approved qualification from another approved tertiary institution, and have studied two of the following teaching/curriculum areas:Drama, English, Visual Arts, Mathematics, Information Technology, Modern Languages (restricted to Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, German and Modern Greek), Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences), Psychology and a variety of disciplines which fall under the heading Society and the Environment (eg History, Geography, Religion Studies, Environmental Studies, Australian Studies, Asian Studies, Legal Studies, Social Studies), Physical Education and Health Education.Limited credit may be granted for topics taken at the University or other institutions.
Academic titleMaster of Teaching (Secondary)
Course descriptionThe Master of Teaching (Secondary) is a pre-service teacher education course which requires two years of study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the Faculty of Education, Humanities, Law and Theology.
A Lutheran strand is available for students wishing to teach in that system.
Eligible students can complete a research strand. Enrolment in the research strand is subject to the school being able to provide appropriate resources and staff to supervise the program of study.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]
To qualify for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) a student must complete 72 units of Education Studies as set out below, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.
Except with the permission of the Board:
* no compulsory topic may be taken more than twice;
* teaching practice topics may not be attempted more than once.
Students should note that teaching practice topics require full-time commitment for their duration.
The following 72 units comprise the degree program for Master of Teaching students. Not all topics are necessarily available in any given year.
First Year
Semester 1
EDUC9100
Sociological Understandings of Education
6
EDUC2302
Teaching Literacy and Numeracy in Middle School: Policy Documents to Practice
Lecture for Professional Teaching Practice 3C (8-12)
0
Semester 2
EDUC9203
Teaching and Learning: Child and Adolescent Development (8-12)
6
EDUC3608
Integrated Curriculum Studies
6
EDUC3668
Professional Teaching Practice 3C (8-12)
6
Second Year
Semester 1
EDUC4700
Curriculum Studies Specialisations 2
6
Education elective from approved list
6
EDUC4779
Professional Teaching Practice 4C (8-12)
6
Semester 2
Education elective from approved list
6
EDUC9xxx
Learning and Teaching in Secondary Schools
6
EDUC9xxx
Critical Indigenous Pedagogies
6
Research Strand
A research pathway will be available to selected students. Acceptance as a candidate will depend upon:
* the student having attained a sufficiently high academic standard in the first year of their Master of Teaching degree (normally a GPA of 5.5 or above);
* the School of Education being able to provide adequate resources to supervise and manage the proposed research project.
Sequence for Research Strand
* EDUC9xxx Thesis in Education Part A (6) Semester 3 (as chosen elective)
* EDUC9xxx Thesis in Education Part B (12) Semester 4.
The research strand may provide students with a pathway to research higher degree study.