Units: Units: ED Education (5000 level)
*Includes non-ED required units
ED5031 A Psychological, Social and Emotional Needs of Students
The complexities of students psycho-social development and emergent needs will be examined within the context of specific issues that emerge in the psychology literature.
ED5031 B Ministry and Mission in Education
This module explores issues related to the theology of mission and its pastoral implications, particularly those related to evangelisation and ministry.
ED5031 C Ways of Knowing
This module aims to assist students to think critically about knowledge and education. It explores 'foundations' of knowledge and how knowledge is gained. The debate over evidence, truth and the distinction between Knowledge and belief is discussed. It examines evidential claims and kinds of knowledge.
ED5031 D Teaching Standards and Professionalism
This module explores the complex issue of standards and competency frameworks, their implications for teachers' work and the extent to which adoption of standards of teaching impacts on the concept of teacher professionalism.
ED5031 E Perspectives on Curriculum
This module explores a range of views that reflect the changing face of curriculum. Particular issues will be canvassed including (but not limited to) holistic curriculum, politics of decision making, curriculum leadership.
ED5031 F Politics and Finance of Australian Education
This module explores key issues in the politics of Australian education, focusing on the role of government in education and the impact of funding arrangements on the provision of school education. Analysis of the philosophical basis of reforms and restructuring initiatives will be considered.
ED5050 School Leadership
This unit focuses on the role of the school principal, both primary and secondary. It uses as a context the model of Christ the Leader, and the school as a basic Christian community. It looks at such elements as the recruitment, deployment and management of staff; models of leadership; communication within the school; the principal as the school's first teacher; the principal's rights and obligations in relation to staff, students and parents; the role of the principal in professional development; the principal as community leader; the principal and the Church; the role of the assistant or deputy principal in leadership.
ED5080 Education and the Law
This unit examines State and Commonwealth laws which may impact directly on the role of the school principal and the operation of a school. It covers such areas as industrial relations; equal opportunity laws and practices; the legal rights of principals, parents, children and teachers; the duty of care; the legal bases of financial accountability arrangements; freedom of information; taxation law and the school; occupational health and safety; insurance law; the status and obligations of school boards, relations between the parish, Catholic Education Office and diocese; teacher contracts and the legal position in relation to termination or extension. Matters of current concern will be addressed.
ED5085 Schools and Industrial Relations
This unit examines the historical development of teacher unionism in Australia. It explores the role of State and Federal governments in setting teachers' conditions of employment, encompassing the arbitration system through to collective (enterprise) bargaining. The future of industrial relations as it applies to school education is discussed.
ED5101 Learning Theory and its Classroom Application
This unit explores the range of theories related to learning, including constructivism, behaviourism, brain-based learning, multiple intelligences, control theory, observational learning, and social cognition. The ways in which an understanding of learning theory can assist teachers to develop more effective learning experiences for students will be examined.
ED5160 Christian Formation in Education
Christian formation is fundamental to the educational process in Catholic and Church schools. It offers an alternative life vision which calls students to a commitment to Christian faith and promotes an image of life and the world based on the Kingdom of God. The unit examines the theological basis for this vision and critically evaluates a range of Campus Ministry strategies, themes and activities (retreats, Christian service, prayer, liturgy, peer ministry, personal spirituality, spiritual direction, companionship, etc.) available to foster and enhance it. The unit combines theoretical analysis and consideration of the strategies, themes and activities studied.
ED5185 Stepping Across the Threshold
The Congregation for Catholic Education began its recent statement on the Catholic school (1998:5) with a thumbnail sketch of the circumstances in which education finds itself. It spoke of a crisis of values, rapid structural changes, a widening gap between rich and poor, increasingly pluralistic societies and a growing marginalisation of Christianity as a reference point for an "effective and convincing interpretation of existence". It is in the midst of this reality that Religious Education practitioners strive to make an impact. They do this for individual children, in single classrooms, in whole schools and parishes and in entire systems of schools. They work in partnership with colleagues in schools and parishes and with the families of those entrusted to their care. Above all, they are challenged to find ways of having an impact on the lives of young people and their families who reflect and experience the diversity noted by the Congregation above. This course is designed to allow participants to engage with emerging agenda in RE in the context of substantial input, structured sharing, reading and reflection. It is not intended to be a comprehensive coverage of the field, but rather a selection of critical issues which reflect underlying themes.
ED5186 Myth, Meaning & Metaphor
This unit considers the role of story in human experience and explores the relevance of narrative theology for religious education.
ED5188 Critical Issues in Religious Education I
This is the first of two core religious education units in the Master of Religious Education degree. These units explore a range of issues which influence the theory and practice of religious education in Australia both historically and in the contemporary context. The units treat issues pertaining to the nature and purpose of religious education, as well as the broader educational, socio-cultural and religious contexts in which religious education is conducted. Ways in which approaches to religious education are linked to this changing context are examined. The units introduce students to and systematically examine the current body of research in religious education and encourage student participation in research initiatives.
Please note: Critical Issues in Religious Education I is also a core component of the University's Graduate Certificate in Religious Education
ED5189 Critical Issues in Religious Education II
This is the second of two core religious education units in the Master of Religious Education degree. These units explore a range of issues which influence the theory and practice of religious education in Australia both historically and in the contemporary context. The units treat issues pertaining to the nature and purpose of religious education, as well as the broader educational, socio-cultural and religious contexts in which religious education is conducted. Ways in which approaches to religious education are linked to this changing context are examined. The units introduce students to and systematically examine the current body of research in religious education and encourage student participation in research initiatives.
Whereas the first core unit deals with issues which constitute the contemporary religious and societal contexts for religious education in Australia, Critical Issues in Religious Education II deals specially with approaches to the teaching of RE as well as classroom, curriculum and pedagogical issues impacting on the discipline.
Please note: Critical Issues in Religious Education II is also a core component of the University's Graduate Certificate in Religious Education.
ED5200 Catholic Social Teachings in Education
This unit endeavours to provide an understanding of the major documents of the Church relating to social matters. The social teachings of the Church are central to religious education programs and the general ethos of Catholic schools. The Catholic school today exists in a pluralist Australian society and has developed distinctive ways of fostering the human, social and personal development of young people in the light of its philosophy. Catholic social teaching uses norms and standards for action derived from the gospel and human experience. The unit looks at how to apply Catholic social teaching to families, schools, our nation and our world. An important segment will consider justice in the school, its implications for relationships between members of the school community, and the means of educating for a sense of justice. At a time of rapid social, technological and ecological change, together with growing lay participation and leadership in Catholic schools, school personnel are invited to be aware of the challenge of Catholic social thought.
ED5240 Educating Children with Special Needs
This unit aims to provide an introduction to the education of children with special needs. It examines the particular problems of children whose academic, physical and behavioural differences require special attention within the Catholic educational system. Special attention is given to the methods of identifying and catering to the needs of such children in both the special and regular settings. Social, legal and educational issues relating to the education of children with special needs are also examined.
ED5260 Pastoral Care and the School
This unit examines the concept of pastoral care and its application in the school. Pastoral care has the individual as its focus, permeates all aspects of the curriculum, and is exercised mutually by all members of the school community. It emphasises and promotes respect for the rights of every person. School discipline is part of pastoral care. The unit reviews forms of discipline and behaviour modification procedures in the classroom and in the school community. The psychological bases and sociological contexts of pastoral care policies and practices are studied. The unit provides case study opportunities for students.
ED5270 Leading and Planning IT in Schools
This unit develops an understanding of major issues associated with the use of information technology in education and equips participants to lead and plan in that area. Personal skills in information technology are not a prerequisite. The unit is designed to equip educators and educational leaders to deal with the major changes taking place in education as a result of the introduction information technology. Participants develop strategic planning skills in this area and develop personal skills relevant to this topic. Extensive use is made of the internet for research and discussion.
ED5320Theories and Models of Leadership in Catholic Schools
This unit introduces students to the notion of leadership in Catholic schools. Initially models of leadership are explored, in particular an understanding of Christian Leadership. Students then scrutinize formative influences on Catholic education with special reference to the impact of Vatican II, the significance of Catholic social teaching and the reality of the Catholic school in the 21st century. Finally specific issues in Catholic education are examined. These include the Catholic educational leader, woman in management, the role of the principal as leader and the development of teachers as leaders in Catholic schools.
ED5360 Educating Boys
The unit develops a comprehensive, experiential map of the academic, social and psychological indicators of boys' performance in schools. This is achieved by contributory, collaborative and informed discussion, based on wide reading of the popular, academic and biographical literature, shared with participants in a workshop format to which all contribute. Indeed, this mode of collaborative effort is part of the fabric on which the unit depends, the assessment is based and the outcomes are achieved. Participants are expected to bring their experience, both professional and personal to focus on the issues of achievement and socialisation of adolescent boys in schools. Present educational practices and assumptions are examined and possibilities for a better education of boys can be explored. It is a significant part of the unit that new ways of articulating a vision of the education of adolescent boys be explored.
ED5400 Instructional Strategies for Learning Difficulties
This unit is designed to provide students with an understanding of the diverse nature of learning difficulties, a familiarity with effective instructional design and the knowledge of a wide range of intervention strategies. Practical experience in the assessment of learning difficulties, the planning of individualised intervention programs and the implementation of these programs are features of the unit.
ED5420 Curriculum Planning
The principles of curriculum planning are applied to the planning and development of learning experiences. Case studies in curriculum design are undertaken and issues in curriculum design discussed.
ED5426 Emotional Intelligence in the Classroom
This unit explores the concept of 'emotional intelligence', and models of emotional intelligence that are emerging from the literature. It will examine the implications of these models for classroom practice and how teachers can utilize the power of emotional intelligence to promote student learning.
ED5430 Behaviour Management and social Skills Instruction
This unit aims to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the principles of behaviour management and of social skills instruction, appropriate to children with special needs and to equip them with the strategies necessary to cater for these children in regular and special settings. Special attention will also be given to procedures aimed at enhancing the adjustment of children with autism.
ED5500 Technology and the Curriculum
This course essentially uses a hands-on approach to illustrate how computers may be used in the classroom. Teachers will use a variety of applications to prepare materials and develop activities, in a number of different learning areas, for their students in which computers are an integral element. The practical use of computers will be linked to relevant pedagogy and the development of metacognitive strategies that students need to employ in order to enhance their role as reflective learners.
ED5502 Creative Arts Serving Religious Education
This unit is designed to develop students' understanding and appreciation of the place of creative and expressive arts within the religious education curriculum. The Arts, including music, song, drama and visual art have a long and rich history in the Catholic Church's liturgy and education in faith. In this unit emphasis is given to appreciation of sign and symbol especially as it relates to the celebration of liturgy and units of study in the Western Australian religious education documents. Students taking this unit have the opportunity of increasing their knowledge of the history of Christian art as well as developing skills in a variety of artistic expressions that enhance the implementation of the religious education program in primary and secondary schools.
ED5504 Children's Literature, sociocultural Context and Literacy
This unit is designed to present children's literature as an important means for assisting the development of literacy in the primary school child. Since in many ways human experience can be lived out through narrative there is power in the effective use of children's literature to teach, share and express all human emotions. This becomes all the more significant in the context of the sociocultural dimension of literacy and the importance that literacy plays in human life. During this unit students will come to an understanding of the nature of Children's Literature and how to use this resource powerfully to achieve crucial literacy outcomes in the primary and middle school. An important aspect will be guiding participants towards effective selection of text for varying ages, sociocultural contexts and literacy outcomes, ie. What is a "good book" and how can it be used? Trends and developments in children's books will be explored, as will be the range of materials and services currently available. Participants will look at varying genre and consider how to involve children positively with text so that they become not only children who can read but also children who choose to read!
ED5506 Spirituality of Leadership
This unit will investigate concepts of leadership, spirituality and ministry as well as their inter-relationships, in the context of the faith community. While the Catholic school will be one such community, others may be hospitals, parishes, not-for-profit organisations and any community which considers its mission to be care for others. Participants will analyse leadership from a general as well as more specialised, eg educational, perspective, and this study will be informed by Scripture, Church documents and Theology. The various challenges of leading communities, which are spiritual and faith-based will be addressed.
ED 5507 Theology of Leadership
This unit will be of value to all those professional and practising leaders who deal with the demands of their mission. This will have particular reference to non-profit organisations. While the world of work creates its own demands, many feel people strive to balance their personal and spiritual needs with the requirements of leadership. This unit will investigate the Christian understanding of leadership in a values-based, ethical milieu and will allow participants to explore and articulate their leadership in a Christian perspective. The context of the starting point is explicitly Christian. The Old Testament contains some powerful models of leadership, some of which are developed and/or critiqued within the New Testament heritage. Further reflection by the Church in its continuing search to better understand human nature and Revelation has added to and nuanced this Scriptural tradition. Writers of our times have also contributed to this reflection and their thinking and reflection will be explored in the light of the Church's understanding.
ED5508 Schools as Organisations
This unit provides an introduction to organisational behaviour in education through the examination of schools as organisations. The unit focuses on the application of systems, administrative and management theory and practice, and in particular examines the conceptual and theoretical foundations of organisation behaviour and its practical relevance to the management of Catholic schools. The syllabus considers the evolution of organisational management theory and the links between the concepts of leadership; motivation; change; conflict management; decision making; climate; and organisational effectiveness in relation to the practical implications for individual and school performance. Emphasis is on the examination of practical management problems and the application of relevant management concepts to assist in their resolution.
ED5509 Leadership as Reflective Practice
This unit encourages the participant to examine educational ideals and challenges. The unit, which will be delivered solely via the internet, will be based upon a selection of prescribed texts. The unit will progress through a series of structured 'reflective conversations' with the unit leader which will be discussion style responses and reflections integrating the material read and accessed via the texts, web searches and full text databases of professional reading and personal experience, practice and hopes and ideals of the educational enterprise. This unit will be suitably stimulating for a range of educational leaders: in schools, health and community care, and other helping professions. Ready access to the internet and some facility in its use is assumed, and the texts must be acquired at the beginning or before the commencement of the study of the unit.
ED5540 Information Technology for Learning and Teaching
This unit is designed to equip prospective and practising teachers with the personal skills and understanding to make effective use of the new technologies to improve the preparation, presentation and assessment of learning and teaching. Issues and difficulties involved in the use of learning technologies are examined and students explore a variety of opportunities provided by the information and telecommunication technologies to transform the learning/teaching experience. Emphasis is on producing effective text materials, using large screen presentations, managing marks and other assessments, and using the internet as a research tool.
ED5581 Professional Supervision of Beginning Teachers (available to Heads of Professional Practice only)
The unit is practical in nature, developing both skills and knowledge. It explores the various dimensions of 'clinical supervision': induction, classroom supervision, feedback and reflective practice, building relationships and conflict resolution. In addition, it will provide participants with a common language for describing student achievements and progress. The impact on current pedagogy on classroom practice will also be explored in order to establish a standard of performance for student teachers.
ED5605 Evaluation of Early Childhood Experience
The unit is undertaken in lieu of the four week Early Childhood School Experience qualifying placement. Essentially, this is an alternative assessment device for primary trained teachers who are already employed in Kindergarten or Pre-Primary.
ED5620 Effective Teaching Strategies I
This unit reviews current research on learning. It examines the organisation of learning environments, and the changing role of learner/instructor. A range of instructional techniques are explored and reviewed.
ED5630 Effective Teaching Strategies II
This unit examines the role of motivation and intelligence in learning and the importance of self-reflection. The link between teaching and student learning outcomes is examined in the context of specific teaching strategies and techniques.
ED5640 Teaching in the Middle Years of Schooling
This unit examines the guiding principles of middle schooling and the ways that student learning can be enhanced. It also explores how schools and teachers are implementing middle schooling practices.
ED5660 Adaptive Education for the Inclusive Classroom
This unit focuses on modifying aspects of the educational process to facilitate the education of children with special needs within both the regular class setting and the special support classroom. It examines the principles and procedures for adapting the physical and social environment of the classroom, the curriculum and the mode of instruction. Practical experience in adapting curricula and in multi-level teaching to accommodate children with learning difficulties is a feature of this unit.
ED5670 Strategic Management in Education
This unit provides a systematic introduction to (a) the philosophical and conceptual underpinnings of contemporary strategic planning and management as these have been applied in the business and not-for-profit sectors, (b) what the available literature has revealed about the strengths, limitations and shortcomings of different planning approaches, and (c) what appear to be the principal lessons for effective practice in this area. Emphasis is on the application of the techniques of strategic thinking, needs assessment, strategic planning and the management of strategic innovation to the resolution of needs or challenges facing educational systems, individual schools or areas/strands within schools in the emerging contexts of devolution and competition. Students are required to work individually and in collaborative groups to develop and justify a formal strategic plan for addressing a group-defined challenge or organisational opportunity.
ED5681 Philosophy for Children
This course offers practical methods to enhance professional knowledge and practice to those wishing to use philosophy for children as a way of improving the quality of pupil thinking and reasoning, self esteem and social interaction.
ED5695 Teaching Adolescents: The Search for Meaning and Identity
This unit explores the developmental changes in adolescence, especially those linked to psychosocial development (particularly identity formation). It examines the role of the school in helping adolescents develop decision-making and life-planning skills. Current research on issues of adolescence is examined.
ED5765 Action Research in Education
This unit explores the nature of action research as it pertains to the field of Education. The unit prepares students to design and implement school-based research and introduces students to a range of current research interests. Students will be expected to design and carry out a small scale research project using action research methods.
ED5780 Planning, Teaching and Assessment in RE
This unit explores salient issues related to classroom implementation of Religious Education curriculum. It reflects current theory in the field and engages with contemporary practice in the local, national and international contexts.
ED5790 Trends in Assessment and Evaluation
This unit will provide the student with the opportunity to review relevant literature and approaches to student assessment and the reporting of student achievement. It explores the variety of modes of assessment, their practical implications and theoretical underpinnings. This necessitates examination of the data each mode of assessment yields, the uses that can be made of the data and the qualities these uses demand of the assessment instruments.
ED5841 Kindergarten and Pre-Primary Qualifying School Experience
This practicum consists of 20 days or 120 hours of supervised field experience in a pre-primary centre, a four-year-old kindergarten, or a 3-5 room in a child care centre, where the student teacher seeks to demonstrate competency with children at different levels. The student is expected to plan and implement learning experiences appropriate to children aged between three and six years.
ED5880 Research in Early Childhood Classroom
This unit is an independent study contract designed specifically for Master of Education (Early Childhood) students currently employed as early childhood teachers. The contract, carried out in their current work situations, consists of two distinct components: (1) Selecting a child-development, communication or learning-related issue or personal interest arising from any part of their associated on-course work, the students explore its manifestation in their work setting through systematic observation and implementation of an improvement-oriented action research cycle. (2) For a learning area of their choice, the students are required also to program, plan, implement, evaluate and report on a developmentally appropriate curriculum, spanning at least six-weeks sequentially, for children aged 3 to 6 years.
ED5890 Children of High Ability: Gifted and Talented Students
This unit provides students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, strategies and programming ideas necessary to effectively develop and implement a curriculum appropriate for gifted and talented students in both mainstream and withdrawal situations. Students are shown how to ensure that all students in the classroom benefit from such a curriculum. Topics covered include: definitions and identification, teacher attitudes and expectations, curriculum development, grouping strategies, withdrawal programmes, teaching strategies, acceleration, enrichments, school and classroom management, learning styles, social and emotional implications of giftedness, types of giftedness, concealing giftedness, and the disadvantaged gifted.
ED5898 Working in the Multicultural Classroom
This unit traces the ways in which 'race' and 'ethnicity' have been historically understood and how they are currently employed in understanding and working with cultural difference. In particular, the range of policies and practices impacting on schools will be explored.
ED5900 Child Development Laboratory (0-8)
This unit is offered in two modules, Part 1 and Part 2. Children's spiritual, physical, emotional, social and cognitive development is examined. Students develop a number of different observation techniques that they will apply to their study of young children. Observations are used as the basis for planning in other units in this course. Part 1 of this unit studies the development of children aged 3-8 years. In Part 2 of this unit students study the development of the human person from the neonate to three years.
ED5910 Creative Play and Structuring Environments
This unit is offered in two modules. Part 1 Creative Play Experiences for Young Children (0-8) Play is the work of young children. In this unit students learn the importance of play and the types of play that are developmentally appropriate for children from birth to either years. Students workshop play experiences and develop resources to support the development of the whole child. Examples of play experiences covered in this unit meet the needs of non-mobile infants, toddlers and pre-school aged children. Workshops address exploratory play and sensory experiences; physical play that supports children's fine and gross motor development; play to encourage cognitive development including, language, music, mathematics. Science and environmental experiences; social and emotional development including dramatic play experiences and celebrations; aesthetic and creative development including art and craft experiences and spiritual development. Procedures for excursions and incursions are discussed.
Part II Structuring Environments for the Young Child Applying their knowledge of how children grow and develop, students structure environments for young children n that are safe, hygienic and encourage children aged 6 weeks to 8 years to become self directed learners. Their awareness of health and welfare issues in early childhood are raised. Students construct a cooperative learning environment with learning centers (outdoors and indoors) that constitute a quality early childhood program.
ED5920 Curriculum Design and Development in Early Childhood
The unit looks at the history of early childhood and examines current trends, issues and services that impinge on curriculum development. Students develop a curriculum for an early childhood setting. Working from an understanding of children's and families' needs, students develop a personal philosophy, long and short term goals and objectives for individuals and groups of children. Students construct programs for children aged 6 weeks to eight years. A multicultural, anti-bias perspective of program planning is emphasised. Programs are planned to reflect the school's or centre's philosophy and goals. Plans and time tables are devised to reflect children's needs, abilities and interests. Students are taught to evaluate their program in light of stated goals. Students are introduced to formulation of early childhood policies and procedures as well as administration of early childhood services. The issue of professionalism and the code of ethics is emphasised.
ED5960 Religious and Educational Development of the Child
This unit explores the religious and educational experience and development of young children. It focuses particularly on their God concepts, the role of imagination and on children's spiritual capacity for wonder and awe. It also emphasises facilitating children's ability to reflect and to talk to and about God. It draws on Australian and overseas research on the influence of parental images of God, the role of family, community and school in religious socialisation and the development of religious thinking. A project involving a practical study of 'God-talk' with young children is an essential element of the unit.
ED5980 Religious Education Curriculum and Planning Issues
This unit examines relevant theory related to curriculum development, implementation and evaluation in education and applies this to religious education. It examines a range of planning, teaching, assessment and reporting processes and roles. It considers the development of the religious education curriculum within the total religious education of the Catholic School and the interrelationships of these. It critically analyses a range of resources available to the religious education co-ordinator in the planning process. It explores the creative use of recent Catholic Education Office Guidelines; critically analyses the contribution of particular models; and religious education text books to the planning and teaching process of religious education. It provides practitioners with an opportunity to critique their own and others practice and to apply recent developments of curriculum practice to the field of religious education.
ED5985 Integrating Faith and Reason in Religious Education
Catholicism is marked by a long tradition which links faith and reason, and Philosophy and Theology. Most recently (1997), this has been reiterated in the Papal Encyclical Fides et Ratio. This unit considers the full implications of this tradition for the teaching of Religious Education and the religious culture of Catholic schools.
