Unit rationale, description and aim
Educators are required to have the knowledge and skills to advise and support colleagues in the implementation of evidence-based strategies designed to improve education systems and student outcomes. For this reason, it is of critical importance that educators can read, interpret and apply findings from their analyses of research literature and data to develop projects that will address contemporary issues in education. Educators with expertise in producing advanced, research-informed responses to contemporary issues in Education will help ensure Australia’s education systems and practices can innovate effectively to meet current and future challenges.
In this final capstone unit, students will use specialised discipline-based and theoretical knowledge gained from their previous study in the discipline stream(s) of the Master of Education to undertake a scholarly endeavour (eg framework set of guidelines, resource for schools). The topic chosen for the project will be of relevance to their context. The knowledge generated from the chosen topic will have the potential to improve an aspect of contemporary education systems and practices.
The aim of this unit is to give students the opportunity to bring together and further strengthen the skills and knowledge they have developed throughout their course by producing an advanced research-informed project in Education.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Identify, critically analyse and synthesise qualit...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply expert discipline knowledge of the literatur...
Learning Outcome 02
Use discipline knowledge and advanced writing and ...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
- The role of research in informing professional practice
- Identifying a significant issue or need that can be appropriately addressed through a research-informed project
- The appropriate genre and form of presentation for the project
- The development of an extended project report that documents the implementation of the scholarly endeavour and presents, for example, the tool, framework or resource.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate achievement of each of the learning outcomes, and to align with the needs of students in their professional context. Students will define a contemporary issue relevant to their context and present a proposal for exploring the issue culminating in a project that presents the findings. Three pieces of assessment have been designed to support students as they work towards the completion of their final project. The first assessment task provides an opportunity to employ specific skills required in defining a topic for exploration based on identification, analysis and synthesis of the literature; the second builds on the first and requires the design of a proposal for a scholarly endeavour in a chosen educational context, so that students can receive feedback in preparation for their final assignment. The unit culminates in the third assessment, a summative assessment task that requires the use of discipline knowledge and advanced writing and referencing skills to complete an advanced research-informed project with findings.
In order to pass this unit, students are required to submit all assessment tasks, demonstrate they have achieved all of the Learning Outcomes for the unit, obtain a mark of at least 50% for their third assessment task, and obtain a mark of at least 50% for the unit as a whole.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Literature Review A cri...
Assessment Task 1: Literature Review
A critical literature review and detailed proposal for a research-informed research project in the discipline or professional practice.
50%
Assessment Task 2: Report An advanced research-i...
Assessment Task 2: Report
An advanced research-informed project that responds to an issue relevant to the professional context. The project should demonstrate advanced research-informed knowledge of the issue and communicate the project’s findings in an appropriate format.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy used allows students to progressively develop and apply their knowledge, understanding, and skills to undertake a relevant and appropriate research project. Assessment 1 is a literature review and research project proposal. The literature review identifies and critiques relevant scholarly and related literature which helps shape and justify the research proposal. The proposal articulates a relevant research question and outlines an appropriate research methodology. Assessment 2 is a report of the research findings and analysis. In order to pass this unit, students are required to successfully complete both assessment tasks regardless of their mode of enrolment.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - Highly Accomplished
In connection to the learning outcomes, on successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should have developed the following industry specific knowledge based on the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - Highly Accomplished standards:
Relating toAnalyse the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to plan personal professional development goals, support colleagues to identify and achieve personal development goals and pre-service teachers to improve classroom practice.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1
Relating toPlan for professional learning by accessing and critiquing relevant research, engage in high quality targeted opportunities to improve practice and offer quality placements for pre-service teachers where applicable.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating toInitiate and engage in professional discussions with colleagues in a range of forums to evaluate practice directed at improving professional knowledge and practice, and the educational outcomes of students.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3