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 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 enrolment mode.
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
In this is unit, students will develop a proposal and project based on outcomes from a literature review, that will address an issue or topic of importance to their work in an educational context. Through participation in learning activities designed for the unit cohort as a whole, students will learn the necessary skills, theories, concepts and discipline expertise relevant to the topic chosen for the proposal and project. Learning activities and teaching strategies will give students the opportunity to draw on the knowledge of the discipline they have gained while completing their Master of Education course and apply it to the completion of an advanced research-informed project.
The unit will be offered in multi-mode where students will be afforded opportunities to engage in sessions that include a range of approaches to support their learning such as reading, reflection, online discussion, case study podcasts, workshops, self-directed learning tasks and assignments.
This is a 20-credit point unit and has been designed to ensure that the time needed to complete the required volume of learning to the requisite standard is approximately 300 hours in total across the period of study.
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