EDSP601 - Special Studies in Education

Year

Credit points

Campus offering

Prerequisites

Unit rationale, description and aim

At a time of rapid ongoing change as a result of globalisation, internationalisation and the continuing development of information communication technologies, the ability of educators and allied professionals to develop advanced knowledge, integrated understanding and expert skills in new and emerging domains is of critical importance. Therefore, the aim of this "shell" unit is to provide flexibility to utilise the occasional presence of visiting lecturers or to provide cohort groups with special study arrangements; additional topics that contribute to the outcomes of the Graduate Certificate in Education or the Master of Education, which are not presently covered within the existing units. As required, this generic unit outline for a special studies unit will be fully developed and approved by FEA Faculty Board before the special studies unit is offered.

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.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

LO1     investigate and analyse an aspect of the theory and/practice of education that is relevant to the topic of study (GA5, GA8)

LO2     examine and critically analyse approaches and methodologies appropriate for education that reflect an understanding of and commitment to professional ethical standards which relate to the chosen topic (GA3, GA4)

LO3     extend and broaden understandings of education in light of globalisation and internationalisation nature of society (GA1, GA2, GA6)

LO4     critically analyse and evaluate relevant literature related to the chosen topic in ways that demonstrate an open-mindedness and receptivity to new ideas and expertise in the chosen academic field (GA4, GA5).

Graduate attributes

GA1 - demonstrate respect for the dignity of each individual and for human diversity

GA2 - recognise their responsibility to the common good, the environment and society 

GA3 - apply ethical perspectives in informed decision making

GA4 - think critically and reflectively 

GA5 - demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession 

GA6 - solve problems in a variety of settings taking local and international perspectives into account

GA8 - locate, organise, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information 

Content

Topics will include:

The content of this special studies unit will vary according to the specific purpose for the unit being offered. The content will extend or complement topics not currently addressed by other units in the course.

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit is offered in Multi-mode and includes face-to-face learning and teaching along with digital support via the unit LEO (Learning Environment Online) site. Engagement for learning is the key driver in the delivery of this curriculum, therefore an active learning approach is utilised to support students in their exploration and demonstration of achievement of the unit’s specified learning outcomes. A range of strategies will be used to support active learning and may include: online tutorials, workshops and seminars; synchronous and/or asynchronous digital engagement in reading/library tasks and presentations, learning activities, discussion forums and consultation as mediated through the LEO unit site.

This is a 10-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 150 hours in total across the semester. To achieve a passing standard in this unit, students will find it helpful to engage in the full range of learning activities and assessments utilised in this unit, as described in the learning and teaching strategy and the assessment strategy. The learning and teaching and assessment strategies include a range of approaches to support your learning such as reading, reflection, discussion, webinars, podcasts, video, workshops, and assignments etc. 

Assessment strategy and rationale

A range of assessment procedures are used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes and professional standards and criteria consistent with University assessment requirements.

The assessment tasks are sequenced to support the student in developing expertise in as relevant to the special studies unit.

The assessment tasks and their weighting for this unit are mapped to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes and the related academic and professional standards. In order to pass this unit, students are required to successfully complete all assessment tasks regardless of their mode of enrolment

Overview of assessments

The assessment tasks are sequenced to support the student in developing expertise in (to be completed as relevant to the special studies unit).

Representative texts and references

A list of selected texts and references will be developed for each specific offering of the special studies unit.