James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2018

ED5950 - Learning for Diverse Learners in Primary School Contexts

Credit points: 03
Year: 2018
Student Contribution Band: Band 1
Administered by: College of Arts, Society & Education

Limited to graduate student teachers enrolled in the Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary). 5 day general compulsory orientation for all phase 1 subjects; ED5950, ED5953, ED5951, ED5952.

The primary goal of this subject is to foster graduate student teacher development towards the Graduate Teacher Australian Professional Standard requirements for understanding learners and the learning process within the primary school context. They will examine the philosophical antecedents of theoretical models pertaining to development and learning and critically apply the most empirically established models explaining human development and behaviour. Students will examine current research and basic understanding of intelligence, motivation, special needs, and recent neuroscience findings related to learning and development. In order to interpret course concepts critically students will engage and reflect on constructivist, behaviourist and humanistic approaches to learning. Upon completion of this subject, through the professional knowledge acquired and professional practice experiences provided, graduate student teachers will be able to approach the art and science of teaching with greater expertise in diverse learning contexts and for diverse learners, with attention to planning, behaviour support, assessment and management. They will have had the opportunity to reflect upon the dispositions necessary to engage in professional practice in curriculum, teaching and learning design to enhance the experience of their students. Using expert specialised technical skills elaborated upon in this subject the graduate student teachers will be able to independently and ethically research, apply and critically evaluate new and established theories to diverse teaching practices and learners. As a result they will be better equipped to respond appropriately to diverse learners to enhance their academic and social outcomes. Associated with this subject are 15 days of practicum in a primary school in which GSTs complete a range of activities introducing graduate student teachers to the elements of the Graduate Teacher Australian Professional Standards grounded especially in the foundations of educational and developmental psychology.

Learning Outcomes

Assumed
Knowledge:
Literacy and numeracy capabilities commensurate with a post-graduate student level

Availabilities

Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2018
Coordinator: Assoc. Professor Helen Boon
Contact hours:
  • 18 hours workshops/Seminars
  • 18 hours - web-based supported learning
  • 15 days professional experience
Assessment:online exam: focus on content and pedagogical knowledge pertaining to learning and developmental psychology (50%); weekly on-line quizzes (10%); research project - practicum-based research application to understanding learners and learning (40%).
Special Assessment Requirements:satisfactory completion of practicum and subject specific assessments

External, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2018
Coordinator: Assoc. Professor Helen Boon
Contact hours:
  • 18 hours workshops/Seminars
  • 18 hours - web-based supported learning
  • 15 days professional experience
Method of Delivery:WWW - LearnJCU
Assessment:online exam:focus on content and pedagogical knowledge pertaining to learning and developmental psychology (50%); weekly on-line quizzes (10%); research project - practicum-based research application to understanding learners and learning (40%).

Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2018
Coordinator: Assoc. Professor Helen Boon
Contact hours:
  • 18 hours workshops/Seminars
  • 18 hours - web-based supported learning
  • 15 days professional experience
Assessment:online exam- focus on content and pedagogical knowledge pertaining to learning and developmental psychology (50%); weekly on-line quizzes (10%); practicum-based research application to understanding learners and learning (40%).
Special Assessment Requirements:satisfactory completion of practicum and subject specific assessments

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.