James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

ED1401 - Education Perspectives and Practice

Townsville Mixed attendance available only to RATEP students. SP1/2 External available only to External ECE students. JCU Online campus mode is available only to Online B Ed ECE and primary students enrolled in the carousel offering.

Subject Description

The subject is an orientation to teaching as a profession. It inducts preservice teachers into the habit of professional practice to draw on research, professional experience and policy as resources to inform their curricular, pedagogical and ethical decision-making processes. Current issues in education, including equity, student diversity, policy priorities, the structure of education system in Australia and competing expectations of teachers are explored through theory and research to induct preservice teachers into the intellectual, creative and political dimension of the profession. The subject fosters preservice teachers' understanding of the connections of schools to the community, and sense of agency about their professional responsibilities and identity. Upon completion of this subject, preservice teachers will be able to explore ways to understand the sociocultural backgrounds of students and interpret current policy priorities to enable them to be responsive teachers to individual students. This subject includes 5 days of professional experience.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an ability to undertake an inquiry approach to develop an understanding of practice from a range of social theories, key research and policies on issues in education to inform their ethical decision-making process and practice
• demonstrate awareness of Early Years Framework and Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
• Reflect on knowledge as a social and historical construct, in relation to theories of society, individuals, communities and institutions; and how these influence understanding of the educational outcomes for diverse children and communities
• critically reflect on dispositions for, and practice of effective teaching and caring that nurtures productive relationships with students, their families and the community
• Demonstrate understanding of their professional responsibility for continued professional learning
• Demonstrate awareness of key legislative, administrative and organisational policies

Subject Assessment

• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (40%) - Individual
• Task 3 - Reading Presentation - (20%) - Group
• Written > Critical Analysis - (40%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Special Assessment Requirements

The completion of the required 5 days of Professional Experience and submission of the Professional Experience Attendance Record is a requirement to pass this subject. Attendance at Professional Experience Briefings is an essential component of Professional Experience preparation.

Availabilities