James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

ED5955 - Learners and Learning in Secondary School Contexts

Subject Description

This subject develops graduate student teachers' understanding of learners and the learning process within the primary/secondary school context. Graduate student teachers will examine the philosophical antecedents of theoretical models pertaining to development and learning, and critically apply empirically-established models to explain human development and behaviour. Graduate student teachers build a repertoire of strategies to examine current research and basic understanding of intelligence, motivation, special needs and recent neuroscience findings related to learning and development. Particular emphasis is given to developing skills to ethically research, apply and critically evaluate new and established theories to diverse teaching practices and learners. This subject includes 15 days of Professional Experience in a secondary school, where graduate student teachers apply their learning to complete a range of activities.

Learning Outcomes

• identify concepts from educational theories of physical, cognitive and psychosocial development and explain how they inform understanding of child and adolescent characteristics that affect learning
• critically analyse educational theory and research into how students learn
• identify differentiated teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning needs of diverse students across the full range of abilities, and support inclusive participation of students with disability
• describe practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour and create supportive and safe learning environments in accordance with legislative and curriculum requirements
• reflect on the ethical standards and legal responsibilities that underpin the teaching profession and code of conduct

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Case study analysis - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Research report - (50%) - 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

Complete consecutive Preliminary 5 days + consecutive Final 10 days Placement, submit Satisfactory grading - Minimum Developing Adequately in all descriptors of the Professional Experience Reports and completion of 5 Integrated Couse Work Days is required to pass the subject. Attendance at Professional Experience Workshops is an essential component of the Work Integrated Learning Program. If repeating the subject, the reattempt at all subject assessment including the Placement is a requirement.

Assumed Knowledge:  Introductory subject in educational psychology, so no previous knowledge of the field assumed

Corequisites:  N/A

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  ED5950

Availabilities