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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Education : School Studies
The complete School Studies sequence forms the professional core component of the BEd (Primary) course for students who enrolled before 1996. It consists of sequential programs of integrated experiences and studies over a four year period aimed at providing students with a theoretical and practical basis for the development of a personal theory of learning and teaching, expertise in the developments of policy and programs and the ability to organise learning environments in which children will develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge in all areas of human development.
Special organisational features include various modes of team teaching, and opportunities for negotiated curriculum and collaborative learning.
A practical focus for integrated learning is provided. In Year 1 students are attached to a particular school with team members under the guidance of a faculty staff member who also acts in a liaison capacity. Initial learning takes place through direct observation and experience about the school as an institution in a particular community, children in schools, the curriculum provided for them and the approaches of teachers. Education issues introduced and explored are developed in Education Studies B. Other A-level subjects allow students to develop their own mathematical, art, science and language competency and understanding.
In Year 2 the focus shifts to the individual child. Informal understanding of child development and learning are formalised and students develop evaluative and teaching strategies with particular reference to language and mathematics.
Year 3 provides for an extensive and comprehensive study of curriculum, emphasising the integrative nature of learning and teaching and the specifics of subjects, and is parallelled by sustained teaching experiences. Students are thus able to identify knowledge gaps which can be covered through the selection of appropriate elective subjects. Policy making and program development are examined in the school setting.
In Year 4 students examine learning in relation to their classroom experiences and develop integrated curriculum units appropriate to their particular teaching situation. Opportunity is provided for students to become active school-based researchers. Experienced teachers undertake a form of this study which has been adapted to their circumstances.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Education : School Studies
Status: OFFICIAL 1997 Last Modified: Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm SGML to HTML Conversion: Information Technology Services Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email Enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.