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Unit of study_

EDMT5011: Aboriginal Studies Curriculum 1

Semester 1b, 2021 [Block mode] - Remote

This unit of study prepares pre-service teachers for teaching Stages 4 and 5 Aboriginal Studies in NSW secondary schools. Through learning on country, pre-service teachers explore how local Aboriginal community knowledge reflects the diversity, vibrancy and resilience of Aboriginal peoples and cultures in today's society. Consequently, they will develop culturally responsive relationships-based pedagogical practices, programs and assessment strategies. This will support them in becoming pro-active critical thinkers, intercultural communicators and educators in the field of Aboriginal Studies and in the wider education community.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDMT5011
Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Catherine Burgess, cathie.burgess@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Designing an Assessment Task
Design an assessment task for the unit of work submitted earlier.
30% STUVAC
Due date: 18 Jun 2021 at 23:59
1400 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO3
Assignment group assignment Unit of work
Produce an 8 week detailed unit of work.
40% Week 12
Due date: 28 May 2021 at 23:59
1800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment Learning from Country Critical Reflection
Critical analysis of culturally responsive education
30% Week 13
Due date: 04 Jun 2021 at 23:59
1300 words
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Learning from country critical reflection: You will participate in Learning from Country activities as negotiated with your lecturer and local Aboriginal community educators and organisations. Critically reflect on your experiences of Learning from Country and the theoretical and conceptual implications of this approach for you as a teacher. Explain how the Learning from Country experiences provide a framework for culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogical approaches with reference to the Stage 4&5 Aboriginal Studies syllabus. And critically analyse the link between culturally responsive teaching and improving Aboriginal student outcomes.
  • Unit of work: In this task, you will be required to produce an 8 week Unit of Work [UoW] on one option from the Stage 4 & 5 Aboriginal Studies syllabus including appropriate integration of Core 1 or Core 2 into your chosen option. it will include an introduction, outcomes, content, teaching/learning strategies, resources and differentiation, literacy OR numeracy and ICT strategies, 2 sequential lesson plans, a completed Quality Teaching Coding sheet indicating how QT elements rate in this UoW, an annotated list of resources and a bibliography of the resources.
  • Designing an assessment task: There are two parts to this task. A – A completed ‘Mapping assessment with planning’ sheet. B – Assessment task sheet.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

  • Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration and evidence of superior organisational and conceptual skills. The work is extremely well conceived, coherent, logical, original and lucid as well as professionally prepared. 
  • Impressive and original depth of understanding of the content and discipline is displayed. Information is gathered from a wide range of current & relevant sources beyond the core materials.
  • Convincing synthesis of evidence, critical analysis and understanding of multiple perspectives to formulate a coherent argument.
  • Critical assessment and analysis of the relationship between theory, research and practice. Possible insightful and/or original deployments of theory or theoretical concepts. Implications for personal and professional practice are carefully considered and explored. Work potentially worth dissemination and/or postgraduate study.

Distinction

75 - 84

  • Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration of very good organisational and conceptual skills. The work is well conceived, coherent, logical and lucid as well as professionally prepared.
  • Thorough and comprehensive understanding of the content and/or discipline gathered from a wide range of current & relevant sources beyond the core materials.
  • Convincing synthesis of evidence, critical analysis and understanding of multiple perspectives to formulate a coherent argument. 
  • Insightful critique or consideration of relationship between theory, research and practice. Personal / professional implications for practice considered.

Credit

65 - 74

  • Strong organizational & conceptual skills and evidence that the task is logical and coherent and professionally prepared.
  • Considers topics and issues in the broader disciplinary context. Evidence of having read current and relevant sources beyond the core materials.
  • Credible argument making relevant use of evidence, analysis and understanding. Able to apply concepts and draw and justify conclusions.
  • Critical or evaluative discussion/thinking about links between theory, research and practice.

Pass

50 - 64

  • Demonstrates task organization and conceptual understanding in a style which is mostly logical, coherent and flowing.
  • Clear understanding of topic. Demonstrates understanding of materials presented in core texts and readings.
  • Demonstrates some evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Able to apply fundamental concepts and draw and justify conclusions.
  • Beginning to develop critical reflection and analysis of practice through theory and research. Relevant concepts etc applied in a generally appropriate and thoughtful way.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

  • When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
  • Attempts are made to demonstrate a logical & coherent understanding of the assessment task but some aspects may be confused or undeveloped.
  • Limited understanding of topic with serious gaps or errors. Demonstrates little evidence of having read materials presented in core texts & readings.
  • Little or no evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Fails to draw on fundamental concepts and to justify conclusions.
  • Very little or no consideration of the relationships between theory, research and practice.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 07 Understanding the broader Aboriginal context in Australia; 2. Syllabus and associated NESA documents Tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 1. Planning and developing scope and sequences, units of work and lesson plans; 2. Applying curriculum frameworks such as the quality teaching framework, 8 Aboriginal ways of learning; 3. Place-based, critical and culturally responsive pedagogies Tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 1. Planning and developing scope & sequences, units of work and lesson plans; 2. Strategies in differentiating the curriculum, literacy, numeracy and ICT Tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO6 LO7
Week 10 1. Teaching Aboriginal studies - teaching for social justice; 2. Engaging students through the arts and sports Tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 1. Assessment design; 2. Deficit discourses and high expectations - meeting the needs of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students Tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Analysing the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cross curriculum priority in relation to Aboriginal studies subjects Tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. locate relevant curriculum planning documents such as syllabi, course specification, support documents and relevant policies
  • LO2. identify and explain the aims, outcomes and content of the stage 4 and 5 Aboriginal studies syllabus
  • LO3. understand and interpret these documents to plan and implement appropriate and authentic Aboriginal studies programs, units of work and assessment tasks based on an outcomes approach to teaching and learning
  • LO4. critically analyse a diverse range of resources to ensure culturally appropriate application to a variety of teaching and learning experiences
  • LO5. identify and analyse the needs of students, the school and the local Aboriginal community to guide program design, implementation, and evaluation as well as pedagogical approaches
  • LO6. analyse and apply understandings of contemporary adaptation and diversity of Aboriginal cultural, family and social life to content and pedagogy
  • LO7. identify and apply current teaching theory and practice to embed cross curriculum content, literacy and ICT understandings and skills to appropriate areas of programming, resourcing and assessment.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
4.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to organise classroom activities and provide clear directions.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1. (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
3.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student engagement.
4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
2.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
3.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.
LO5
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.1. Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students.
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
1.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
3.7.1. (Graduate) Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process.
4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
LO6
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
2.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.7.1. (Graduate) Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process.
7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
LO7
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
2.6.1. (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.3.1 T P A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
1.4.1 T P A (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
2.1.1 T P A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1 T P A (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.4.1 T P A (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
2.5.1 T P A (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
2.6.1 T P (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.1.1 T P A (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1 T P A (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1 T P A (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1 T P (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
4.1.1 T P A (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
5.1.1 T P A (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
6.3.1 T P A (Graduate) Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices.
7.3.1 T P (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
7.4.1 T P A (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

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