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Unit of study_

EDMT5534: Human Society and its Environment K-6

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) is a vital Key Learning Area in the primary curriculum. The knowledge and understandings, skills and strategies, values and attitudes inherent in HSIE K-6 provide opportunities for young children to learn about themselves, their community, their nation and the world. Recent curriculum changes to HSIE K-6 are addressed in this unit of study where our focus will be on the newly developed NESA syllabuses for history K-6 and geography K-6. Drawing on current cognitive and sociocultural research, you will examine the implications of disciplinary approaches to teaching and learning and explore and develop a range of effective curriculum resources for teaching history and geography in the primary classroom.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDMT5534
Academic unit Education
Credit points 4
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Catherine Smyth, catherine.smyth@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Catherine Smyth, catherine.smyth@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment hurdle task Curating a Scoop.it site for primary history
n/a
50% Please select a valid week from the list below
Due date: 07 Jun 2021 at 09:00

Closing date: 11 Jun 2021
1400 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment hurdle task group assignment Planning a geographical inquiry and excursion for primary students
Submit video or word document. Can be site-based or home-based.
50% Week 09
Due date: 06 May 2021 at 23:00

Closing date: 10 May 2021
1600 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Criterion based assessment is used in all the M Teach units of study. Each assessment task is graded according to criteria provided. In order to satisfy requirements for each task, students must meet set criteria as specfied in the assessment task description provided on Canvas. There is no automatic resubmission if criteria are not met.

Final grades for units are either  SR (Satisfied Requirements) or FR (Failed Requirements)

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 01 Introduction and overview Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
1. Assessment considerations; 2. How to make sense of the NSW NESA geography K-6 syllabus for the Australian curriculum; 3. Organise groups for first assignment Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 02 How people learn Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
1. Big ideas in primary geography; 2. Stage statements; 3. Allocation of topics for excursion policy activities Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 03 Geography K-6 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Group-led activities investigating topics in the excursion policy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 05 Geographical inquiry Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Discussion of last week’s excursion site visit followed by individual lesson planning and assessment Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 06 The permeable classroom Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Bring a final draft of the individual learning activity you are submitting for the first assignment. Peer feedback on individual lesson plan. Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 07 History K-6 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Quadrangle site visit Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO6
Week 09 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in the history syllabus Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO6
Hands-on library workshop Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO6
Week 10 History inquiry Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Assessment in history K-6 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Historical literacy Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Analysing and giving feedback on student work samples Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Teaching primary history and geography: a classroom teacher’s perspective Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Using pedagogical research to inform how we teach Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Using ICT to teach history Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Peer resource sharing Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO6
Week 13 Civics and citizenship Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

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 4 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 80-100 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please refer to Canvas for list of readings and resources

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. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ways students learn
  • LO2. demonstrate knowledge of HSIE K-6 content and how to teach that content to your students
  • LO3. plan for effective teaching and learning in HSIE K-6
  • LO4. create and maintain a safe and challenging learning environment
  • LO5. demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies to assess student learning in HSIE K-6
  • LO6. improve professional knowledge and practice
  • LO7. actively engage with members of profession and the wider community.

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
1.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
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.
1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
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.
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.
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.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
4.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to organise classroom activities and provide clear directions.
4.4.1. (Graduate) Describe strategies that support students’ wellbeing and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements.
4.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues and the strategies available to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching.
LO5
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
LO6
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
6.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
6.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
6.3.1. (Graduate) Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices.
LO7
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
7.1.1. (Graduate) Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession.
7.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage.
7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1.1 T P A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
1.2.1 T P A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3.1 T (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 (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 T A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
1.6.1 T (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
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.
2.3.1 T P A (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
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 A (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.1.1 T 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 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
3.7.1 A (Graduate) Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process.
4.1.1 A (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
4.2.1 T P A (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to organise classroom activities and provide clear directions.
4.5.1 T P A (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues and the strategies available to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching.
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.
6.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
6.2.1 P A (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
7.2.1 T P A (Graduate) Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage.
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.

This unit of study continues to provide students with practical and theoretical approaches to teaching and learning in HSIE K-6.

Please refer to Canvas for up-to-date information regarding all aspects of this unit of study.

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.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.