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Unit of study_

EDMT6615: Aboriginal Studies Curriculum 3

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study prepares pre-service teachers for conducting ethical research in consultation with Aboriginal people and communities as a significant component of the Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies course in NSW secondary schools. Pre-service teachers will complete a major project along the same lines as the HSC students they will teach, reflect on and share their experiences with each other and current teachers and students in Aboriginal Studies classes. They will consider critical and culturally responsive pedagogies in creating socially just teaching and learning spaces. Critical analysis of current trends in education and their impact on Aboriginal Studies and Aboriginal education will support pre-service teachers in becoming multi-skilled, pro-active critical thinkers, intercultural communicators and educators for the future.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDMT6615
Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
48 credit points including EDMT5011 and EDMT5012
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Tarunna Sebastian, tarunna.sebastian@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Irene Wardle, irene.wardle@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment group assignment On-line student guide for the Stage 6 Major Project
Develop a detailed interactive student guide to support project discussion.
25% -
Due date: 29 Apr 2020 at 11:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Stage 6 Major Project & logbook
Developing a major project and logbook that reflects HSC requirements.
60% -
Due date: 29 Apr 2020 at 11:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Stage 6 Major Project proposal
Critical analysis of key issues affecting Indigenous Australians
15% Week 02
Due date: 09 Mar 2020 at 11:59
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Stage 6 major project proposal: For this task you will propose an original piece of work including topic and description of your project, negotiate this with the lecturer and appropriate Aboriginal community members, outline the proposed methods of investigation, identify a list of resources including a plan for community consultation and outline what form your final project will take (ie report, artwork, performance piece etc)
  • On-line student guide for the Stage 6 major project: For this task you will develop an on-line interactive guide for HSC students for completing the Major Project. Your guide will provide advice, details and opportunities for interactive discussions and feedback
  • Stage 6 major project and logbook: In the logbook you will document the process undertaken to complete the project, identify and justify ethical research decision made, describe fieldwork and identify consultation processes and critically reflect on the overall experience. In the major project, you will present an original piece of work to a panel that reflects the requirements of the syllabus, demonstrating an understanding of the purpose and application of a variety of resources to complete the project. It also involves the understanding of key issues for Aboriginal peoples and communities in Australia. 

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 01 1. Historical experience of research on Aboriginal people and communities and implications for research in Aboriginal Studies; 2. Culturally appropriate & ethical research methodologies; 3. Introducing the Major Project– choosing a topic area and drafting a proposal; 4. Critical thinking and analysis – evaluating culturally appropriate resources and practices Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 1. Application of research methodologies for senior students; 2. Planning and implementing fieldwork; 3. The significance of the log; organisation and presentation; 4. Guiding students through the Major project process Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 1. Recording and reflecting on experiences – implications for facilitating student success with the major project; 2. Designing interactive resources; 3. Critical analysis of resources for ethical research with Aboriginal people Tutorial (4 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 1. Guiding students through the Major project process; 2. Conducting culturally appropriate research to complete the Major Project Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 1. The Major Project logbook; 2. Independent research for the Major Project Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 1. The Major Project logbook; 2. Independent research for the Major Project Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 1. The major project logbook; 2. Independent research for the major project Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Community involvement in the assessment processes. Sharing learning experiences with local Aboriginal community members including evaluation of Major Project process Tutorial (4 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. identify and explain a range of documents pertaining to Aboriginal community consultation and ethical research practices in order to develop a set of appropriate practices for use in the Aboriginal Studies course
  • LO2. understand, interpret and demonstrate skills in the application of consultation protocols and ethical research practices to develop a major project as specified in the HSC Aboriginal Studies course
  • LO3. identify and analyse the needs of students, the school and the local community to guide the development of student knowledge, understandings and skills in carrying out ethical research
  • LO4. critically analyse a diverse range of resources to ensure culturally appropriate application to the implementation of the Research and Inquiry Methods section of the Major Project
  • LO5. identify and apply critical and culturally appropriate pedagogies in the context of ethical research methodologies and the field of Aboriginal education
  • LO6. identify and apply current teaching and learning theory and practice to incorporate cross curriculum content and ICT skills into your Aboriginal Studies Major Project
  • LO7. critically analyse current issues and trends in educational policy and practice and their impact on Aboriginal Studies, Aboriginal students and Aboriginal education in general.

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.
2.4.1. (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
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.
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
5.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of providing timely and appropriate feedback to students about their learning.
6.3.1. (Graduate) Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices.
7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
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.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
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.
LO5
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
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.
4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
LO6
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.
2.6.1. (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
LO7
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.
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
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
1.3.1 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.
2.3.1 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.
2.6.1 T P A (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
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.
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.
5.2.1 T P A (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of providing timely and appropriate feedback to students about their learning.
6.3.1 T P A (Graduate) Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices.
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 have been made since this unit was last offered.

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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