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Unit of study_

EDPL6003: Aboriginal Curriculum and Pedagogy

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Remote

Students identify Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal learning needs and apply ethical protocols in order to design and implement place-based, relationships-focussed curriculum and pedagogies. Students develop skills to lead their colleagues in creating innovative, culturally responsive learning environments.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDPL6003
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 CURRICULUM/PEDAGOGY AUDIT
Evaluation of Aboriginal curriculum, pedagogies, across 2 KLA's
30% Week 07
Due date: 06 Apr 2023 at 23:59
1800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO3 LO5
Assignment CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Critically analyse issues when implementing Aboriginal content
40% Week 09
Due date: 30 Apr 2023 at 23:59
2400 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5 LO1 LO2
Assignment FRAMEWORK/STRATEGY FOR IMPLEMENTING ABORIGINAL CURRICULUM
Design a framework/strategy that can be applied across KLA’s
30% Week 12
Due date: 21 May 2023 at 23:59
1800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6

Assessment summary

  • CURRICULUM/PEDAGOGY AUDIT :
  • Conduct an audit of Aboriginal curriculum content, pedagogy, resources, and assessment in two Key Learning Areas (KLA) in your school. Discuss the depth and breadth of the application of these in each case and how you would collaborate with and lead colleagues in preparing a framework/strategy to address overlap, omissions and identify new knowledges and skills.
  • CRITICAL ANALYSIS : 

    The positioning of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cross Curriculum Priority as “options, not orders” (McGaw, 2014) and “only where educationally relevant, in the mandatory content of the curriculum” (Donnelly & Wiltshire, 2014, p. 247) marginalizes what, how and why teachers incorporate Aboriginal content into their curriculum and pedagogy. Critically analyse this statement in terms of the ability and willingness of teachers and schools to implement authentic and substantial Aboriginal content and pedagogical practices into their programs. Refer to at least 6-8 research articles focusing on peer-reviewed, academic journal articles and/or book chapters mainly published within the last ten years.

  • DESIGN FRAMEWORK/STRATEGY FOR IMPLEMENTING  ABORIGINAL CURRICULUM
  • Design a framework/strategy for implementing Aboriginal curriculum content across KLA’s to address the issues arising from Task 1 and 2

  • Briefly outline the key issues arising from Task 1 and 2 that influence your framework/strategy design

  • Explain and justify your framework/strategy using research literature and your own experience where relevant
  • Demonstrate how the framework/strategy supports teachers in developing an Aboriginal curriculum narrative that reflects local Aboriginal histories, cultures, issues and draws on the Australian Curriculum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cross Curriculum Priority (CCP)
  • Demonstrate how this framework/strategy creates a culturally and socially inclusive learning environment for all students
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.
  • Convincing synthesis of evidence, critical analysis and understanding of multiple perspectives to formulate a coherent argument.
  • Solves or argues possible solutions to complex problems & addresses challenging tasks/situations. Uses innovative methods and higher order cognitive skills to solve complex problems and present original alternatives.
  • Scholarly critique of a diverse array of literature. Generates, develops, uses and justifies own ideas or original concepts based on a wide range of relevant sources.
  • 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.
  • Considered use of evidence and consistently demonstrates application of critical analysis. Justifies relevant conclusions and their implications.
  • Solves or argues possible solutions to complex problems and addresses challenging tasks/situations using imagination/creative and from a variety of perspectives.
  • Scholarly critique of the literature using a variety of relevant sources to develop own ideas.
  • Insightful critique or consideration of relationship between theory, research and practice. Personal / professional implications for practice considered

Credit

65 - 74

  • 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.
  • Considered use of evidence and consistently demonstrates application of critical analysis. Justifies relevant conclusions and their implications.
  • Solves or argues possible solutions to complex problems and addresses challenging tasks/situations using imagination/creative and from a variety of perspectives.
  • Scholarly critique of the literature using a variety of relevant sources to develop own ideas.
  • Insightful critique or consideration of relationship between theory, research and practice. Personal / professional implications for practice considered

Pass

50 - 64

  • Demonstrates task organization and conceptual understanding in a style which is mostly logical, coherent and flowing.
  • Demonstrates some evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Able to apply fundamental concepts and draw and justify conclusions.
  • Solves problems using imagination and a limited range of creative techniques.
  • Evidence of critical appraisal of literature, with a recognition of different perspectives.
  • 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.
  • Attempts are made to demonstrate a logical & coherent understanding of the assessment task, but some aspects may be confused or undeveloped.
  • Little or no evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Fails to draw on fundamental concepts and to justify conclusions.
  • Very little evidence of basic skills for problem solving and addressing key assessment tasks.
  • Literature is presented uncritically and in a purely descriptive way.
  • 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 Introduction. Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 02 Curriculum Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 03 Australian Curriculum Online class (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 04 Curriculum Challenges Online class (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Pedagogy Online class (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 06 Place-based poedagogies Online class (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Country-centred pedagogies Online class (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Relational Pedagogies Online class (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Classroom Applications 1 Online class (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Classroom Applications 2 Online class (2.5 hr) LO2 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 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. critically analyse key issues in Aboriginal and international Indigenous human rights and social justice education in relation to key curriculum and pedagogical issues in Aboriginal contexts
  • LO2. apply ethical practice and research methodologies when collaborating with local Aboriginal families and community members to evaluate culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogy
  • LO3. critically analyse the hidden curriculum and its impact on culturally and socially inclusive learning programs and environments
  • LO4. lead colleagues in examining and auditing Aboriginal curriculum content
  • LO5. collaborate with colleagues and local Aboriginal family and community members to identify Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students’ learning needs in developing effective teaching and assessment strategies
  • LO6. support colleagues in the application of culturally responsive relationships-focused curriculum frameworks to guide high quality programs, units of work, assessment and reporting requirements.

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 (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.3.4. (Lead) Evaluate and revise school learning and teaching programs, using expert and community knowledge and experience, to meet the needs of students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
1.4.4. (Lead) Develop teaching programs that support equitable and ongoing participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by engaging in collaborative relationships with community representatives and parents/carers.
2.4.4. (Lead) Lead initiatives to assist colleagues with opportunities for students to develop understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
3.1.4. (Lead) Demonstrate exemplary practice and high expectations, and lead colleagues to encourage students to pursue challenging goals in all aspects of their education.
3.7.4. (Lead) Initiate contextually relevant processes to establish programs that involve parents/carers in the education of their children and broader school priorities and activities.
6.3.4. (Lead) Implement professional dialogue within the school or professional learning network(s) that is informed by feedback, analysis of current research and practice to improve the educational outcomes of students.
7.1.4. (Lead) Model exemplary ethical behaviour and exercise informed judgements in all professional dealings with students, colleagues and the community.
7.3.4. (Lead) Identify, initiate and build on opportunities that engage parents/carers in both the progress of their children’s learning and the educational priorities of the school.
7.4.4. (Lead) Take a leadership role in professional and community networks and support the involvement of colleagues in external learning opportunities.
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
6.2.4. (Lead) Initiate collaborative relationships to expand professional learning opportunities, engage in research, and provide quality opportunities and placements for pre-service teachers.
6.3.4. (Lead) Implement professional dialogue within the school or professional learning network(s) that is informed by feedback, analysis of current research and practice to improve the educational outcomes of students.
7.1.4. (Lead) Model exemplary ethical behaviour and exercise informed judgements in all professional dealings with students, colleagues and the community.
7.3.4. (Lead) Identify, initiate and build on opportunities that engage parents/carers in both the progress of their children’s learning and the educational priorities of the school.
7.4.4. (Lead) Take a leadership role in professional and community networks and support the involvement of colleagues in external learning opportunities.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
2.1.4. (Lead) Lead initiatives within the school to evaluate and improve knowledge of content and teaching strategies, and demonstrate exemplary teaching of subjects using effective, research-based learning and teaching programs.
2.3.4. (Lead) Lead colleagues to develop learning and teaching programs using comprehensive knowledge of curriculum, assessment and reporting requirements.
2.4.4. (Lead) Lead initiatives to assist colleagues with opportunities for students to develop understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
3.4.4. (Lead) Model exemplary skills and lead colleagues in selecting, creating and evaluating resources, including ICT, for application by teachers within or beyond the school.
3.5.4. (Lead) Demonstrate and lead by example inclusive verbal and non-verbal communication using collaborative strategies and contextual knowledge to support students’ understanding, engagement and achievement.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.3.4. (Lead) Evaluate and revise school learning and teaching programs, using expert and community knowledge and experience, to meet the needs of students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
3.6.4. (Lead) Conduct regular reviews of teaching and learning programs using multiple sources of evidence including student assessment data, curriculum documents, teaching practices and feedback from parents/ carers, students and colleagues.
LO5
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.3.4. (Lead) Evaluate and revise school learning and teaching programs, using expert and community knowledge and experience, to meet the needs of students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
1.4.4. (Lead) Develop teaching programs that support equitable and ongoing participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by engaging in collaborative relationships with community representatives and parents/carers.
2.1.4. (Lead) Lead initiatives within the school to evaluate and improve knowledge of content and teaching strategies, and demonstrate exemplary teaching of subjects using effective, research-based learning and teaching programs.
2.4.4. (Lead) Lead initiatives to assist colleagues with opportunities for students to develop understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
3.7.4. (Lead) Initiate contextually relevant processes to establish programs that involve parents/carers in the education of their children and broader school priorities and activities.
7.3.4. (Lead) Identify, initiate and build on opportunities that engage parents/carers in both the progress of their children’s learning and the educational priorities of the school.
7.4.4. (Lead) Take a leadership role in professional and community networks and support the involvement of colleagues in external learning opportunities.
LO6
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
6.1.4. (Lead) Use comprehensive knowledge of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to plan and lead the development of professional learning policies and programs that address the professional learning needs of colleagues and pre-service teachers.
6.2.4. (Lead) Initiate collaborative relationships to expand professional learning opportunities, engage in research, and provide quality opportunities and placements for pre-service teachers.
6.3.4. (Lead) Implement professional dialogue within the school or professional learning network(s) that is informed by feedback, analysis of current research and practice to improve the educational outcomes of students.
6.4.4. (Lead) Advocate, participate in and lead strategies to support high-quality professional learning opportunities for colleagues that focus on improved student learning.
7.1.4. (Lead) Model exemplary ethical behaviour and exercise informed judgements in all professional dealings with students, colleagues and the community.
7.3.4. (Lead) Identify, initiate and build on opportunities that engage parents/carers in both the progress of their children’s learning and the educational priorities of the school.
7.4.4. (Lead) Take a leadership role in professional and community networks and support the involvement of colleagues in external learning opportunities.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.3.4 T A (Lead) Evaluate and revise school learning and teaching programs, using expert and community knowledge and experience, to meet the needs of students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
1.4.4 T A (Lead) Develop teaching programs that support equitable and ongoing participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by engaging in collaborative relationships with community representatives and parents/carers.
2.4.4 T A (Lead) Lead initiatives to assist colleagues with opportunities for students to develop understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
3.1.4 T A (Lead) Demonstrate exemplary practice and high expectations, and lead colleagues to encourage students to pursue challenging goals in all aspects of their education.
3.3.4 T A (Lead) Work with colleagues to review, modify and expand their repertoire of teaching strategies to enable students to use knowledge, skills, problem-solving, and critical and creative thinking.
3.4.4 T A (Lead) Model exemplary skills and lead colleagues in selecting, creating and evaluating resources, including ICT, for application by teachers within or beyond the school.
3.6.4 T A (Lead) Conduct regular reviews of teaching and learning programs using multiple sources of evidence including student assessment data, curriculum documents, teaching practices and feedback from parents/ carers, students and colleagues.
3.7.4 T A (Lead) Initiate contextually relevant processes to establish programs that involve parents/carers in the education of their children and broader school priorities and activities.
4.1.4 T A (Lead) Demonstrate and lead by example the development of productive and inclusive learning environments across the school by reviewing inclusive strategies and exploring new approaches to engage and support all students.
6.3.4 T A (Lead) Implement professional dialogue within the school or professional learning network(s) that is informed by feedback, analysis of current research and practice to improve the educational outcomes of students.
6.4.4 T A (Lead) Advocate, participate in and lead strategies to support high-quality professional learning opportunities for colleagues that focus on improved student learning.
7.3.4 T A (Lead) Identify, initiate and build on opportunities that engage parents/carers in both the progress of their children’s learning and the educational priorities of the school.
7.4.4 T A (Lead) Take a leadership role in professional and community networks and support the involvement of colleagues in external learning opportunities.

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.

Disclaimer

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