Unit outline_

EDSE3050: Teaching Commerce/Economics 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study aims to make students confident, enthusiastic and competent teachers of Commerce/Economics. This unit will develop competencies and skills in lesson planning, programming and pedagogy in teaching Commerce in Stage 5. An understanding of the NSW Board of Studies Years 7-10 Commerce syllabus will be emphasised and students will develop lesson plans, programs, teaching resources and a range of Commerce teaching materials. There will be an emphasis on ICT, literacy and civics and citizenship education throughout the unit.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
72 credit points, including (EDSE2001 or EDHP2001) and 12 credit points at 2000-level from Political Economy
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Claire Golledge, claire.golledge@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Presentation group assignment Micro teaching activity
Micro teaching episode in weeks 9/10
25% Week 03
Due date: 09 Mar 2026 at 23:59
1000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Written work Critically reflect on micro teaching episode
Critically reflect on micro-teaching episode
30% Week 06
Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Written work Critical evaluation of teaching resources
Critical evaluation of 5 contemporary teaching resources
45% Week 12
Due date: 20 May 2026 at 23:59
2000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Micro Teaching - In groups develop a 20 minute lesson plan for key concept from a core Commerce topic. You will deliver your lesson to your peers in week 3. 
  • Individual reflection on micro teaching: You are to write a critical reflection on your micro-teaching episode and those you observed, reflecting on the pedagogical choices made in teaching Core commerce concept, justifying your choices and critically engaging with how the lesson was enacted. 
  • Critical Evaluation of teaching resources - Select 5 contemporary resources that support teaching and learning in Stage 4 Commerce and engage in a critical evaluation of how the resources support a diversity of students to meet the outcomes of the course.
  • Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

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

 

.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Commerce in Australian schools Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Foundational concepts of the 7-10 course Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Aboriginal and Torres Islander Perspectives in Commerce Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Aboriginal and Torres Islander Perspectives in Commerce Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 HSIE Curriculum reform Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Micro teaching presentations Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Navigating NESA as a HSIE teacher Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Purpose, creation and evaluation of required NESA documents Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Programming Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Programming Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Pedagogical choices in HSIE Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Commerce skills & inquiry learning Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Pedagogical choices in HSIE Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Site studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Civics and citizenship in HSIE Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Civics and citizenship in HSIE Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Literacy in HSIE Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Literacy in HSIE Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Numeracy in HSIE Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Numeracy in HSIE Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Reflective practice Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Curriculum reforms Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 12 Quality teaching in the Commerce classroom Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Quality teaching in the Commerce classroom Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

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. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the commerce years 7-10 syllabus content and requirements
  • LO2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ways students in commerce years 7-10 learn across a range of abilities and learning styles, including effective communication practices and pedagogies appropriate to support their learning
  • LO3. demonstrate an understanding of effective classroom management strategies across a range of student abilities and learning styles including reflection on theory and practice
  • LO4. demonstrate an ongoing commitment to life long learning as a teacher of commerce years 7-10 underpinned by collegiality and including professional association membership.

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

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

This Unit of Study has been substantially updated to reflect consistency and coherency with other HSIE curriculum units and to ensure all key content is being addressed in sufficient detail and in a logical sequence.

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

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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