Unit outline_

EDUF3027: International Perspectives on Education

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

The unit's emphasis is on the underpinning global education trends around the world. A number of themes are dealt with in global and international contexts. These include Indigenous education issues in Australia and beyond, the emergence of international curriculum and assessment and various education system case studies. The unit covers content relevant to teaching in various contexts and working in global organisations, such as the OECD, United Nations and World Bank, nationally and internationally.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points of 2000-level EDUF coded units
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Nada Labib, nada.labib@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 Group presentation and Individual self-reflection
See Canvas for more details
25% Multiple weeks 1000wd equivalent + 500wd reflection AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Written work Critical Analysis
See Canvas for more details
35% Week 05
Due date: 23 Mar 2026 at 23:59
2000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Written work Thematic Review
See Canvas for more details
40% Week 09
Due date: 27 Apr 2026 at 23:59
2500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

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 International Education Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Introduction to International Education Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 International Schools, International Education and Globalisation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
International Schools, International Education and Globalisation Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Global Citizenship Education Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Global Citizenship Education Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 04 Intercultural Education Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Intercultural Education Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Education and the climate crisis Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Education and the climate crisis Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Teach for Taiwan: Comparative perspectives Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Teach for Taiwan: Comparative perspectives Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 07 Globalisation and Higher Education: A Singaporean case Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Globalisation and Higher Education: A Singaporean case Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 08 The Politics and Economics of Knowledge Diplomacy in Higher Education Lecture (1 hr) LO1
The Politics and Economics of Knowledge Diplomacy in Higher Education Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all tutorials, 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.

Required readings

Please refer to the Canvas site for information.

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. Develop a critical awareness of key actors and trends in educational change and reform shared across a range of contexts
  • LO2. Understand impacts of demographic developments, economic growth and employment shifts on different types of education from globally-oriented perspectives
  • LO3. Understand the importance of lifelong learning as societies and economies become more dependent on the production and use of knowledge and information and communication technologies
  • LO4. Critically understand how and why education can contribute to personal development and, in turn, to social development (at multiple scales – local, national, regional, global), yet has the potential both to increase and reduce social inequalities despite widening access to education, with outcomes continuing to vary greatly for individuals, between as well as within national contexts
  • LO5. Critically understand the role and functions of education during times of conflict and crisis around the world
  • LO6. Develop experience of having applied these skills to advanced academic research, bibliographic searches, presentation and writing tasks

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.

Unit name, learning outcomes, teaching hours and assessments have been changed upon approval.

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.

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