Outline

Overview

Advanced Project A is a semester-length student-led project during which students will design an educational/curriculum innovation for an authentic formal (school, pre-school, etc.) or informal (museum, park, zoo, community centre, organization, etc.) setting. Students will conduct an inquiry exploring the issue and, framing a solution and co-design educational innovation by developing a detailed plan or/and prototype. They will engage in consultations with stakeholders and use relevant theory and research.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Education
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	EDUF4031
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Christine Grice, christine.grice@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Interim presentation Co-designed initial plan/prototype. Graduate Quality: Communication (structures and organises ideas and information according to context).	25%	Multiple weeks Due date: 27 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 May 2026	1500 words	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Initial problem framing and inquiry outline Outlining planned consultations and co-design work with different stakeholders	25%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 May 2026	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Report: Project plan Plan or a prototype of an innovation project. Graduate Quality: Inventiveness (process and strategy – implementing a plan).	50%	Week 13 Due date: 25 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Jun 2026	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

1 Initial problem framing and inquiry outline: outlining planned consultations and co-design work with different stakeholders (25%, 1000 words).

Graduate quality (GQ): Cultural competence.

2. Interim presentation: Co-designed initial plan/prototype (25%, 1000 words)

GQ: Communication (structures and organises ideas and information according to context).

3. Report: Project plan: A plan or a prototype of an innovation project (50%, 2500 words).

GQ: Inventiveness (process and strategy – implementing a plan).

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met 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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction: Individual work, consultation and cultural competence	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Module 1: Consultation with stakeholders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Module 1: Ethics and risk	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Module 2: How to guide program logic	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Module 2: Develop a theory of change programme	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Module 2: Logic modelling	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Module 3: Piloting the feasibility study	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Module 3: Implementing the feasibility study	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Module 3: Navigating feedback in the consultation process	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Module 4: Risk Assessments	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Module 4: Review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Module 4: Ethics	Tutorial (2 hr)

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library's reading list system, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

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. Apply literature-based approaches to develop a theoretically grounded and evidence-informed understanding of the complex educational challenge and potential solutions.
LO2. Apply different empirical inquiry methods to develop a deep understanding of the complex educational challenge in a specific setting.
LO3. Facilitate co-design of an educational innovation in a formal or informal educational setting.
LO4. Work in collaboration with different stakeholders and create solutions that consider the different needs, opportunities and constraints.
LO5. Present, constructively critique and elaborate project plans in a supportive collegial innovation design environment.

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 1. Professional Knowledge: Standard 1 - Know students and how they learn 2. Professional Knowledge: Standard 2 - Know the content and how to teach it 3. Professional Practice: Standard 3 - Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning 4. Professional Practice: Standard 4 - Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments 5. Professional Practice: Standard 5 - Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning 7. Professional Engagement: Standard 7 - Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 3. Professional Practice: Standard 3 - Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning 5. Professional Practice: Standard 5 - Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning 6. Professional Engagement: Standard 6 - Engage in professional learning
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 1. Professional Knowledge: Standard 1 - Know students and how they learn 2. Professional Knowledge: Standard 2 - Know the content and how to teach it 3. Professional Practice: Standard 3 - Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning 4. Professional Practice: Standard 4 - Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments 5. Professional Practice: Standard 5 - Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning 6. Professional Engagement: Standard 6 - Engage in professional learning 7. Professional Engagement: Standard 7 - Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 6. Professional Engagement: Standard 6 - Engage in professional learning 7. Professional Engagement: Standard 7 - Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 3. Professional Practice: Standard 3 - Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning 4. Professional Practice: Standard 4 - Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments 6. Professional Engagement: Standard 6 - Engage in professional learning 7. Professional Engagement: Standard 7 - Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community

Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		Professional Knowledge: Standard 1 - Know students and how they learn
2		Professional Knowledge: Standard 2 - Know the content and how to teach it
3		Professional Practice: Standard 3 - Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning
4		Professional Practice: Standard 4 - Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
5		Professional Practice: Standard 5 - Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning
6		Professional Engagement: Standard 6 - Engage in professional learning
7		Professional Engagement: Standard 7 - Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community

Responding to student feedback

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

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EDUF4033: Co-Designing Educational Innovations

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links