Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit focuses on the teaching and learning of science in secondary school. It includes theory necessary to understand the teaching of science such as constructivism, students' conceptions, conceptual change, scientific literacy and the nature of science. The essential, practical aspects of teaching science including science curriculum, planning, teaching strategies, laboratory safety and assessment are covered. The unit explores issues facing science educators today such as the use of analogies and models, motivation, resources, excursions and using information and communication technology (ICT) in the classroom.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Non-standard teaching period UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an awareness of the developmental needs and interests of adolescent learners in science; (2) explain student's learning of science in terms of theory including constructivism and conceptual change; (3) demonstrate a repertoire of teaching and learning strategies relevant to the secondary science curriculum; (4) plan and evaluate student centred instructional sequences (lesson plans and programs) for effective and engaging learning; (5) display the skills required to evaluate and develop instructional resources for science, including ICT and other educational technologies; and (6) understand effective assessment practice in science through the planning of assessment tasks.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) oral communication; (2) a series of lesson plans; and (3) a learning program. Further information is available in the unit outline.
To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the oral communication, a series of lesson plans, and a learning program components.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Rajinder Attar-Singh
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in
- Advisable prior study
- at least four units of science such as biology, human biology, chemistry
or physics, with at least two units at Level 2
- Contact hours
- 30 contact hours (150 hours total time commitment). Further information available in the unit outline.
- Text
-
Dawson, V, Venville, G, & Donovan, J (eds). (2019) The art of teaching science. A comprehensive guide to the teaching of secondary school science 3rd Edn Sydney, Australia: Routledge.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.