Learning Area Biology 1 (EDUC90429)

This subject explores the rationale, resources, methodology and specific techniques (Pedagogy) appropriate to teaching, learning and assessing Biology, drawing from the current VCAA Biology Study Design (particularly Units 1 and 3) and the Australian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (ACARA). Teaching skills in biological investigation and inquiry, application of biological understandings and communication of biological information and understandings will be developed. This will be addressed with particular emphasis on the use of ICT to demonstrate and understand structures.

As a novice in this space, the Teacher candidate is supported to develop lesson plans and unit plans appropriate to scaffold activity based learning experiences from year 7-10 through the Combined Science Microteaching (one Science learning area) and workshops (two science learning areas) component and VCE Biology workshops (Biology Learning Area). Assignment 1 for Biology involves building upon the planning started in workshops to navigate and interpret the VCAA study design and assessment guides to plan for teaching, learning and assessment in a differentiated VCE classroom. In Assignment 2 Teacher candidates use first hand data collected on placement to reflect on biology teaching practices in VCE classrooms today and make connections to the readings and workshops over the semester. The combined Science component provides opportunities for reflection on Microteaching and workshops, to support Teacher candidates to develop skills and pedagogies particular to 7-10 science teaching.

Many elements of ICT literacy and numeracy are evident in Biology, particularly with regard to Inquiry Skills. These include practical measurement and the collection, representation and interpretation of data from investigations.

A combined science component, shared with the other science methods, has a focus on the design and management of the general science curriculum and teaching in years 7-10. Teacher candidates will explore pedagogical strategies to engage science learners in the middle years of secondary school. This is taught through practice with pupils in small groups in school classrooms (Microteaching), and through lectures, workshops and excursions delivered by Science education experts. Teacher candidates will be introduced to the use of research on student’s naïve conceptions in various science topics, principles of constructivist teaching, socially situated and peer-based learning, lesson planning, laboratory and classroom management and laboratory safety.