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Learning Area Physics 2 (EDUC90470)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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July
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This subject prepares teacher candidates for the teaching of secondary school physics, especially VCE Physics Units 2 and 4. Pedagogical methods and learning and teaching approaches appropriate to physics are covered. These include the use of classroom instruction, practical laboratory work, and the use of Information and Communication Technology. The subject also explores assessment of physics. In addition, some coverage is devoted to physics as outlined in the year 7-10 general science component of the Victorian Curriculum, and specific areas of the VCE course unlikely to be familiar to teacher candidates.

In Combined Science, shared with the other science methods, teacher candidates will explore pedagogical strategies to engage science learners in the middle years of secondary school.

In 90470, the Combined Science builds on the first semester work. Exactly what workshops and assessment task depend somewhat on whether dong one or two science learning areas. If they did not do assignment two in semester one (almost all 90470 students), they do this in semester 2.

In Physics workshops, the first assessment task reflect the first semester task – doing the opposite (Prac or Demo) to first semester

The other assignment involves preparing a SAC (School Assessed Coursework) Task. This involves preparing a task oriented to the particular needs of the class – either one they have taught in practicum or one described in the assignment.

ICT is treated as an integral part of contemporary science teaching practice; where appropriate it is used to support and enhance conceptual understanding and teaching practice.

 

Literacy (writing up of practical reports) and numeracy (numerical problems solving and calculations in practical work) are integral to the course.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject teacher candidates should be able to:

 

Graduate Standards refers to the Graduate-level Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

  • Critically reflect on research into how students learn and understand the concepts, substance, structure and implications for effective teaching practice of Physics, including the creation of effective learning environments (Graduate Standards 1.2, 2.1 )
  • Consolidate skills in designing lesson plans and learning sequences, using knowledge of student learning, curriculum, assessment, reporting as well as creating effective teaching resources for teaching and learning in Physics and Science (Graduate Standards 2.2, 2.3, 3.2)
  • Understand how to select and set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics (Graduate Standards 3.1)
  • Select and enact appropriate strategies and pedagogies to differentiate teaching to meet specific needs of students in Physics and Science classroom settings, drawing on digital technologies and literacy and numeracy understandings in order to engage and empower students in their learning (Graduate Standards 1.5, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4 and 4.4)
  • Evaluate, adapt and develop teaching programs to improve learning and reflect to determine the effectiveness of strategies and resources (Graduate Standards 3.6)
  • Identify and implement assessment strategies including formal and informal diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess and to support students’ learning of Physics and Science (Graduate Standards 5.1)

Generic skills

MTeach graduates will develop the following set of key transferable skills:

  • Clinical reasoning and thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Evidence based decision making
  • Creating and innovating
  • Working in teams communicating and collaborating with other professionals
  • Learning to learn and metacognition
  • Being responsive to a changing knowledge base
  • Reflecting and continually making improvements
  • Linking theory and practice
  • Inquiring and researching
  • Becoming a citizen and taking personal and social responsibility.

Last updated: 10 February 2024