Enriched Placement(Alternative Settings) (EDUC90916)

This elective is an Enriched Placement for Teacher Candidates in the Master of Teaching programs. It is designed for Teacher Candidates interested in gaining teaching experience in alternative, non-school and specialised settings (for example, the Royal Children’s’ Hospital Education Institute, Melbourne City Mission: Melbourne Academy, Oakwood School, Croydon Community School, Brotherhood of St Laurence Community VCAL, Parkville College). This subject includes a professional practice component and an on-campus teaching component. This Enriched Placement underlines the importance of students gaining an understanding of broader contexts in which education takes place, aligning their educational practice to shifting practice and policy priorities.

This subject is designed to provide students an opportunity to participate in an Enriched Placement over a period of approximately two weeks (depending on the teaching context). Sites will vary from year-to-year. Teacher Candidates will be provided with details of which sites are available during orientation week each year.

The on-campus teaching component includes the equivalent of two days on campus orientation prior to the placement. This could include an introduction to alternative curricula, context specific pedagogy, and an examination of academic literature that discusses a range of issues related to education in each place. A full day seminar (equivalent) will be conducted in each site during the placement experience. A full day (or equivalent) for a reflection and debriefing session will be held on campus upon return, during which Teacher Candidates will share their placement reflections.

This Enriched Placement is open to a limited number of Teacher Candidates. Participation is through a competitive selection process that includes a written application and an interview. Participating Teacher Candidates may be required to fund a portion of the cost of travel and/or accommodation necessary to complete the requirements of the subject, when based outside Melbourne.