Enriched Placement Global Studies (Int.) (EDUC90918)

This elective is an Enriched Placement for Teacher Candidates in Master of Teaching Primary and Secondary programs. The aim of the subject is to develop a deeper understanding of different education systems and the way different structures and policy frameworks shape teaching practice and school leadership. The study of international systems provides a broader context to inform an understanding of the Australian (or indeed any other national education system). The knowledge developed will also assist Teacher Candidates planning to teach in overseas schools.

Enriched Placement (Education Policy) has been developed to coincide with the successful Master of Education Policy (International) study tour subject: EDUC90163 Education Policy: International Study (EP:IS). This Enriched Placement (Education Policy International) combines placements in schools with visits to other schools as well as seminars with leading scholars and practitioners. The combination of activities is designed to provide an overview of the system in each of the two countries as well as a deeper experience of seeing the implications for teaching and leadership in the placement or host school.

The aim of the placement experience is to develop knowledge of the country’s education system through understanding teaching practice and leadership in a school. Teacher Candidates will be placed in a school for three days in each of two cities outside Australia. Each placement will involve a range of activities including shadowing school leaders, team teaching, teaching, and presentation to staff in the host school, and discussion with staff. The exact program will be negotiated with the host school.

The cities where the placements will be hosted will vary from year-to-year but will usually include London and other European, Asian or Northern American cities. It will be offered in two of the three weeks in the period spanning the last week of term 3 and the two weeks between terms 3 and 4 (according to the dates of school terms in the state of Victoria). Precise timing is related to term times in each site and these may change slightly from year to year.

School visits are designed to broaden Teacher Candidates’ knowledge of the education system. The aim is to provide Teacher Candidates with access to sites that different to their placement school. These visits will offer the opportunity to talk to school leaders, teachers and students. They provide insight into how schools respond to national policies to tackle key education issues. There will also be opportunities to attend seminars and lectures presented by leading academics and policy makers. The exact program of visits and seminars will depend on the scheduling of the placement.

The on-campus teaching component includes the equivalent of two days of orientation prior to the placement. This will provide an introduction to education policy, explanation of different types of education systems, an overview of the countries and the education systems to be visited (including political, economic and cultural context, key education issues) and details about the placement schools (including student cohort, pedagogical and curriculum approach).

This elective 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 receive support in covering the costs of travel and/or accommodation in order to participate in the subject. Further information is available from the subject coordinator.