Course overview
This course will develop students as educators who are familiar with, critically understand and are able to confidentially implement the principles and practices of middle schooling philosophies and pedagogies in traditional school and/or middle school settings. Students will further develop their knowledge of middle schooling by investigating the nature of adolescence, the learning and social needs of the adolescent. The students will also develop further understanding of the philosophies of middle schooling; middle schooling pedagogies, middle schools and social justice, digital cultures, student diversity; relationship building, managing the learning environment; curriculum integration, collaborative learning, working in teams and negotiation; authentic assessment.
Course learning outcomes
- analyse adolescent learning needs and the social construction of adolescence
- identify and critique key elements of middle schooling, such as curriculum integration, negotiated curriculum and authentic assessment
- scrutinze the realities of middle schooling contexts and respond to associated challenges
- critically articulate and demonstrate middle schooling pedagogies
- develop their own middle schooling philosophy and have some experience using middle schooling practices that align with this philosophy
- understand the importance of inquiry, research and reflection for quality teaching in the middle years of schooling