Course Title: Principles and Contexts of Learning

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Principles and Contexts of Learning

Credit Points: 24


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

CUED1059

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009

CUED1112

City Campus

Postgraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2010

CUED1112

City Campus

Postgraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014

Course Coordinator: Leone Wheeler

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7725

Course Coordinator Email:leone.wheeler@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 215.3.06


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

There are no specific prerequisites other than what is required to enter the Master of Education program. It is assumed that students have experience working in a field of education or a related area


Course Description

This course is designed to meet the needs of participants from all sectors of education and training. These include primary, secondary, vocational and university educators. The course provides an opportunity to examine the principles and contexts of teaching and learning in institutional and workplace settings. This diversity is achieved through the ability of participants to customise their assessment to meet their personal requirements.

Participants will: examine theoretical perspectives and assumptions underpinning a range of approaches to teaching and learning in a range of contexts; reflect on their personal position in respect to principles of teaching and learning, and the implications of this personal position for learners; apply appropriate teaching and learning approaches to support the needs of a range of learners in a range of contexts.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

A student will be expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • an understanding and critical understanding of major learning theories and their application in a range of contexts
  • the ability to critically reflect on their personal preferences in respect to teaching and learning, and the implications of these preferences for learners in a range of contexts


  • the ability to select, apply and review a range of teaching and learning methods to suit the needs of learners in a range of contexts
  • an ability to actively engage in contemporary discussions about the principles of teaching and learning in a range of contexts


Overview of Learning Activities

The course will be multi-modal in its delivery. Students will be actively involved in small group and large group discussions of readings, guest lecturer presentations, analysis of tasks, hands on activities and library and study skills workshops. In each session students will be participating in activities that will be needed for the assessment tasks.


Overview of Learning Resources

Given that this course is designed to meet the needs of students from a range of contexts, resources will be detailed in Part B of the course guide at the time of course delivery. Some readings will be provided in print and electronic format. Students will be expected to access and read publications (journal articles, websites, book chapters etc) provided in the online site for the course. Suggested reading lists will be provided as required.


Overview of Assessment

In the School of Education assessment in a 24 Credit Point Course is equal to 8,000 words, or equivalent. In this course, participants can expect to engage in the following types of assessment practices:

  • written assignments of a theoretical and practical nature
  • reflective journal
  • participation in learning activities
  • seminar presentations
  • online activities