Education Policy: International Study

Subject 482-625 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 25.000
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 x 4-day programs of visits/seminars in schools and universities overseas 160 hours
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

John Polesel
Subject Overview: This subject involves travel to three nations, in order that groups of Masters students can visit and investigate three education systems outside Australia. There will be two main components involved in the international visits: 1) School/institution visits involving visits to a range of schools and other educational providers, in order to experience first-hand the structures of provision in the host countries. Students will be given a tour of the school/provider and will be briefed by a senior member of staff on the mission and clientele of the school/provider and on emerging policy issues as they affect that institution. In return, a member of the visiting group will address staff on emerging policy issues in the Australian or international context. 2) University visit - This will involve a visit to a university with experience and expertise in the field of post-compulsory education and training and policy. Such a university may also be involved in the training of secondary school teachers. It is envisaged that the host university will provide the visiting students with 2 - 3 seminars providing a critical perspective on the main challenges facing policy makers in that country. In return, the visiting students/academics will provide 2-3 seminars for students and staff in the host university.
Assessment: This subject requires all students to present a 20-minute seminar paper which well then be written up as a 2,000 word essay (70 per cent) and to maintain a reflective journal of their learning and experiences during the study tour (30 per cent). This seminar presentation will be on an aspect of education policy issues pertinent to Australia or to one of the international systems under consideration and will be delivered at a university or school in one of the countries being visited. The presentation is required to be suitable for an international audience of practitioners, policy makers and academics. A hurdle requirement is 80% minimum attendance at the seminars and site visits which comprise the study tour.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: Teese, R. & Polesel, J. (2003) Undemocratic Schooling, Melbourne University Press, Carlton. A reading pack based on the literature on international systems

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject, students will be able to:
  • Display a critical understanding of the mission and clientele of schools in selected countries;
  • Display an understanding of emerging policy issues as they affect those institutions;
  • Demonstrate a critical perspective on the main challenges facing education policy makers in the targeted nations;
  • Present a critical overview (through written and oral presentations) of education policy issues in a selection of international systems and in their own educational constituency;
  • Critically analyse the international systems targeted for visits.

Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Critically analyse, understand and report on education policy issues in a range of international systems and to apply these skills to their own work in the Australian context;
  • Participate effectively as a team member in the context of an international study tour;
  • Relate research findings to their own experience as practitioners;
  • Report on policy issues in an international forum.
Links to further information: www.edfac.unimelb.edu.au
Related Course(s): Master of Education Policy (International)

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