Teaching for a Sustainable World

Subject EDUC90492 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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

Parkville, on campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours
Total Time Commitment: 125 hours total commitment
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Coordinator

Dr Dianne Chambers

Contact

Education Student Centre
Subject Overview: Teacher Candidates will examine the holistic nature of sustainability and the values, principles and philosophies and practices of transformative education. Teacher Candidates will develop an understanding of ecology and biosystems, and the role of economics and politics in their health and destruction. They will discuss the importance of values such as a sense of stewardship, respect and belonging with nature, and the principles of sustainable societies so that they are equipped to play a leading role in their creation in schools. Teacher Candidates will analyse major reports on sustainability and educational initiatives. They will examine the philosophical basis and curriculum resources of Australian Sustainability Schools Initiative (AUSSI). They will analyse aspects of these programs. Teacher Candidates will develop a knowledge of the concepts, tools and teaching strategies that assist school students to develop ecoliteracy.
Objectives: On completion of this subject, teacher candidates will be able to:
  • Describe the direction, purpose, philosophies and principles and practices of education for sustainability;
  • Discuss the holistic nature of sustainability, including its scientific, ecological, economic and political dimensions;
  • Assess a school sustainability plan and curriculum review including opportunities across all learning domains;
  • Demonstrate an understanding of scientific concepts that underpin the AUSSI modules, as appropriate for primary or secondary school.
Assessment:

There are 3 assessment tasks:

  • Two teams reports (50 per cent)
  • Briefing paper on an aspect of sustainability (35 per cent)
  • Meeting Report and Reflection ( 15 per cent)
Assessment is due throughout the semester
Prescribed Texts:
  • Flannery, T. (2006) . The Weather Makers. Melbourne: Text Publishing
  • Orr, D. (2004). Earth in Mind: On Education, Environment and the Human Prospect. Washington: Island Press
  • Sterling, S. (2001). Sustainable Education: Revisioning Learning and Change. Schumacher Briefings No 6: Green Books, UK
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, teacher candidates will have the knowledge, skills and understanding to enable them to:
  • Be skilled communicators who can effectively articulate and justify their practices as knowledgeable agents of change.
  • Work in teams with skills in cooperation, communication and negotiation;
  • Have a conscious personal and social values base.
Related Course(s): Master of Teaching (Primary)
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Master of Teaching (Secondary)

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