Critical Studies in Education and Practice

Abstract

This subject focuses on and explores significant theory, concepts and developments in the study and practice of education. Students' study, discussion and research is situated around the aims and purposes of education, social justice, ethics, citizenship, and social sustainability. In today's world, teachers' work is increasingly complex. Teachers must therefore be cognisant of the complex web of social and cultural relations in educational settings given that schools exert considerable influence upon children, young people, their families and communities. This subject foregrounds cultural factors which influence educators, teaching practice and student learning. Factors specifically related to gender, sexuality, social class, ethnicity, power, policy, and globalisation will be considered. Students will be able to critically evaluate existing knowledge and scholarship, identify theoretical perspectives in current practice enabling continued professional engagement, reflection, and reflexivity as they develop as teaching professionals and individuals in a global world.

Syllabus

Theories for educational practiceGender and SexualityDestabilising privilegeEthnicity and social classReflective and reflexive practicePhilosophy of educationAims of purposes of educationEthical principles, reasoning and decision makingThinking as argumentPedagogies for critical, caring and collaborative thinkingEducations role in sustainable and flourishing societies

Assessment items

1. Discussion board posts: Reading summary & mindmap

2. Discussion board post: Fieldwork poster

3. Discussion board posts: Teaching Ethics

4. Reflection: Educational Philosophy

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to examine current literature to gain a critical perspective which will inform practice;

be able to communicate abstract and complex theoretical ideas and arguments to a professional audience;

be able to discuss and evaluate current theory and research;

be able to recognise and interpret how structural influences affect equity, access, and social justice in education;

be able to explore positionality through reflection and reflexive practice as students and educators;

be able to apply ethical decision making and reasoning to discussions in education;

be able to discuss the role of education in global and sustainable futures; and

be able to apply knowledge into educational practice and settings.

Enrolment restrictions

This subject is not available to students enrolled in EEP505.