Course Outline

EDN706 Pedagogical and Curriculum Leadership in the Classroom

Course Coordinator:Joanne Casey (jcasey1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Education and Tertiary Access

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course positions soon-to-graduate preservice teachers as leaders of curriculum and pedagogical experiences in the classroom. Pre-service teachers will evaluate evidence-based pedagogical and classroom management strategies with the specific purpose of pointing students to the curriculum. In their roles as public intellectuals, teachers connect students and families to learning opportunities, and proactively lead learning in their communities.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – You are required to engage and interact with asynchronous learning materials - videos, websites and activities - accessed through Canvas modules, course readings and texts. 2hrs Week 1 7 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Tutorial on campus 2hrs Week 1 7 times
Online
Learning materials – You are required to engage and interact with asynchronous learning materials - videos, websites and activities - accessed through Canvas modules, course readings and texts. 2hrs Week 1 7 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online synchronous tutorial 2hrs Week 1 7 times

Course Topics

  • Teaching strategies that are supported by neuroscience
  • Teachers as curriculum and assessment leaders
  • Pedagogy for teachers as classroom leaders
  • Teachers as public intellectuals
  • Classroom management strategies supported by neuroscience
  • Mitigating academic stress and anxiety

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership
1 Enact the role of teacher as public intellectual and proactively plan and communicate to meet student and community academic needs. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Engaged
3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 7.3
2 Make judgements about evidence-based teaching strategies that are supported by neuroscience. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
1.1, 1.2, 2.1
3 Masterfully lead the implementation of curriculum and assessment in a classroom context, justifying your approach with research and theory. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
Communication
Organisation
1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.4, 3.7, 5.1, 5.3, 5.5
4 Implement synthesised pedagogy and classroom management strategies to point students to the curriculum, justifying your approach with research and theory. Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged
Communication
Organisation
Information literacy
1.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4
5 Purposefully manipulate effective oral and written communication skills, digital technology skills and academic literacies. Knowledgeable
Empowered
Communication
Applying technologies
3.4, 3.7

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership
1.1 Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
1.2 Understand how students learn: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
2.1 Content and teaching strategies of the teaching area: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area
2.2 Content selection and organisation: Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3 Curriculum, assessment and reporting: Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
3.1 Establish challenging learning goals: Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2 Plan, structure and sequence learning programs: Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3 Use teaching strategies: Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4 Select and use resources: Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
3.5 Use effective classroom communication: Demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student engagement
3.7 Engage parents/carers in the educative process: Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process.
4.1 Support student participation: Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
4.2 Manage classroom activities: Demonstrate the capacity to organise classroom activities and provide clear directions
4.3 Manage challenging behaviour: Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.
4.4 Maintain student safety: Describe strategies that support students’ wellbeing and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements.
5.1 Assess student learning: Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
5.3 Make consistent and comparable judgements: Demonstrate understanding of assessment moderation and its application to support consistent and comparable judgements of student learning.
5.5 Report on student achievement: Demonstrate understanding of a range of strategies for reporting to students and parents/ carers and the purpose of keeping accurate and reliable records of student achievement
7.3 Engage with the parents/carers: Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in program ED508 or ED705 or ED706 or ED707

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress


            

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Written Piece Individual 25%
1200 words
Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Oral and Written Piece Individual 40%
12-15 minutes
Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Written Piece Individual 35%
1500-1800 words.
Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Teaching strategies supported by brain science
Goal:
The goal of this task is to demonstrate knowledge and application of teaching strategies that are supported by neuroscience research.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
In written form, present 6-8 teaching strategies that are supported by neuroscience.
* Describe the teaching strategy and how it applies to your curriculum context.
* Rationalise why the teaching strategy is effective for students at your level of schooling (e.g. early years, middle school, senior school, etc).
* Justify the teaching strategy with neuroscience research.
You can choose how you would like to present your strategies - in a document, a slide deck, or in a table.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Explanation of teaching strategy and its application to curriculum
2 5
2
Contextualisation and rationalisation of teaching strategy for students at your level of schooling
2
3
Discerning use of neuroscience research and literature to support and justify teaching strategies
2
4
Cohesive written communication skills and academic literacies - including grammar, English expression, APA referencing conventions, and technical accuracy.
5
Generic Skills:
Communication, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Meet the teacher presentation
Goal:
The goal of this task is to demonstrate leadership in the classroom through a presentation to students and their parents/care-givers.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format:
You are to prepare a "meet the teacher" video presentation that explains and justifies your:
-	Pedagogical approaches you will use.
-	Curriculum overview for Term 1.
-	Approach to assessment in this classroom.
-	Behavioural expectations and classroom management strategies.
-	Methods of communication with parents/care-givers.
-	Tips for managing academic stress.
You choose your context: Primary and early years students, choose a year level and units of work. Secondary students, choose a year level and subject area.
The video needs to combine supporting visual aids with your presentation (you must be in the video).
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Communication of curriculum overview and explanation of approach to assessment in your classroom context.
1 3
2
Justification and evaluation of pedagogical approaches in your classroom.
1 2 4
3
Communication and rationalisation of behavioural expectations and classroom management strategies.
1 4
4
Explanation of communication methods with parents/care-givers.
1 5
5
Oral (verbal and non-verbal) communication skills and supporting visual aids.
1 5
Generic Skills:
Communication, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Research and theory behind your classroom leadership
Goal:
The goal of this task is to justify Task 2 with research and theory.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
In written format, use research and theory to defend and justify all aspects of your meet the teacher video presentation in Task 2. 
Critically evaluate research and theory, including neuroscientific research and literature, to rationalise your professional practices and classroom leadership.
Critically analyse how exploring research and theory has reinforced or challenged your views of pedagogical and curriculum leadership in the classroom.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Application of research and theory to justify approaches to curriculum and assessment in your context.
3
2
Application of research and theory (including neuroscience) to justify and defend approaches to pedagogy and classroom management in your context.
2 4
3
Critical evaluation of research and/or theory in your discussions.
5
4
Written communication skills and academic literacies - including grammar, English expression, APA referencing conventions, and technical accuracy.
5
Generic Skills:
Communication, Organisation, Information literacy

Assessment to competency mapping

Programme Delivery Mode Assessment Type Title Competency Teaching Methods
2020 Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
All delivery modes Oral and Written Piece Meet the teacher presentation 1.1 Assessed
1.2 Assessed
1.5 Assessed
2.1 Assessed
2.2 Assessed
2.3 Assessed
3.1 Assessed
3.2 Assessed
3.5 Assessed
3.7 Assessed
4.1 Assessed
4.2 Assessed
4.3 Assessed
4.4 Assessed
5.1 Assessed
7.1 Assessed
7.3 Assessed
Written Piece Teaching strategies supported by brain science 1.1 Assessed
1.2 Assessed
1.5 Assessed
4.1 Assessed
Research and theory behind your classroom leadership 1.1 Assessed
1.2 Assessed
1.5 Assessed
3.2 Assessed
3.6 Assessed
4.1 Assessed
5.1 Assessed

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au