Course Outline

EDN707 Professional Sustainability

Course Coordinator:Shelley Davidow (sdavidow@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

As part of the capstone suite of final year courses, this course explores professional sustainability and wellbeing in the teaching profession. Specifically, this course analyses purposes of education and curriculum and synthesises these with the development of teacher identity in context. The role of teachers as public intellectuals in different contexts, including regional, remote and remote settings, will be studied in depth, and preservice teachers will be equipped with restorative practice strategies to enhance their professional sustainability. 

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – You are required to engage with online learning materials and activities prior to attending the workshop tutorial. 2hrs Week 1 7 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial. 2hrs Week 1 7 times
Online
Learning materials – You are required to engage with online learning materials and activities prior to attending the workshop tutorial. 2hrs Week 1 7 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online synchronous tutorial. 2hrs Week 1 7 times

Course Topics

  • Purposes of education and curriculum
  • Development of teacher identity, influences of worldviews and applied ethics
  • Teaching in and for context: how teachers meet the world
  • Focus: Rural, regional and remote contexts – professional sustainability in place
  • Focus: international contexts – the role of the teacher as a professional with unique expertise
  • Focus: alternative schooling contexts – Steiner, Montessori, Reggio Emilia etc.
  • Professional sustainability and teacher wellbeing
  • Restorative practices as a paradigm for viewing, exploring and responding to the world

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 Evaluate the purposes of education and curriculum using literature and theory, considering how they apply to different contexts. Knowledgeable
Ethical
Information literacy
6.2
2 Masterfully articulate the intersectons between the development of teacher identity in context, how it is informed by worldview, and its ethical applications. Knowledgeable
Ethical
Communication
7.1
3 Explore a range of teaching contexts, analysing considerations for without-prejudice teaching in these contexts. Empowered
Engaged
1.3, 1.4, 7.3, 7.4
4 Evaluate issues and strategies for teacher wellbeing and professional sustainability. Empowered
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
Problem solving
6.2, 7.4
5 Create optimum learning environments and respond to challenging student behaviour through a lens of restorative practices and professional sustainability. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
Communication
Collaboration
Problem solving
1.2, 1.3, 3.5, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 7.1, 7.3, 7.4

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership
1.2 Understand how students learn: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3 Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds: Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
1.4 Strategies for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
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.
6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice: Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers
7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities: Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession.
7.3 Engage with the parents/carers: Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities: Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

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 ED508, ED705 or ED706

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

Week 4 content quiz

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 Quiz/zes Individual 10%
20 minutes
Week 4 Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Oral and Written Piece Individual 45%
10-12 minutes
Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Oral Individual and Group 45%
15-20 minutes
Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Content Quiz
Goal:
The goal of this task is to consolidate learning and understanding of course readings and content from weeks 1-3.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Multiple choice in Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Applied knowledge and evident understanding of the purposes of education and curriculum and the role of the teacher.
1 2 4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Media Presentation on the Purpose of Education
Goal:
The goal of this task is to respond to the question: what is the purpose of education? This is a broad question that asks that you evaluate and reflect on the course readings, discussions and content. You will synthesise your teacher identity with the purpose of education, articulating how you will engage with educational contexts in sustainable ways. Further details for this task are available in Canvas.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format:
Media presentation with script and references.
Task instructions in Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Evaluation of the purposes of education.
1
2
Synthesis of personal insights, pedagogy and theory to demonstrate the development of your teacher identity.
1 2
3
Oral and written communication and academic literacies including grammar, English expression, APA referencing conventions and technical accuracy
1 2
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Restorative Practice Scenario and Reflection
Goal:
The goal of this task is to role play in a group how to respond restoratively to a school conflict scenario, and reflect individually on the process.
Product: Oral
Format:
Video
In groups of 3-4:
1. View a range of real and enacted restorative circles or chats.
2. Respond to a chosen scenario in a recorded role play with your peers. 
3. Individually reflect on the process and your role.
(More information on Canvas and in tutorials.)
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Applied understanding of the main principles of restorative practice in this scenario.
3 4 5
2
Enaction and synthesis of theory, personal identity and practice in restorative role play
2 3 4 5
3
Personal evaluative reflection of the restorative process and its applied value teacher sustainability. (Individual mark for this criterion.)
2 3 4
4
Oral communication and presentation skills
5
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, 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 Restorative Practice Scenario and Reflection 3.5 Practiced, Assessed
3.7 Practiced, Assessed
4.1 Practiced, Assessed
4.3 Practiced, Assessed
4.4 Practiced, Assessed
6.2 Practiced, Assessed
7.1 Practiced, Assessed
7.4 Practiced, Assessed
Oral and Written Piece Media Presentation on the Purpose of Education 1.2 Practiced, Assessed
4.1 Practiced, Assessed
6.2 Practiced, Assessed
7.1 Practiced, Assessed
Quiz/zes Content Quiz 1.2 Assessed
4.1 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