EDU421 Using Data for Learning

What is this course about?

Description

This course focuses on using data in schools to improve student outcomes. You will make evidence-based judgements about how inquiry and the use of internal and external student data can build a culture of school and classroom-focussed improvements in teaching practices. You will consider how student outcomes can be communicated and improved by utilising students, parents and community. You will research and reflect on educational reports and standardised test data at the national, state and classroom levels, identify differentiation needs and strategies, work collaboratively in learning communities and explore ethical issues.

How will this course be delivered?

Course Topics

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

Must be enrolled in Program AE304, ED303, ED304, ED315, ED306 or SE303.

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

This course relies on the ability to refer to prior knowledge from previous courses; especially those courses in which curriculum information, unit writing and diverse learner needs was taught.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

Details of early feedback on progress

Early feedback will be provided through examples and scaffolding of the expectations for task 1 between weeks 1 and 3. The quiz will also be used as feedback for the next assessment.

Assessment tasks

30 minutes, closed book, multiple choice

1000 words plus references

1500-2000 words plus graphs, tables and references

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.

Schedule

Module 1

National and State policy/reports,
 national and international sources of school data (OECD, PIRLS, NAPLAN, My School, OneSchool, PISA, PIRLS, TIMSS); 
Data demands for accountability and performance improvement

Module 2

•	The National School Improvement Tool: The focus on data in schools
•	Creating a culture of collective responsibility 
•	Engaging with colleagues in professional conversations
•	Analysing data ethically and with integrity at the classroom and year level
•	Unit modification for meeting the needs of all students.
•	Modifying literacy and numeracy components
•	Using data for continuous improvement
•	Using data to make pedagogical decisions
•	Differentiated instruction based on data
•	Assessment to identify learning needs, determine appropriate levels of student support to ensure that learning is personalised for all students
•	Evidence of implementation
•	Communicating with parents and carers ethically and with integrity
•	Positive engagement with, and support for, parents and caregivers
•	Professional collaboration 
•	Professional sharing – informal and formal, and collegially

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

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Specific requirements

Nil

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

After students complete their final placement they come back to university and prepare for their QTPA (Quality Teaching Performance Assessment) a federal government requirement. The QTPA requires the students to explain the impact their teaching had on some of the students that they taught whilst on placement. In this course the students learn how to carry out action research in their future classrooms. Research and reflective practice is an important part of teaching and this course helps students to use evidence to help improve their teaching practice. Students will continue their learning about this on placement whilst working with their supervising teachers to support their data collection for the QTPA.

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

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