Graduate Diploma In Education
The Graduate Diploma in Education (GDipEd) is a professional pre-service
course in education for graduates of this or another approved university
who seek teacher qualifications. It also serves as an introduction
to the study of education for those who will later pursue further
studies in the field, for example at the Masters level.
Intending applicants for the Graduate Diploma course are advised
that it may be necessary to restrict enrolments. If this is necessary,
selection to the course will be made on the basis of academic merit
and suitability of the first degree to teaching requirements. Preference
will be given to graduates of the University of Wollongong. A statement
of interests and experience in Education will also be requested
from applicants and will be considered as part of the selection
process.
The main aim of the course is to provide a professional course
of pre-service education for intending primary and secondary school
teachers. The structure of the program seeks to combine the practical
and theoretical elements of teaching by engaging students in professional
aspects, including Methods work and classroom practice, from the
beginning of the course. Underpinning and integrated with the professional
aspects are curriculum studies and the "foundation" disciplines
of education.
Each component is intended to contribute to the development of
concepts and skills relating to an understanding of, and competence
in, teaching. It is expected that prospective teachers will develop
as autonomous professionals who will be competent, innovative, capable
of contributing to the formulation of curriculum in schools and,
most important, committed to their own continuous professional growth.
The course is for one year full-time, over an extended academic
year of 36 teaching weeks from late February to late November and
it is not possible to commence the course in the middle of the year.
The GDipEd program involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, individual
assignments, group exercises and nine weeks of full-time work in
local schools. Methods work and practice teaching are provided in
co-operation with local schools. Students are advised that the structure
of the course makes it preferable that it be undertaken full-time.
Assessment
Students must satisfactorily complete every subject and major component
in their program of study before the Graduate Diploma will be awarded.
Assessment for each subject in the GDipEd program will be determined
by individual lecturers. More specific details of assessment will
be given in individual subject outlines.
Attendance
Each session is divided into a number of blocks, each of which
is either school or University based. As a result the course timetable
changes several times during the year. Details of lecture contact
hours, and other time commitments expected of students, are outlined
in the Graduate Diploma of Education Handbook distributed to students
at the beginning of the academic year.
Course Outline
Students are required to complete subjects as set out below, with
a total of 54 credit points:
| For those students pursuing secondary
school methods: |
| EDGC800 |
Practicum |
6 |
| EDGC811 |
Understanding Learning A |
6 |
| EDGC812 |
Professional Skills A |
6 |
| EDGC813 |
Learning and Teaching Contexts A |
6 |
| EDGC821 |
Understanding Learning B |
6 |
| EDGC822 |
Professional Skills B |
6 |
| EDGC823 |
Learning and Teaching Contexts B |
6 |
|
Plus 12 credit points of Secondary Methods
For those students pursuing primary school methods:
|
| EDGC800 |
Practicum |
6 |
| EDGC811 |
Understanding Learning A |
6 |
| EDGC812 |
Professional Skills A |
6 |
| EDGC813 |
Learning and Teaching Contexts A |
6 |
| EDGC821 |
Understanding Learning B |
6 |
| EDGC822 |
Professional Skills B |
6 |
| EDGC823 |
Learning and Teaching Contexts B |
6 |
| Plus 12 credit points of Primary Methods
|
Methods Subjects
Students are required to complete successfully one Primary or two
Secondary methods subjects. Methods subjects are central to the
program and are offered throughout the year. The Method areas which
are available may differ from year to year. Methods currently offered
are: Social Science (HSIE), English, History, Drama, ESL, French,
Italian, Japanese, Mathematics, Science, Art, Music. Students are
advised to check with the Faculty regarding the availability of
specific Methods subjects. Students are also advised to check with
the Faculty through the Faculty's Student Service Centre (Building
23, Room G21) regarding the combinations of methods which will satisfy
the requirements of the NSW Department of Education. A letter from
the NSW Department of Education and Training stating that the student's
undergraduate program is acceptable to the Department for recognition
as a teacher of the chosen methods area(s) is required of each student
by the beginning of the course.
|
