Overview
Examines and critiques science education in Aotearoa/ New Zealand and the learning theories and key documents that underpin development as a member of the teaching profession.
The University of Otago College of Education offers this paper for teachers who are seeking formal professional development. This paper will run throughout the year as teachers undertaking this paper complete the assessment requirements: Reflexive Journal, Unit of Work/Rationale and Online Presentation.
Reflexive practice/reflexivity works well in positioning students in thinking about what they are doing and how they are doing it. Reflexivity is a concept involving 'unsettling' and an insecurity regarding the basic assumptions, discourse and practices used in describing reality. In practical terms, this means examining critically the assumptions underlying our actions, the impact of those actions and, from a broader perspective, what passes as good practice.
About this paper
| Paper title | Science Education for Teachers |
|---|---|
| Subject | Education |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,041.88 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- PGCertEdLn, PGDipEdLn, MEdLn, BA(Hons), PGDipArts, MA(Coursework), MA(Thesis)
- Notes
- Students outside of the approved programmes, with 54 300-level EDUC points, may be admitted with approval from the Dean of the College of Education.
- Eligibility
This paper is designed to support the professional development of teachers, especially those with an interest or focus in science within Primary, Intermediate and at the Secondary Level.
- Contact
- steven.sexton@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
- Dr Steven S. Sexton
- Paper Structure
- The programme begins with the start of the University semester
- Students then engage in an online community of practice
- Students then complete the final online community of practice components
- Teaching Arrangements
This Distance Learning paper is taught remotely.
Students are expected to participate in the online community of practice.
- Textbooks
- Students will be expected to access required readings via the library and the Internet and source their own relevant readings.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:
- Critically evaluate how The New Zealand Curriculum's strand 'Nature of Science' shapes students understanding and experience of the science curriculum, teaching and learning
- Demonstrate understanding and application of The New Zealand Curriculum's science learning area across the science disciplines
- Engage in rigorous intellectual analysis regarding their own personal and professional development
- Critically apply and evaluate theories of teaching to curriculum delivery