Master of Teaching (Primary R-7)

The Master of Teaching (Primary R-7) is a pre-service teacher education course which requires two years of study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Law.

A Lutheran pathway is available for students wishing to teach in that system and a languages stream is available for qualified students who wish to teach a language(s) in primary R-7 schools (see stream coordinator).

• Admission requirements
• Course aims
• Learning outcome
• Program of study
  

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed an appropriate undergraduate degree or approved equivalent. Limited credit may be granted for topics taken at the University or other institutions. 

Course aims

The course aims to produce graduates:

• with the knowledge, technical and creative skills  to effectively  teach within and across learning areas in the primary years of schooling (Reception to Year 7)
• who have studied in fields relevant to teaching in primary schools, with at least one learning area specialisation
• able to apply their knowledge  creatively and skilfully in a variety of educational settings and with diverse groups of students
• with the cognitive skills to critically review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
• who are skilled professionals able to communicate effectively with students, parents, colleagues and other professionals
• able to work both independently and collaboratively
• who can recognise the importance of ethical behaviour in the teaching profession
• with an understanding of diversity as it applies in educational settings and in a range of educational contexts
• motivated to undertake ongoing professional learning through a variety of pathways.

Learning outcomes

In undertaking this Masters program students will:

• achieve high levels of knowledge and understanding of the content, context and processes of learning and teaching within the primary school environment, and engage critically with this knowledge as a means of ongoing professional practice
• apply educational theory, knowledge and understanding to make informed professional judgements in diverse educational situations
• use their metacognitive skills to engage critically in the complex thinking required in learning and teaching
• communicate effectively with children in a range of engaging learning environments
• engage collaboratively with school and local communities in conversations that promote wellbeing and inclusivity for all learners
• reflect critically on different teaching theories and practices, on their own teaching and on their lives, in order to strive for excellence and creativity in their teaching role
• work collaboratively with colleagues, school students, their families and the wider community towards achieving high quality learning outcomes
• understand how to act ethically and responsibly in a professional role
• show understanding and respect for diversity through inclusive teaching practices
• establish a foundation for on-going professional development embedded in their life-long learning.

Program of study

To qualify for the Master of Teaching (Primary R-7), a student must complete 72 units of education studies as set out below, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic. The course comprises:

• 36 units of undergraduate education topics;
• 36 units of postgraduate education topics.
  

Except with the permission of the Board: 

• no compulsory topic may be taken more than twice; 
• teaching practicum topics may not be attempted more than once.
  

Students should note that teaching practicum topics require full-time commitment for their duration. 

Core - Year 1 topics

36 units comprising:

 EDUC3523  Expressive Arts Curriculum Studies: Visual Art, Drama, Media, Music and Dance  (4.5 units)
 EDUC3524  Health and Physical Education Curriculum Studies*  (4.5 units) OR
 EDUC3527  Investigating Languages Pedagogy in the Integrated Curriculum (Primary R-7)*  (4.5 units)
 EDUC3624  Science and Design & Technology Curriculum Studies  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9121  Learning, Development and Teaching (Primary)  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9125  English Curriculum Studies 1: Literacy in Changing Educational Contexts  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9220  Relationships for Learning and Teaching  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9221  Mathematics Curriculum Studies in Context  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9232  Professional Experience 1: Primary (25 days)  (4.5 units)

*Language specialist teachers replace EDUC3524 with EDUC3527

Core - Year 2 topics

31.5 units comprising:

 EDUC4721  Differentiation for Diverse Learners (Primary)  (4.5 units)
 EDUC4725  English Curriculum Studies 2  (4.5 units)
 EDUC4726  Social Sciences Curriculum Studies: History and Geography  (4.5 units)
 EDUC4741  Professional Experience 2: Primary (40 days)  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9400  Critical Indigenous Pedagogies  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9401  The Reflective Professional in Action  (4.5 units)
 EDUC9404  Numeracy and ICT  (4.5 units)

Elective - Year 2 topics

Plus 4.5 units of #request.oFMSBhv.render(href="/flinders/courses_and_programs_files/documents/courserules/2011EdElelctives.pdf",file_type="pdf",file_name="2011EdElelctives.pdf",file_uuid="36731C9D-CCD2-8BB2-FE09-24073A632192",caption="Education Elelctives.pdf",src="/shadomx/apps/fms/admin/pics/icon_pdf.gif")#**

**Language specialist teachers replace the Year 2 elective with the following required topic

 EDUC4831  Exploring LIteracies and Intercultural Contexts in Languages Pedagogy (Primary R-7)  (4.5 units)