1. Unit of study title: Negotiating Learning

2. Unit of study code: HET4101

  3. Campus: Footscray Park , Melton & Sunbury

  4. Prerequisite(s): Nil

  5. Parent Course: Master of Education

  6. Unit of study Aims:

This unit aims to build on the current and prior experiences of participants to extend their knowledge of educational practice and enhance their effectiveness as teachers. It is designed to help participants to identify their current level of achievement of the Capabilities of Victoria University Teaching Staff and to plan a program to develop these Capabilities.

7. Learning outcomes:

Victoria University teachers will work towards the awareness and achievement of the following Victoria University Teacher Capabilities:

•  Teaching staff will have a sound and critical understanding of the discipline or field of practice they teach.

•  Teaching staff can identify the key feature and relevance of their discipline or field of practice to their students.

•  Teaching staff can identify their own learning needs in relation to maintaining both currency in their discipline or field of practice and their effectiveness as a teacher and engage in professional development activities to meet these needs.

8. Content:

  Practitioners as learners, including working knowledge, the role of communities of practice and research into their own practice.

The recognition of prior and concurrent learning, including credentialed and experiential learning, formal and non-formal learning, evidence of prior learning.

Learning in the workplace, including work-based learning approaches and learning contracts.

The Capabilities of Victoria University Teaching Staff, including the provision of evidence for current capability using artefacts of past practice and critical reflection on those artefacts.

Identification of personal learning needs based on the Capabilities of Victoria University Teaching Staff.

Based on identified needs, negotiation of a personal learning contract for the remaining the units of study in the certificate level tertiary education specialisation.

9. Credit Transfer Arrangements (including Articulation Pathways):  

Not applicable

10. Methods of Teaching:  

This unit is taught using learner-centred approaches and may incorporate a range of learning activities, such as workshops, discussion with peers either online or face-to-face, inquiry into the participant's own practice or other workplace-based projects.

11. Required Reading :  

Stephenson, J., Laycock, M. 1993, Using learning contracts in higher education , Kogan Page, London .

Stephenson, J., 2001, Ensuring an holistic approach to work-based learning: the capability envelope, in: D Boud & N Solomon (eds) Work-based learning: a new higher education? Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press, Buckingham.

  12. Recommended Reading :

Anderson, G., Boud, D. & Sampson, J., 2004, Learning contracts, Routledge Falmer, London .

Billett, S. 2001, Learning in the workplace: strategies for effective practice , Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest.

Codde, J. 1996, Using learning contracts in the college classroom . Retrieved from http://www.msu.edu/user/coddejos/contract.htm

Eraut, M. R. 1994, Developing professional knowledge and competence , Falmer Press, London .

Seldin, P. 1991. The teaching portfolio: a practical guide to improved performance and promotion/tenure decisions , Anker, Bolton , MA .

13. Class Contact:

12 hours or equivalent.

14. Assessment:

A negotiated learning contract for the remainder of the units of study for the certificate level of tertiary education specialisation based on the documentation of Capabilities of Victoria University Teaching Staff (2000 words or equivalent).