Contemporary Educational Perspectives unit (EDP504)

Online

Introduction

This unit introduces you to a range of theoretical approaches for facilitating learning, and relates these to contemporary educational practices. As a result of studying this unit, you will understand why contemporary education is focused on learning and understanding, rather than just educational delivery or training. This knowledge will help you to interpret a range of educational approaches, and appreciate the wider impact of education on both society and the individual. After reviewing various theories of learning and teaching, you will consider the implications for curriculum development, as well as the effect on educational structures. Enhanced knowledge of foundational and contemporary theories will help you to better define and express your philosophy of education, and appreciate both the impact of that philosophy on your teaching practices and the potential effect on students.

Summary

Unit name	Contemporary Educational Perspectives
Unit code	EDP504
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Faculty of Education
Discipline	Education
Coordinator	Associate Professor Lisa Ehrich
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	21/2/2027	15/3/2027	18/4/2027	12/6/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• critically analyse contemporary perspectives of learning.
• articulate your own learning and teaching philosophy, values and beliefs.
• create and theoretically justify a learning sequence for a group of adolescent or adult learners.
• apply professional and academic communication skills.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

EAL502

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Off Campus: Weekly (online) reading textbook and set readings (4 hours) and weekly participation in discussion boards (1 hour). Lectures or equivalent (once only - 4 times) and zoom sessions (once only - 4 times).
Assessment	Quiz (20%)|Presentation: Perspectives on Learning (40%)|Reflection on Teaching and Learning Philosophy and Practice (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Gould, J. (2012). Learning theory and classroom practice in the lifelong learning sector (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
Recommended	Please see MyLO site for unit resources and readings

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.