Foundations of Teaching unit (EDU102)

Cradle Coast, Launceston, Online

Introduction

This unit introduces you to the study of teaching as a profession and provides opportunities for you to critically examine the nature of teachers’ work. Through reflecting on your past educational experiences and dispositions (that is, your attitudes and beliefs) about teaching and teachers, you will establish a sound base to develop your knowledge and understanding of contemporary teaching practice. Content explored in this unit includes the pragmatics of teachers’ work such as establishing positive and supportive learning environments, understanding student learning, motivation and engagement, developing ambitious and achievable student learning goals, and collaborating with students to realise those goals. You will have the opportunity to further explore each of these topics and to develop your professional knowledge through observation of educational contexts. You will be introduced to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level) and reflect on these in relation to your engagement in this unit and thus, your own development as a teacher or education support specialist.

Summary

Unit name	Foundations of Teaching
Unit code	EDU102
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Faculty of Education
Discipline	Education
Coordinator	Doctor Robyn McCarthy
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Cradle Coast	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Reflect on your knowledge of educators’ work and yourself as a developing teacher/education support worker.
• Articulate your informed understanding of learners and learning.
• Examine the key principles of effective planning and how it supports students’ success.
• Communicate in writing for an academic audience.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
070100	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$2,562.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Weekly (online) lectures or equivalent (1 hour) and weekly online tutorials (2 hours) or participation in discussion boards/activities (2 hours).
Assessment	You as an Educator: Beliefs and Aspirations (20%)|Establishing Effective Learning Environments for all Students (35%)|Planning for Student Success (45%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required Readings are set by the Unit Coordinator as readings that are essential for this Unit. Students need to buy these texts as they will be a useful resource throughout your study and your future teaching practice.   Churchill et al., (2024). Teaching: Making a difference (6th ed.). Wiley   Reading Lists provide direct access to all material on unit reading lists in one place. This includes eReadings and items in Reserve. You can access the Reading List for this unit from the link in MyLO, or by going to the Reading Lists page on the University Library website.

Recommended

These materials will be useful to your developing knowledge and understanding of the content in this unit, but you are not required to purchase them. When seeking sources of evidence to support your assignment work, you will find these a useful starting point. These materials are available for a limited loan period from the University Library collection.  Brookfield, S. D. (2017). Becoming a critically reflective teacher (2nd ed.). Josey-Bass.  Duchesne, S., & McMaugh, A. (2018). Educational psychology: For learning and teaching (6th ed.). Cengage.  Ewing, R., & Kervin, L. (2023). Teaching: Dilemmas, challenges and opportunities. Cengage.  Gibbs, C. (2006). To be a teach: Journeys toward authenticity. Pearson.  Kearns, K. (2017). Frameworks for learning and development (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.  Kennedy, K. J., Henderson, D., & Marsh, C. (2022). Becoming a teacher (7th ed.). Pearson.  Killen, R., & O'Toole, M. (2023). Effective teaching strategies: Lessons from research and practice (8th ed.). Cengage.

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