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The Role of Education Support unit (EES161)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Online

Introduction

This unit introduces concepts and theories that deepen and broaden your understanding of the professional activity undertaken by education support workers in the classroom. It discusses the practical skills required in work contexts and provides opportunities to critically examine the nature of support for student learning and development. You will develop practical skills in reflection and observation by engaging in tutorials, lectures and on-line activities. This engagement in the activities of the unit will assist you in completing your assessment tasks.

Summary

Unit name The Role of Education Support
Unit code EES161
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Faculty of Education
Discipline Education
Coordinator Doctor Robyn McCarthy
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

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

  • articulate understanding of theories underpinning educational practice in relation to education support and evaluate evidence of your own learning.
  • evaluate and discuss a range of strategies and technologies that will assist in supporting student learning.
  • articulate the ways education support workers communicate and collaborate within a professional team.
  • reflect on the application of skills and knowledge as an education support worker in a professional context.

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
079999 $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.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

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

ESH161

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Off Campus: 
Weekly online lecture (2 hours)
 

AssessmentReflective Journal (25%)|Theory Essay (25%)|Learning Support Plan (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Kearns, K. (2024). Supporting education (4th ed.). Cengage.
Recommended

Ashman, A., & Elkins, J. (Eds.) (2019). Education for inclusion and diversity (6th ed.). Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Australia.

Billmeyer, R. (2010). Strategies to engage the mind of the learner: Building strategic learners. Moorabbin, VIC: Hawker Brownlow Education.
Trail, B. (2010). Twice exceptional gifted children: Understanding, teaching and counselling gifted children. London, GB: Prufrock Press.

 

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