2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Hobart, Online
Please note - EMT502 Foundations of Teaching is the co-requisite theory unit for EMT500/EMT513 Professional Experience 1. Co-requisite units must be either enrolled concurrently or the theory component (EMT502) successfully completed in a prior semester of study. If you have not met the theory requirements, you will be ineligible for Professional Experience 1.
Introduction
Foundations of Teaching introduces you to the study of teaching as a profession and dimensions of teacher relationships and work. Through acquiring skills to reflect critically on your assumptions based on past educational experiences and attitudes and beliefs about teaching and teachers, you will have the opportunity to engage at a deep level with both research and your new experiences of teaching. Content explored in this unit relates to teacher reflection, teacher professionalism, teaching strategies, teacher gratitude, and the pragmatics of teachers' work such as establishing a positive and supportive classroom environment, communication as a teacher, and observation skills. Your participation in this unit therefore establishes a sound base to develop your knowledge and professional practice for the duration of the course and into the future.
Summary
| Unit name | Foundations of Teaching |
| Unit code | EMT502 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Arts and Society Faculty of Education |
| Discipline | Education |
| Coordinator | Doctor Donna Satterthwait |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
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 | ||
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| Hobart | Semester 1 |
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| Online | Semester 1 |
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- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International 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).
Learning Outcomes
- reflect critically on your knowledge of teaching in relation to current research and on yourself as a developing teacher.
- execute responsibility for your learning about the teaching profession and your development as a teacher who has advanced cognitive, creative, and critical skills.
- engage critically with content to create knowledge, and clearly communicate concepts and ideas to an intended audience.
- recognise important processes and protocols relating to participation in professional experience in schools.
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 |
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| 070103 | $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 | On Campus: Weekly (online) lectures or equivalent (1 hour) and weekly face-to-face tutorial (2 hours) starting in Week 1. Additional independent study (8 hours). Off Campus: Weekly (online) lectures or equivalent (1 hour) and weekly participation in discussion boards (2 hours). Additional independent study (8 hours). |
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| Assessment | Report on best/worst teachers and why you feel this way (10%)|A critique of an assigned article (40%)|Observation and Reflection (50%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings for this unit are accessible via the Reading List. You will also find details of the required readings in MyLO.
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| Recommended | Churchill, R., Apps, T., Batt, J., et al. (2025). Teaching: Making a difference (6th ed.). Wiley.
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.