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Foundations of Teaching unit (EMT502)

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

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

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

2027 fee information will be available in August.

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).

AssessmentReport on best/worst teachers and why you feel this way (10%)|A critique of an assigned article (40%)|Observation and Reflection (50%)
TimetableView 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.

 

Recommended

Churchill, R., Apps, T., Batt, J., et al.  (2025). Teaching: Making a difference (6th ed.). Wiley.

 

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