#teaching standards

“A unit is flexible, working document that reflects the thoughtful planning and collaboration between teacher/s delivering the learning to students whose needs, interests and abilities have been carefully considered” (NSW Educational Standards Authority, 2021).

Unit plans are a source of compliance that provide students with engaging learning experiences that demonstrate the consistency and connectedness of the school’s curriculum with NESA syllabus outcomes, scope and sequence, teaching programs, embedded assessment of student work (NSW Educational Standards Authority, 2021). Unit plan follows the concept of a recipe; incorporating key ingredients that add flavour to the big picture. Another metaphor that highlights the concept of a unit plan is a puzzle. Pieces of a unit plan include the following elements:

1. Unit description

2. Syllabus outcomes

3. Duration

4. Stage of year

5. Range of relevant Syllabus activities

6. Differentiation catering to the range of student’s abilities and interests

7. Opportunities to collect evidence of student achievement

8. Subject-specific requirements

9. Resources

10. Reflection and evaluation

11. Adjustments for students with disability, where appropriate.

(NESA, 2021).

Unit planning demonstrates the value of the learning journey, and the relevancy to the subject KLA and real-life experiences. Diversity in the unit is vital as it validates the teacher’s ability to adjust and personalise resources and teaching strategies/experiences to accommodate the student (Avondale University, 2021).

From the very beginning, unit plans need to have a clear structure of approach, with the teacher constantly reflecting, redeveloping or tweaking for optimal effect (Avondale University, 2021).

Unit plans need to align with teaching standard “Know your student and how they learn” (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, 2017). Listen to the students voices and opinions. Incorporate pedagogies and resources that resonate with the students (Avondale University, 2021).

Acronyms that are relevant to the concept of unit planning and a great reminder to teachers: RRR – Reflect, rethink and revise. Never settle and always think of ways to improve (Avondale University, 2021).

Once all pieces of the puzzle are in place, the big picture becomes more fulfilling.

References

Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. (2017). Australian Professional Standards for Teacher. https://www.aitsl.edu.au/teach/standards

Avondale University. (2021). HOW DO I APPROACH THIS THING CALLED A UNIT PLAN? [Booklet]. Moodle.

NSW Education Standards Authority. (2021). Advice on Units. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/programming/advice-on-units

I was in a great school, had the one of the most supportive yet chill teachers, my class were lovely, and I learnt so much.

It goes to show you that when you have a supportive school with only a few students on placement, how much they can do for you. The school I was at last year had so many students, my friend and I were given very little support.

In Step 2 of the Technology Integration Planning (TIP) model, Roblyer and Doering (2014) underline the importance of assessing the 'TechPACK'. This involves assessing the 'who' (content knowledge), followed by the 'what' (technological knowledge) and the 'how' (pedagogical knowledge). I personally prefer using the TPAC assessment for Step 2. The TPAC assessment stipulates that the choice of technology should be guided by the 'what' (content knowledge) and the 'how' (pedagogy) within the boundaries of local context. Here is an example of how I use TPAC when integrating technology into the curriculum.

While both the TechPACK and TPAC assessments focus on curriculum and pedagogy (both important), TechPACK does not place enough emphasis on the importance of taking the local context - or the equitable selection of technology - into consideration (also important). More information about why this is essential in the Australian context here and here.

This is a partial re-post. Read the full article in its original form here.  

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