Course Guide - Edith Cowan University

through development of participants' expertise in initiating,
implementing and evaluating curriculum innovations.
EDU6187
15 Credit Points
Advanced Seminar
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
This unit is based on a major theme, the development of
professional learning communities, and related sub-themes. The
major theme and sub-themes are explored through participation in
lectures, workshops and seminars and related professional
experiences. Completion of a reflective journal and
assignments/papers related to the themes consolidate learning
during the semester. Students and faculty will consult to
design/select a coherent package of seminars to meet the graduate
students’ professional and academic needs.
EDU6188
15 Credit Points
Independent Study
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
These units involve the independent study of a selected topic of
interest. These units are designed to extend the students’
understanding on a specified field of inquiry. The outcomes of the
unit will be jointly determined by the student and mentor and/or
coordinator. Completion of a range of tasks are possible
including: a reflective journal, assignments/papers related to the
selected topic, presentations to professional groups. Students can
apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) as part credit for this
unit.
EDU6189
15 Credit Points
Independent Study
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
This unit involves the independent study of a selected topic of
interest. This unit is designed to extend the students’
understanding on a specified field of inquiry. The outcomes of the
unit will be jointly determined by the student and mentor and/or
coordinator. Completion of a range of tasks is possible including:
a reflective journal, assignments/papers related to the selected
topic, presentations to professional groups. Students can apply for
recognition of prior learning (RPL) as part credit for this unit.
EDU6195
10 Credit Points
Advanced Seminar
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
This unit is based on a major theme, the development of
professional learning communities, and related sub-themes. The
major theme and sub-themes are explored through participation in
lectures, workshops and seminars and related professional
experiences. Completion of a reflective journal and
assignments/papers related to the themes consolidate learning
during the semester. Students and faculty will consult to
design/select a coherent package of seminars to meet the graduate
students’ professional and academic needs.
EDU6200
0 Credit Points
Master of Education: Thesis
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
The Master of Education by Coursework and Thesis includes a
significant research component. The purpose of the thesis is to
train students in the use of research methodology and techniques
and in a critical evaluation appropriate to their field of study. By
the end of their candidature the student should be capable of
conceiving, designing, implementing and evaluating a research
based study.
EDU7102
60 Credit Points
Learning in the Knowledge Society
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
Knowledge and information are becoming the foundation for the
organisation and development of economic and social activity. At
the core of this transformation is the rapid expansion of
information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the
growth of global competition. This unit examines the wideranging
implications of ICTs, their impact on education, skill
development, and jobs. Complex issues of distribution and equity
- particularly with respect to disparities involving class, gender,
ethnicity, age, and skill level are dealt with. Also in this unit, how
best to use these technologies in teaching and learning is
addressed. Design issues surrounding the use of these
technologies in classrooms and other educational settings are
examined from a very practical level.
EDU7105
60 Credit Points
Curriculum and the Knowledge Society
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
In the knowledge society there are two disruptions to conventional
thinking about curriculum. First, the concept of curriculum as a
fixed body of knowledge that has been warranted by the
traditional institutions, commercial and professional bodies is
challenged. These agencies exercise influence on what is worth
knowing and how it should be packaged. Second, the performance
of students in educational institutions is becoming less and less a
private matter. Educational institutions are being evaluated in
terms of the extent to which they enhance students’ educational
capital after commencement with the institution. This unit
examines the contemporary ways in which knowledge is packaged
and provides skills for determining whether institutions have
delivered the learning that they are expected to have delivered
according to their charter.
EDU7106
60 Credit Points
Constructing the Portfolio
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
In this concluding unit students construct a cohesive portfolio of
work based upon completed projects from the five preceding
units. The portfolio may be constructed from projects, papers, or
products that centre upon a defensible theme and students should
choose this theme early in their course of study in order to shape
their projects. The portfolio will be constructed under supervision
and marked externally. This is not a traditional thesis and students
are at liberty to present their portfolio in creative ways utilising
latest technologies if applicable. In addition the student will
present an oral defence of their work to a panel of three academics
from within or without the university. Students must perform
satisfactorily on both portfolio and defence to conclude their
degree.
EDU7111
50 Credit Points
Methods of Investigation
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
In order to succeed in the knowledge society, education leaders
need to be skilled in the collection, analysis and the representation
of information. The unit Methods of Investigation will be
organised around three strands: data collection; data analysis; and
data representation. Methods for the collection of data include
structured and unstructured interviewing, focus group facilitation,
and surveys. Data analysis methods include the analysis of
interview and survey data using appropriate software. The unit
will present techniques for using graphical displays for both
presentation and analysis. Finally the unit will use these method
and techniques and apply them in practical educational research
and evaluation contexts. In particular, students will apply them in
the evaluation of educational programs and products from
educational outcomes and cost-benefit perspectives.
EDU7112
50 Credit Points
Learning in the Knowledge Society
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
Knowledge and information are becoming the foundation for the
organisation and development of economic and social activity. At
the core of this transformation is the rapid expansion of
information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the
growth of global competition. This unit examines the wideranging
implications of ICTs, their impact on education, skill
development, and jobs. Complex issues of distribution and equity
- particularly with respect to disparities involving class, gender,
ethnicity, age, and skill level are dealt with. Also in this unit, how
best to use these technologies in teaching and learning is
addressed. Design issues surrounding the use of these
technologies in classrooms and other educational settings are
examined from a very practical level.
ECU Postgraduate Course Guide 2007 225