Welcome to the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney.
On behalf of the Education Studies teaching team, I am pleased that you have joined us. We hope that your time with us will be stimulating, productive, and enjoyable.
Education Studies (Education I, II, III & IV) is the common core of the Bachelor of Education degree. It also provides its units of study to students in other faculties who have an interest in education.
Students who have completed the units of study in Education I, II, III & IV should develop at the least a fair understanding of a number of important issues relevant to the processes of education in our society.
First Year
In first year, there is an introduction to teachers and teaching, and education in general. The second semester is devoted to human development and education. Children and adolescents are the focus of the work. There is also a set of classes devoted to Information Technology. All students are required to complete this satisfactorily since such training is required by employers of teachers in New South Wales.
Second Year
In second year, the first semester unit is 'Educational Psychology'. Its focus is learning, critical thinking, problem solving, motivation, and technologically supported learning. The second semester is devoted to a mainly sociological understanding of the education process in our society. It also looks at issues associated with globalisation and their effect on education.
Third Year
The third year (Education III) is made up of a number of Options and one compulsory unit ('Special Education'). This compulsory study is required by employers of teachers in New South Wales. The other two units are freely chosen except that Human Movement students are required to enrol in the Education III unit: EDUF3023 Sports, Leisure and Youth.
These Education III options develop in more detail some of the issues raised in Education I and II. In some of the BEd programs Education III options may now be taken in either second or fourth year.
Fourth Year
In fourth year (Education IV) has one compulsory unit which is taken by nearly all BEd students. This is a unit titled: Reading and Designing Research. This unit is meant to provide students with the knowledge, skills and tools to read and use educational research sensibly and critically after students enter the education work-force. It also provides students with some basic strategies to conduct research projects on areas which may impact on their own teaching, their curriculum area, or issues that affect their school communities.
As our Handbook states:
Units of study in Education encourage depth of understanding, flexibility, and critical and constructive thinking on diverse approaches to educational issues. In addition, organised research training aims to develop skills in systematic enquiry and reflective practices. These skills and knowledges are essential for learning and teaching related professions.
Good fortune in your studies.
Craig Campbell
Education I/II/III/IV Program Coordinator
