Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary)

Program Overview

The Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) at James Cook University equips students with the knowledge and skills to teach in secondary schools, particularly in diverse and challenging contexts. The program emphasizes pedagogy for diverse student populations, preparing graduates to create supportive learning environments and respond to the needs of students in both urban and regional areas. Graduates are highly sought after by schools and are prepared for a wide range of teaching roles.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) at James Cook University (JCU) equips students with the knowledge and skills to teach in secondary schools, particularly in the context of rural, tropical, and Indigenous communities. The program emphasizes pedagogy appropriate for diverse student populations and settings, preparing graduates to respond to the learning needs of students in both urban and regional areas.

Objective:

• To develop advanced understanding of secondary education with extensive placement experience and specialist teaching knowledge.
• To gain expertise to create supportive learning environments for students in secondary school.
• To learn real-world classroom skills that will prepare you to teach in state, Catholic and independent schools.

Outline:

Year 1

• Learners and Learning in Secondary School Contexts
• Junior Secondary Curriculum I
• Junior Secondary Curriculum II
• Teaching and Learning in Secondary Contexts
• Literacy and Numeracy for Secondary Teachers
• Teaching for Learning in Diverse Secondary School Contexts
• Senior Curriculum I
• Senior Curriculum II

Year 2

• Teachers as Leaders for Learning and Change
• Disciplinary and Pedagogical Development
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
• Collecting, Analysing and Reporting Data: Leading for Learning
• Final Graduate Professional Experience
• Teachers as Researchers for Learning and Change in Secondary School Contexts
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classrooms and Communities
• Information and Communication Technologies across the Curriculum

Assessment:

The Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) employs a range of assessment methods to evaluate student learning throughout the program. These methods may include:

• Assignments:
Students complete written assignments, projects, and presentations to demonstrate their understanding of course materials and their ability to apply theory to practice.
• Exams:
Students take exams to assess their knowledge and skills in specific subject areas.
• Professional Experience:
Students undertake professional placements in secondary schools, where their teaching skills and knowledge are assessed through observations, lesson plans, and feedback from supervisors.
• Portfolio:
Students create a portfolio of their work, which showcases their teaching skills, pedagogical knowledge, and professional development.

Teaching:

The Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) is taught by experienced faculty members who are committed to providing high-quality instruction and support to students. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures:
Faculty present course material through lectures, providing students with a foundation in educational theory and practice.
• Tutorials:
Small group tutorials allow students to engage with faculty and peers, discuss course content, and receive individualized feedback.
• Practicums:
Students complete supervised practicums in secondary schools, where they put their teaching skills into practice and receive feedback from experienced teachers.
• Online Learning:
The program incorporates online learning components, providing students with flexibility and access to resources outside of traditional classroom settings.

Careers:

Graduates of the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) are highly sought after by schools in urban, regional, and remote areas of Australia. They are prepared for a wide range of teaching roles, including:

• Secondary school teacher in a variety of subject areas
• School administrator
• Curriculum developer
• Educational researcher
• Teacher trainer