Professional Learning SPICE :: Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies

Flexible date and location

Overview

Professional Learning SPICE (Schools Projects In-service Certificate of Education) is designed to enable practicing teachers to further develop their skills and understanding.

Professional Learning SPICE aims to improve standards of teaching and engagement in specialist areas of work. All units of study pursue a set of common program objectives:

• to provide opportunities for long-term professional development for teachers in a specialist area
• to enhance teachers' knowledge, understanding and skills in ways that meet internationally and nationally identified training needs
• to provide teachers with an extensive working knowledge of national, local and school policies and with the skills to translate these policies into practice
• to enable teachers to support their schools in whole school development so that the entire institution benefits from the knowledge and skills acquired on the program
• to equip teachers with research skills that enable them to identify areas of concern, plan strategies for improvement, implement their plans, and evaluate the effectiveness of their work
• to offer teachers the opportunity to continue to extend their work through further study.

Course Structure

Professional Learning SPICE is comprised of four units of study closely related to practice in schools. These need to be completed within a maximum period of two years (four semesters).

The first unit of study has a more theoretical bias in order to familiarise participants with the literature of action research and action learning, and help them relate their practice to those of others.

The second, third and fourth units of study are a mixture of theory and practice. They involve carrying out small research projects in the work environment in order to help improve practice and broaden students' understanding of institutions and teaching and learning.

Units of Study

The first unit of study is Action Research and Action Learning (EDPF5008), which offers practical approaches for improving practice with specific reference to your chosen pathway.

At the end of this unit of study you will be allowed to choose your preferred pathway for units 2, 3 and 4, if there are sufficient numbers in each pathway:

• Individual Professional Learning Portfolio (EDPZ5010)
• Professional Learning Leadership Portfolio (EDPZ6010)
• Teaching, Learning and the Internet (EDPC5003)
• Gifted and Talented: Education Models and Practice (EDPD5018)
• Curriculum Leadership & Managing Change (EDPF6016)
• Contemporary Issues in Teaching (EDPF5001)
• Professional Mentoring - Teacher Induction (EDPF5015)
• School-Based Management & Effectiveness (EDPA6017)
• Management and Leadership (EDPA6015)

Course Delivery

Date and location of course delivery is flexible—dependent on participants' needs and the number of students enrolled. Ideal participation would consist of groups of 15 or more from the same institution or geographical location.

The course is delivered in formal study schools conducted in block mode and led by staff from The University of Sydney. It will be supported by school visits and email/phone contact with lecturers.

(Units can be taken individually as non-award professional development modules – please contact the DPL for more information if interested.)

2009 Dates & Enrolment

2009 program information will be available here in January.

Assessment & Awards

Assessment involves full attendance and participation during each study school; submission of all required assessment tasks; and completion of four units of study with a passing grade.

Successful students are awarded a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies. Alternatively, 24 credit points may be credited towards the Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies or the Master of Education.

Fees

Australian students
Each fully assessed unit of study is $1200 ($800 + $400 assessment administration fee) GST inclusive. Units undertaken individually as non-award study are $800 per unit. Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more.

International students
Please for more information.

Enquiries

Please email , or phone (+61 2) 9351 4799.