EMS713 - Relational Pedagogies for Collaborative Engagement: Independent Research Project

Content

This unit provides an in-depth exploration of the foundational concepts and practical applications critical to effective, inclusive, and culturally responsive teaching. Students will engage with a range of theories, frameworks, and research findings to deepen their understanding of cultural safety, positionality, and intercultural development in education. The course will emphasize the importance of self-reflection and reflexivity, helping students examine their own biases and assumptions in order to enhance their teaching practices.

Key areas of focus include: cultural safety in the classroom; positionality and critical self-inquiry, including understanding the impact of biases and assumptions; culturally relevant pedagogies which reflect awareness and sensitivity.  The unit will introduce students to trauma-responsive practices, exploring the tools to recognize and address the impact of trauma on students and how to create supportive learning spaces for affected individuals. This unit brings together the theory and practice of relational pedagogies, exploring how building strong teacher-student relationships can enhance learning outcomes and promote inclusive environments.

This unit will also explore engaging families, professionals and community to promote positive learning and relationships. Drawing on research evidence, students will investigate effective approaches for engaging families in the learning process, particularly with regard to tailoring practices to the developmental stages of students and their diverse needs. The unit culminates in an independent research project, where students will apply the knowledge gained throughout the course to a topic of personal interest within the scope of the unit’s content, integrating research design and methodology.

Learning outcomes

Each unit in your course is a building block towards Deakin's Graduate Learning Outcomes - not all units develop and assess every Graduate Learning Outcome (GLO).

Assessment

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning resource

There is no prescribed text. Unit materials are provided via the unit site. This includes unit topic readings and references to further information.

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Unit fee information

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Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

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