Humanities in Primary Education

Preservice teachers develop an understanding of curriculum and pedagogy required for the teaching of the primary humanities curriculum. They investigate, analyse and evaluate a range of approaches to the teaching of humanities to enable them to design and implement teaching and learning strategies that promote knowledge and skills required by students for life-long learning, social development and active and informed citizenship. Preservice teachers develop their teaching practice in the areas of History, Geography, Economics and Business, Civics and Citizenship together with cross curriculum priorities relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures and engagement with the Asian-Pacific region. They develop knowledge, capacities and multiliteracy skills appropriate to twenty-first century learning and teaching contexts.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Exhibit an understanding of curriculum and pedagogy, and assessment and reporting requirements to successfully teach the primary school humanities curriculum;
2. Implement elements of the curriculum design in order to create learning programs appropriate for diverse learners, student needs and abilities;
3. Evaluate and design humanities learning activities which include the use of technology, acknowledge globalisation and sustainability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives;
4. Analyse the principles and practices of curriculum and pedagogy that are effective in humanities teaching;
5. Evaluate and implement a range of approaches to teaching humanities in primary school settings; and,
6. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.