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Unit outline_

EDPA6015: Leadership: international perspectives

Semester 2, 2023 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Leadership purpose, qualities and practices are important to the development of a successful educational organisation. This course is intended to familiarize participants with research-informed principles, trends and issues of leadership in education from international perspectives. It will provide opportunities for individuals to reflect upon, analyse and critique their own leadership, relative to their own experiences, and the leadership of others within their own local and national contexts. The course will combine theoretical and empirical knowledge to illuminate, contextualise, and critically assess associations between contemporary policies, social trends, and organisational practices.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Kathryn Bartimote, kathryn.bartimote@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Research to Practice
Online discussion posts: 4x 250 words Due: 18 Aug, 8 Sept, 6 Oct, 27 Oct
10% Multiple weeks 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Assignment 1: The practical nature of leadership theory
n/a
30% Week 06
Due date: 08 Sep 2023 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Assignment 2: Critical Review of the Literature
n/a
60% Week 13
Due date: 03 Nov 2023 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration and evidence of superior organisational and conceptual skills. The work is extremely well conceived, coherent, logical and original.

Impressive and original depth of understanding of the content and discipline is displayed. Information is gathered from a wide range of current & relevant sources beyond the core materials.

Superior clarity in written presentation and expression with attention to detail in all aspects evident.

Persuasively articulates argument displaying clear focus & academic rigour. Respectful of diverse backgrounds & experiences.

Convincing synthesis of evidence, critical analysis and understanding of multiple perspectives to formulate a coherent argument.

Scholarly critique of academic literature. Generates, develops, uses and justifies own ideas or original concepts based on a wide range of academic sources.

Uses APA referencing style consistently and accurately in text of work and reference list. Effective use of relevant quotations and scholarly referencing at all times.

Critical assessment and analysis of the relationship between theory, research and practice. Possible insightful and/or original deployments of theory or theoretical concepts. Implications for personal and professional practice are carefully considered and explored. Work potentially worth dissemination and/or postgraduate study.

Distinction

75 - 84

Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration of very good organisational and conceptual skills. The work is well conceived, coherent and logical.

Thorough and comprehensive understanding of the content and/or discipline gathered from a wide range of current & relevant sources beyond the core materials.

Fluent and succinct communication style appropriate to the assessment task. Grammar, spelling, use of language and punctuation is appropriate and accurate.

Communicates effectively using a variety of relevant, imaginative, fluent and professional presentation styles and communication methods. Evidence of deep reflection on the presentation. Respectful of diverse backgrounds & experiences.

Considered use of evidence and consistently demonstrates application of critical analysis. Justifies relevant conclusions and their implications.

Scholarly critique of the literature using a variety of relevant sources to develop own ideas.

Uses APA referencing style consistently and accurately in text of work and reference list. Effective use of relevant quotations and scholarly referencing at all times.

Insightful critique or consideration of relationship between theory, research and practice. Personal/professional implications for practice considered.

Credit

65 - 74

Strong organizational & conceptual skills and evidence that the task is logical and coherent.

Considers topics and issues in the broader disciplinary context. Evidence of having read current and relevant sources beyond the core materials.

Communication is mainly clear, fluent and appropriate to document. Grammar, spelling, use of language and punctuation is accurate.

Uses a variety of disciplineappropriate formats to communicate confidently & effectively. Evidence of reflection on the presentation. Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse backgrounds & experiences.

Credible argument making relevant use of evidence, analysis and understanding. Able to apply concepts and draw and justify conclusions.

Substantial critical appraisal of the relevant literature to develop own ideas.

Uses APA referencing style consistently and accurately in text ofwork and reference list. Effective use of relevant quotations.

Critical or evaluative discussion/thinking about links between theory, research and practice.

Pass

50 - 64

Demonstrates task organization and conceptual understanding in a style which is mostly logical and coherent.

Clear understanding of topic. Demonstrates understanding of materials presented in core texts and readings.

Communication is appropriate to the assessment task and is mostly fluent and clear. Grammar, spelling, use of language and punctuation mostly accurate.

Communicates competently in a variety of formats appropriate to the discipline and report procedures in a structured manner using relevant information. Evidence of sensitivity to diverse backgrounds & experiences.

Demonstrates some evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Able to apply fundamental concepts and draw and justify conclusions.

Evidence of critical appraisal of literature, with a recognition of different perspectives.

Uses APA referencing style with minimal errors. Effective use of relevant quotations.

Beginning to develop critical reflection and analysis of practice through theory and
research. Relevant concepts etc applied in a generally appropriate and thoughtful way.

Adequate attendance and participation in forums that meets stated criteria.

Fail

0 - 49

Communication is unstructured and unfocused and/or in a format inappropriate to the discipline. Not all material is relevant and/or is difficult to understand. May be evidence of insensitivity to diverse backgrounds & experiences.

Little or no evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Fails to draw on fundamental concepts and to justify conclusions.

Literature is presented uncritically and in a purely descriptive way.

Many errors or no use of APA conventions in referencing. Fails to meet University’s academic honesty policy.

Very little or no consideration of the relationships between theory, research and practice.

Inadequate attendance or participation in online forums that does not meet stated criteria.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Module 1: Leadership theory and practice; Session 1: What is leadership and what is management? Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 Module 1: Leadership theory and practice; Session 2: Practice perspectives: Leading as a social practice. Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 Module 1: Leadership theory and practice; Session 3: Ethical leadership - International perspectives Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Module 2: Leadership for learning: Session 4: Diversity: educational leadership in community. Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Module 2: Leadership for learning: Session 5: Student Leadership Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Module 2: Leadership for learning: Session 6: Pedagogical Leadership Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Module 3: Leadership and ethics; Session 7: Indigenous Leadership and Education: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leading Education. Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Module 3: Leadership and ethics; Session 8: Power, influence and leadership; Destructive leadership and management Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Module 3: Leadership and ethics; Session 9: Asian perspectives of leadership Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Module 4: Leadership and identity; Session 10: Leadership: diversity and gender perspectives Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Module 4: Leadership and identity; Session 11: Leading for spiritual purpose Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Module 4: Leadership and identity; Session 12: Emotions and leading and managing Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Critically engage with educational leadership literature and research
  • LO2. Develop a critical understanding of key concepts and theories of educational leadership
  • LO3. Apply theories of leadership to situations in practice, acknowledging the importance of context and local and global perspectives
  • LO4. Develop the capacity to reflect critically on and improve their own understanding of educational leadership and management
  • LO5. Reflect upon their own leadership purpose and that of others
  • LO6. Critically analyse issues of identity and ethics in leadership
  • LO7. Research academic literature to write a literature review.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.2.4. (Lead) Lead processes to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching programs using research and workplace knowledge about how students learn.
1.3.4. (Lead) Evaluate and revise school learning and teaching programs, using expert and community knowledge and experience, to meet the needs of students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
1.4.4. (Lead) Develop teaching programs that support equitable and ongoing participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by engaging in collaborative relationships with community representatives and parents/carers.
2.1.4. (Lead) Lead initiatives within the school to evaluate and improve knowledge of content and teaching strategies, and demonstrate exemplary teaching of subjects using effective, research-based learning and teaching programs.
2.4.4. (Lead) Lead initiatives to assist colleagues with opportunities for students to develop understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.2.4. (Lead) Lead processes to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching programs using research and workplace knowledge about how students learn.
1.3.4. (Lead) Evaluate and revise school learning and teaching programs, using expert and community knowledge and experience, to meet the needs of students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
1.4.4. (Lead) Develop teaching programs that support equitable and ongoing participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by engaging in collaborative relationships with community representatives and parents/carers.
2.1.4. (Lead) Lead initiatives within the school to evaluate and improve knowledge of content and teaching strategies, and demonstrate exemplary teaching of subjects using effective, research-based learning and teaching programs.
2.4.4. (Lead) Lead initiatives to assist colleagues with opportunities for students to develop understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
3.1.4. (Lead) Demonstrate exemplary practice and high expectations, and lead colleagues to encourage students to pursue challenging goals in all aspects of their education.
3.2.4. (Lead) Exhibit exemplary practice and lead colleagues to plan, implement and review the effectiveness of their learning and teaching programs to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills.
3.3.4. (Lead) Work with colleagues to review, modify and expand their repertoire of teaching strategies to enable students to use knowledge, skills, problem-solving, and critical and creative thinking.
3.5.4. (Lead) Demonstrate and lead by example inclusive verbal and non-verbal communication using collaborative strategies and contextual knowledge to support students’ understanding, engagement and achievement.
3.7.4. (Lead) Initiate contextually relevant processes to establish programs that involve parents/carers in the education of their children and broader school priorities and activities.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
3.1.4. (Lead) Demonstrate exemplary practice and high expectations, and lead colleagues to encourage students to pursue challenging goals in all aspects of their education.
3.4.4. (Lead) Model exemplary skills and lead colleagues in selecting, creating and evaluating resources, including ICT, for application by teachers within or beyond the school.
6.1.4. (Lead) Use comprehensive knowledge of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to plan and lead the development of professional learning policies and programs that address the professional learning needs of colleagues and pre-service teachers.
6.3.4. (Lead) Implement professional dialogue within the school or professional learning network(s) that is informed by feedback, analysis of current research and practice to improve the educational outcomes of students.
6.4.4. (Lead) Advocate, participate in and lead strategies to support high-quality professional learning opportunities for colleagues that focus on improved student learning.
LO5
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
3.1.4. (Lead) Demonstrate exemplary practice and high expectations, and lead colleagues to encourage students to pursue challenging goals in all aspects of their education.
4.1.4. (Lead) Demonstrate and lead by example the development of productive and inclusive learning environments across the school by reviewing inclusive strategies and exploring new approaches to engage and support all students.
6.2.4. (Lead) Initiate collaborative relationships to expand professional learning opportunities, engage in research, and provide quality opportunities and placements for pre-service teachers.
7.1.4. (Lead) Model exemplary ethical behaviour and exercise informed judgements in all professional dealings with students, colleagues and the community.
7.2.4. (Lead) Initiate, develop and implement relevant policies and processes to support colleagues’ compliance with and understanding of existing and new legislative, administrative, organisational and professional responsibilities.
7.3.4. (Lead) Identify, initiate and build on opportunities that engage parents/carers in both the progress of their children’s learning and the educational priorities of the school.
7.4.4. (Lead) Take a leadership role in professional and community networks and support the involvement of colleagues in external learning opportunities.
LO6
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
4.1.4. (Lead) Demonstrate and lead by example the development of productive and inclusive learning environments across the school by reviewing inclusive strategies and exploring new approaches to engage and support all students.
4.4.4. (Lead) Evaluate the effectiveness of student wellbeing policies and safe working practices using current school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements and assist colleagues to update their practices.
4.5.4. (Lead) Review or implement new policies and strategies to ensure the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching
7.1.4. (Lead) Model exemplary ethical behaviour and exercise informed judgements in all professional dealings with students, colleagues and the community.
7.4.4. (Lead) Take a leadership role in professional and community networks and support the involvement of colleagues in external learning opportunities.
LO7
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.2.4. (Lead) Lead processes to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching programs using research and workplace knowledge about how students learn.
6.2.4. (Lead) Initiate collaborative relationships to expand professional learning opportunities, engage in research, and provide quality opportunities and placements for pre-service teachers.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes

More information can be found on Canvas.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.