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Unit outline_

MUED2302: Classroom Management

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Sydney

This unit of study provides pre-service teachers with skills to implement best practice classroom management in order to create a stable learning environment. We examine preventative strategies to minimise classroom management problems and other strategies to effectively deal with discipline problems. Students are able to increase their knowledge in establishing safe, orderly classroom environments. This UoS focuses on developing the crisis management plans that empower the students and class to work in creative, productive settings free from disrespect, fear, or intimidation. Strategies for dealing with disruptive behaviour and effective classroom management are desired outcomes.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Music Education
Credit points 3
Prerequisites
? 
MUED1010 or MUED1005 or MUED1009 or MUED1008
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Students enrolling in this unit of study are expected to be able to read and understand music and have a genuine interest in studying how to teach and engage adolescent learners in studying music in secondary school

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Thomas Fienberg, thomas.fienberg@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Thomas Fienberg, thomas.fienberg@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Brad Fuller, brad.fuller@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Student well-being hub modules journal entries
Written assessment. See Canvas for more details.
40% Week 04
Due date: 27 Aug 2023 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Online task Problem solving exercise
Written assessment
20% Week 08
Due date: 19 Sep 2023 at 23:59
500-600 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Classroom management plan
Written Assignment. See Canvas for more details.
40% Week 12
Due date: 24 Oct 2023 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.

Distinction

75 - 84

Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.

Pass

50 - 64

Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

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 • Course requirements / expectations / assessments §2.1 • Student Wellbeing Hub site https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au • Introduction to classroom management and overview of major theories and justification of theory §1.1 & §2.1 • Classroom management philosophy §2.1, §3.7 & §7.3 Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 02 • Classroom management theories and management models. §1.1, §4.3 & §4.4 • Instructional classroom management and the relationship between learning, curriculum and behaviour §4.3, §4.4 §7.1 Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 03 • Review of social cognition in adolescence. §1.3, §2.1 & §6.2 • Social emotional skill development. §1.2, §2.1 & §6.1 • Individual and group contingencies to promote appropriate behaviours §7.1, §4.3, §4.4, §7.1 • Supporting students’ behaviour with special needs in the inclusive classroom §1.1 & §2.1 • Whole school approaches to managing challenging behaviours of students with individual differences §1.1, 1.2. & §2.1 Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 04 • Structuring the learning environment for optimal management. §2.1, §4.1, §4.2 • Safe and effective use and management of technology in the classroom §3.3 • Developing positive classroom climate, culture and school connectedness. §1.1 & §2.1 • Co-operative learning techniques §2.1, §4.1, §4.2, §4.3, §4.4, §7.1 Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 05 • Definitions, policies and practices of classroom management in NSW schools §2.1, §4.2, §4.3 • What do effective classroom managers do? Styles of management. §4.2 • Proactive classroom management strategies §4.1, Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 06 • Universal intervention strategies §2.1, §4.1, §4.2 • Positive Behaviour Supports: A whole-school approach §2.1, §4.1 • Expectations, rules, routines, procedures §4.2, §4.3, Introduction to assessment task 2 teacher scenarios Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 07 • The Acting-Out Cycle §1.2 & §2.1 • Warning and choice statements. §2.1, §3.7 & §7.3 • Respectful exits §1.2 & §2.1 • Consequences – encouraging positive behaviour§1.1 & §2.1 • Consequences – responding to low level disruptive behaviours in comprehensive classrooms §1.2, §2.1 Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Assessment task 2 teacher scenarios shown and response written in class Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 09 • Culturally responsive redirection and management considerations §1.2 & §2.1 • Effective communication with parents including from EALD backgrounds (and including Aboriginal students) §1.1, 1.2. & §2.1 • Active listening with parents/carers §2.1 & §4.4 • Preparation for Fieldtrip during Special Projects Week Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Week 10 Special Projects Week Intensive • Observing classroom management in action • Understanding support structures in NSW Public Schools • Managing Performances in Schools: Putting on a show Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 • Reflecting on the field trip • Managing Bullying §1.2 & §2.1 • Developing a crisis management plan §1.2 & §2.1 • Tips for Classroom Management Plans Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

  • Lecture recordings: Lectures for this unit of study will be recorded and made available to students via the Learning Management System (LMS) 
  • Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

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 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See canvas for a list of all weekly readings.

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. understand issues that inform classroom management in music teaching practice
  • LO2. recognise the cognitive developments unique to adolescents in relation to controlling their own behaviour
  • LO3. manage difficult behaviours and create a safe and productive learning environment
  • LO4. explore some of the major challenges associated with classroom management
  • LO5. demonstrate an ability to engage students effectively in the learning process
  • LO6. articulate possible reasons why adolescents succeed and fail in the music classroom.

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

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

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered. The addition of a field trip to a school during Special Projects Week was well received by the last cohort.

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.