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Unit outline_

MUED2302: Classroom Management

Semester 2, 2024 [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) Carla Trott, carla.trott@sydney.edu.au
Thomas Fienberg, thomas.fienberg@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Classroom management fundamentals modules and podcast
See Canvas for more details.
40% Week 04
Due date: 25 Aug 2024 at 23:59
Podcast Length: 10-15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Small test Problem solving exercise
See Canvas for details.
20% Week 09 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Classroom management plan
Written Assignment. See Canvas for more details.
40% Week 12
Due date: 27 Oct 2024 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 NO CLASS IN LIEU OF WEEK 13 FIELDTRIP. Students are encouraged to complete Classroom Management Fundamentals Course as part of Assessment Task 1. Independent study (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 02 Introduction to Classroom Management with Tom Fienberg (Location: 2174) Classroom Management Philosophy and overview of theories. NSW DoE What works best? A Critical (music education) Examination. Classroom Management Fundamentals Course and Podcast Assessment How To! Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 03 Classroom Management in Action with Carla Trott (Fort St Public School) How to make the most of observations during placements. Knowing your students and how they learn. Positive learning environments and routines in the primary school. Primary management tips 101. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 04 Behavioural approaches to Classroom Management with Carla Trott (Fort St Public School) Whole school approaches to Classroom Management at Fort St Public School. Assertive Discipline in focus. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Managing high school music classes with Tom Fienberg (Location: 2174) Strategies for working in dynamic classroom environments. Structuring the high school music learning environment for optimal management. What do effective classroom managers do? Styles of management. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 06 PBL in Focus Tom Fienberg (Location: 2174). Preventative strategies. Designing a PBL Matrix for the Music Classroom. The acting out cycle. Getting ready for Assessment Task 2. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Cognitive Behavioural Approaches with Carla Trott (Location: Fort St Public School) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). REBT and revising the ABC Model. Strategies for Self Regulation: Stop, Think Do... Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 08 Psychoeducational Approaches with Carla Trott (Location: Fort St Public School) Goal Theory; Choice Theory; and other management models. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Assessment task 2 teacher scenarios shown and response written in class (Location: 2174) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 11 Culturally responsive classroom management with Tom Fienberg (Location: 2174) Strategies for building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families. Effective communication with parents including from EAL/D backgrounds. Active listening with parents/carers. Preparing for the fieldtrip. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Bringing it all together: Final tips on writing a Classroom Management Plan with Tom Fienberg (Location: 2174). Managing bullying. Supporting students with individual differences. Responding to and implementing student plans. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Week 13 High School Intensive (Location: Evans High School, Blacktown). Observing classroom management in action. Understanding support structures in comprehensive NSW Public High Schools. Managing Performances in Schools: Putting on a show. Lecture and tutorial (4 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

Primary Course Text:

Nobile, J. D., Lyons, G., & Arthur-Kelly, M. (2020). Positive learning environments: Creating and maintaining productive classrooms. Cengage. https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/view/action/uresolver.do?operation=resolveService&package_service_id=39709474900005106&institutionId=5106&customerId=5105&VE=true 

Week 1:

NSW Department of Education. (2023). Classroom management fundamentals e-learning. https://myplsso.education.nsw.gov.au/q/AC00440  

Week 2:

Chapter 1 Positive learning environments.

Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation. (2020). What works best: 2020 update. NSW Department of Education.

Fuller, B. (2022). Is what works best, best for music education? Australian Journal of Music Education, 54(2), 3–14.

Week 3:

Gee, J. P. (2022). Elementary General Music Teachers’ Preparation in Classroom Management. Journal of Music Teacher Education, 31(2), 55–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/10570837211062183

Oliver, R. M., & Reschly, D. J. (2010). Special Education Teacher Preparation in Classroom Management: Implications for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Behavioral Disorders, 35, 188-199.

Week 4: 

Chapter 6 Positive Learning Environments

Konza, D. M., Grainger, J., & Bradshaw, K. A. (2003). Classroom management : a survival guide. Thomson/Social Science Press.

Week 5:

Hepburn, L. Beamish, W., & Alston-Knox, C. L. (2020). Classroom management practices commonly used by secondary school teachers: results from a Queensland survey. Australian Educational Researcher48(3), 485–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-020-00402-y

New South Wales Department of Education. (2024). Behaviour and engagement. https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/attendance-behaviour-and-engagement

Week 6:

Mulvahill, E. (2021). 50 tips and tricks for high school classroom management. https://www.weareteachers.com/50-tips-and-tricks-high-school/

Rossman, R. L. (1989). TIPS: Discipline in the music classroom. R&L Education.

Banks, T. (2014). Creating Positive Learning Environments: Antecedent Strategies for Managing the Classroom Environment & Student Behavior. Creative Education, 5, 519-524. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ce.2014.57061  

Week 7:

Chapter 7 Positive Learning Environments

Charles, C. M. & Senter, G. W. (2005). Building classroom discipline (8th ed.). Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.

Week 8

Chapter 8 Positive Learning Environments

Arthur-Kelly, M., Lyons, G. Butterfield,  N., & Gordon, C. (2006). Classroom management : creating positive learning environments (2nd ed.). Thomson Learning.

Week 9: 

No readings due to assessment

Week 11:

Lowry, J. & Spinocchia, D. (Executive Producers). (2021). The school that tried to end racism [TV series]. Screentime Pty Limited.

Week 12: 

Rogers, B. (2003). Effective supply teaching: Behaviour management, classroom discipline and colleague support. Paul Chapman.

McDonald, T. (2013). Classroom Management: Engaging students in learning (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

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.

This unit has been updated with a new first assessment to assist students with understanding current expectations in NSW Public Schools. The course has also been modified to include additional experiences in a primary school to balance existing fieldtrip to a comprehensive public high school.

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.