Understanding Rurality PG (12201.1)

This unit enables classroom teachers and educational leaders to critically analyse the theoretical and practical applications of understanding the diversity of rural contexts, and how this relates to contextually situated practice. The unit examines the policy, statistical and socio/cultural definitions of rurality to develop a shared language for investigating rural professional practice. Engaging the Rural Social Space model and a Rural Lens approach the unit develops a framework for investigating rural places through a situational analysis approach and community engagement framework. This unit provides educators an opportunity to professionally and critically reflect on their own experiences planning learning and leading in their classroom, school, or system in a manner aligned to their rural contexts. This unit builds classroom teacher and school leaders' skills in data analysis and interpretation, promoting the use of data to drive improved student outcomes and purposeful change.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Critically examine existing understandings about rurality and their implications for rural professional practice;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of statistical and socio-cultural modes of rurality and community engagement in enacting educational change;
3. Demonstrate an appreciation of the theories and research relevant to the development of rural professional practice through an examination of contemporary literature; and
4. Apply data informed approaches to community analysis to inform educational decision making.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.