Contemporary Issues, Social Contexts of Learning and Social Justice

This unit explores the historical, philosophical and political structures that shape contemporary understandings of childhoods. By focusing on the forces that inform these structures, this unit provides pre-service teachers with the conceptual tools necessary to meaningfully situate themselves within discourses of childhoods and pedagogy and reflect on contemporary social justice issues. It examines past, present, and future notions of childhoods and the image of the teacher, and how politics, values, beliefs and culture shape these understandings and influence practice. With a focus on First Nations perspectives and sustainability, the unit interrogates contemporary issues in relation to social justice, equity, diversity and intercultural relationships. It includes building theoretical and practical understandings of guiding behaviour.