Key facts
UNE unit code: EDUC558
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

In this capstone unit, you will gain insights into reflective practice and action and develop your skills in the dynamic nature of organisational change and collaborative problem solving. You will learn how to apply methodologies both as an individual and as part of a community to improve the way problems are addressed and solved. You will also gain valuable skills that help you apply a systematic reflective process to a wide range of practical problems in the classroom, the workplace or the wider professional environment.
The unit includes 30 days of Professional Experience in an approved school setting, and the culminating Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment in which teacher education students demonstrate their ability to meet the Graduate Teacher Standards.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit requires contact with children in an educational setting. Before entering the setting all students must have completed online Anaphylaxis training, an online Child Protection module, have obtained a valid NSW Working with Children Check clearance (for those students wishing to complete their placement in NSW) or equivalent (for those students wishing to complete their placement outside NSW), and have completed and passed their Literacy and Numeracy test. Please see the Office for Professional Learning webpage for more information.
This unit addresses Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Stage, otherwise referred to as Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptors (GTSD).
Before enrolling in this unit students must have completed the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) and all prior placements.
Placement Commencement Requirements
Mandatory conditions:
- Students must complete the first 8 weeks of teaching period and coursework
- Students must have submitted and passed* their first assessment before placement can commence
- Specific dates are published in the PREXUS site
*As per UNE policy, there is a three-week turnaround for assessment marking.
These conditions meet accreditation requirements by ensuring students pass the mandatory theory components of this unit prior to attempting the Graduate Placement.
Additional Trimester 3 Information: students enrolling in Trimester 3 will be unable to commence their final graduate placement and the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) before Term 1 of the following school year.
Assessments within these units are graded in accordance with the assessment requirements of the unit. The overall unit result is recorded as SR/US in accordance with the UNE Grading System, with no numerical mark awarded. The GTPA assessment must be completed within two weeks of the conclusion of the placement.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- based upon their own professional attributes profile, apply autonomy and well-developed judgement to identify those competencies which might be improved (GTSD 6.1.1, 6.2.1);
- apply specialised academic skills and knowledge to critically analyse a model of reflective practice in education and relate this to professional attributes (GTSD 6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.3.1, 6.4.1);
- based on relevant theories and concepts describe and justify a suitable methodology by which improvement in professional practices can be made (GTSD 6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.3.1, 6.4.1);
- demonstrate a high level of coherent theoretical knowledge and understanding to select a suitable methodology, design, undertake and analyse a case study of reflective professional practice (GTSD 6.1.1, 6.3.1, 6.4.1); and
- demonstrate competence during professional placement in a school setting, including the satisfactory completion of a Graduate Teaching Performance Assessment aligned to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate level (GTSD 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 4.3.1, 5.5.1, 6.3.1, 1.2.1,1.3.1, 3.1.1, 3.3.1, 3.5.1, 4.2.1, 4.3.1, 5.1.1, 5.3.1, 6.1.1).
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Essay – No. Words: 2000 Students must pass Assignment 1 in order to pass the unit. Related to GTSD: 6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.3.1, 6.4.1 |
| GTPA - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) – No. Words: 5000 Students are required to successfully complete the GTPA in order to successfully pass this unit, and to graduate. Relates to GTSD: 1.1.1–7.4.1 depending on context. GTPA must be completed 2 weeks after the end of the placement. |
| Professional Experience - Assurance Task | Yes | All offerings | Professional Experience 30 days As part of this final placement students will complete their Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA). Students are required to complete 30 days of school-based professional experience in an Australian Secondary school and receive a satisfactory report from their supervisor(s) in order to successfully pass this unit. Relates to GTSD: 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 4.3.1, 5.5.1, 6.3.1 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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