About

Education Policy in Practice

Education Policy in Practice (EDUC90949) is an elective subject in the Policy in a Global Context specialisation within the Master of Education. However, the subject is open to all Master of Education students. Master of Teaching students can take the subject with the approval of the course coordinator.

The subject will be multi-disciplinary bringing together political science, sociology and education studies, and will be relevant across all education sectors including primary, secondary and vocational education and training. The main objective of this subject is to build into the MEd course a comprehensive overview of the EU, investigating innovations, advancements and challenges in educational policy and practice in the EU. Students will examine education policy and policy reform issues in the context of EU policy development, implementation and evaluation.  It will provide students with the opportunity to engage with European education policy issues through a structured visitation program, which will include briefings, workshops and seminars at selected government, non-government and educational organisations in Europe. The study tour will visit at least three EU member states such as Belgium, Denmark and Italy over a 2-week period, visiting government, non-government and educational organisations such as the European Commission, schools, training colleges and universities.

On completion, students should have developed:

• Knowledge of EU and of the key contemporary issues in education policy in the three EU member states
• Understanding of education systems in the EU and how they support transitions through education and into employment
• Understanding of comparative education policy approaches and how to apply these knowledge and skills to their own work in the Australian context.

This subject is typically delivered as a staff-guided international study tour and is usually over a 2-week period in September/October. The travel dates may not always align with the school holidays in Victoria.

The subject provides the opportunity for students to explore and investigate education systems outside Australia through structured visits to selected government and non-government organisations and educational institutions in two or three countries. Students will examine and analyse education policy and reform issues in the context of policy development, implementation and/or evaluation, by drawing on relevant theories and evidence from the research literature and considering the relevant social, cultural, political and historical contexts.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Discuss the education policy and policy reform in the context of the placement or series of visits;
• Articulate the main conceptual ideas underpinning the policy issues relevant to the placement or visits;
• Analyse contemporary national and international education policy and policy reform debates in the context of the placement or visits by drawing on relevant theories and evidence from the research literature; and
• Reflect critically on key policy issues relevant to the placement or visits by addressing the relevant social, cultural, political and historical contexts.

Generic skills

* Critical reasoning and thinking * Problem solving * Communication * Evidence based decision making * Self-reflection, career awareness and lifelong learning * Active and participatory citizenship

For eligibility and requirements please visit the handbook.

The subject is a Jean Monnet Module (Education Policy in Practice: European Education Policy and National Systems) supported by the Erasmus+ Program (2020-2023).