ETS5002 Assessment 3 - Examination of an educational issue related to supporting an equitable, inclusive society of active citizens
Individual report - 55% - due Week 13 - 2500 words
Overview
From the investigations in Assessments 1 and 2 you have considered a number of social and educational issues through examining a variety of data. In this task you will individually build on this work through an in-depth examination of dimensions of the issue you have been focusing on in secondary education related to supporting an equitable, inclusive society of active citizens.
Relevant topics could include, for example, the role of standardised testing; the factors influencing (and constraints acting upon) students’ subject selections and vocational choices; the pros and cons of learner-centred versus teacher-centred pedagogies and practices; gender issues in secondary education; indigenous issues in secondary education; educational issues associated with widening participation in post-compulsory education; the influence of socio-economic and family educational background on student achievement; inclusive classroom practices responding to the needs of students with disabilities;... to name only a few of the topics that are of interest to secondary pre-service teachers.
This final task is where you draw on your work in Assessments 1 and 2 to develop a complex picture of an educational issue that impacts on your teacher work of supporting an equitable, inclusive society of active citizens.
Your examination of the topic should include:
• An introduction to Identify and clearly outline your chosen topic and related issues/ dimensions of the issue;
• A logically sequenced discussion of the topic that presents an analysis of this issue in education that draws on academic and grey literature - so ‘unpack’ the topic with reference to the evidence (data, reports, policy, guidelines, research) to build a narrative* about your topic and associated issues. Your discussions will include:
- Identification and critical analysis of the key ideas and standpoints on this topic;
- Discussion of the ways in which the issue impacts on students’ learning and development;
- Discussion of impacts of this issue on a teacher’s work in supporting an equitable, inclusive society of active citizens;
- Discussion and evaluation of credible school-based or classroom-based responses to the issue(s) - this could also include your own practice data from placement;
• Concluding section that synthesises the key findings of your report.
* Use the key points that work to develop the logical sequence of your narrative about the issue as subheadings in your report.
The marking guide for this task is on the following page.
Assessment 3 Marking Guide

Criteria Marks
Content understanding and analysis
Demonstrated through a detailed and critical analysis of an issue in education including:
• Explanation of the context of issue - including discussion of any historical, political, social background to the issue.
• Explanation of the key ideas on the issue.
• Consideration of any disputed aspects to the issue.
• Appropriate data and/or research evidence integrated into discussions.
• Discussion of the ways in which the issue impacts on students’ learning and development.
• Discussion of impacts of this issue on a teacher’s work in supporting an equitable, inclusive society of active citizens.
• Discussion and evaluation of credible school-based or classroom-based responses to the issue(s).
• Discussions supported and explained through connections to creditable academic and grey literature. 25
Evaluating and synthesising
• Demonstration of extensive knowledge of, and critical analysis of, dimensions of the educational issue topic through complex discussions and explanations.
• Synthesis of key points on the issue that are justified through literature connections and critical analyses.
• Connections made between current policy and practice. 15
Cohesive presentation that builds a complex picture of an educational issue
• Sequenced organisation of ideas that has a logical flow.
• Direct quotes and paraphrasing are accurate and blended into the report.?
• Coherent and persuasive presentation of arguments. 10
Writing mechanics
• Well-structured paper with appropriate headings and within +/- 10% of the word limit.
• Clarity through well-structured, grammatically correct sentences with accurate spelling and punctuation.
• Accurate in-text citation of sources (minimum 10 scholarly and authoritative) and reference listing using either APA or Harvard protocols. 5
TOTAL 55