Designing a unit

A pre-service teacher at Darwin High school is given the opportunity to design a unit of study for her students. Her unit on how the media uses gender stereotyping to market toys draws upon her academic expertise in the field of Psychology. Designing an interconnected lesson sequence allows her to understand the complex roles of teachers, and to realise that their role extends beyond the classroom. She understands that without extensive thinking and pre-planning, quality learning is not guaranteed. Designing a unit shows her importance of prior learning to the sequential development of knowledge, skills and understanding. It also allows her to take a longer term view of learning

Darwin High School is one of only two government schools in Darwin that cater purely for senior students at years 10–12. The school is relatively large in comparison with other Territory schools. The school is a teaching school with a relationship with Charles Darwin University. The pre-service teacher began her 'practicum' in the second term of the school year.