Faculty of Education Courses
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Education
At the end of this course all learners will have the opportunity to explore the biological, social, and psychological development of children from conception through to 8 years of age. The importance of the early years in relation to learning is also explored.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course focuses on aspects of human development as an integral part of the teaching and learning process. It explores the development of a child from birth to adolescence. Emphasis is given to the holistic study of the child and the interplay of the child’s physical, psychological, social and cognitive development.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 60% coursework, 40% examination
This course focuses on purposeful and systematic assessment on what to assess. Important decisions should involve the types of assessment instruments in all areas of learning including art, music, physical education and health, social behavior and morality.
Offered: Semester 1&2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This is an introductory course to special needs teaching. The course commences with a historical overview on inclusive education and progresses into today’s regular classroom and the teaching of pupils with special or additional needs. Various approaches are studied and discussed. The course provides practical applications useful for both primary and secondary trainees.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours Assessment: 100% coursework
This is an introductory course for the practical implementation of measurement and assessment by teachers in the secondary level. It endeavours to create a good understanding of assessment techniques so that assessment can be used to make informed decisions relevant for maximising the teaching and learning process.
Offered: Semester 2
Prerequisite: HED101 Any curriculum paper
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course equips students to plan, prepare, and implement appropriate teaching strategies for classrooms involving more than 1 year level. The focus is on teacher preparation and teacher strategies in effectively engaging and motivating students in multi-level contexts, to enjoy whilst optimizing opportunities for learning.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course will provide the learner with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage their class. The learner will develop an understanding of behaviour management principles and practices for various learning environments.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course provides the learner with a good grounding in the study of ethics and values in education. This will form a platform from which learners can better explore existing knowledge and values that influence and impact upon society and its education.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course is designed to introduce learners to the idea of themes as an important component of learning in the early years. It provides learner with the much needed skills to select and choose themes that are interesting and will encourage spontaneity and interest that is sustainable.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course is designed to improve learners’ ability to relate Hands-on Experiential (HoE) learning to children’s holistic development physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. It also fosters and develops interest, confidence and independence in manipulating and creating materials. Learners should be able to make decisions on appropriate learning opportunities and experiences that would aid children’s learning.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course covers the development of education in Samoa ranging from pre- missionary, missionary and colonial to the post-colonial periods. Pre-missionary education covers informal and traditional types of education where learning occurs via participation and observation. This course will inform and discuss education in Samoa in the last two centuries and the changes which came about as a result.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The focus of this course is on the theories of teaching and learning, teaching models, types of teacher and instructional strategies used, exploring classroom dynamics and different learning styles. The status of the teaching profession and its code of ethics are also examined.
Offered: Semester 2
Prerequisite: HED101
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 60% coursework, 40% examination
The aim of this course is to introduce teacher trainees to some basic skills of educational research by conducting a small school-based research project. Basic elements of educational research including principles of design, validity, measurement and analysis are included.
Offered: Semester 1
One 200-level HED course
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course covers issues pertinent to Samoa’s educational development. Contemporary issues fostering teaching, learning, curriculum, internal assessment, national and international projects, pre-service and in-service will be explored and analysed. The challenges, innovations and reforms in education are studied at both the national and international level.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course emphasizes the essence of what is at the core of effective teaching. It covers educational theories, research and practice to further promote and enhance pupil learning and achievement. It demonstrates the interconnections between teaching and learning strategies, meta-cognition, motivation, reflective procedures and practice. Key concepts and characteristics of effective pedagogy such as confidence, enthusiasm, creativity, versatility, empathy and reflective practice will provide students with the opportunity to better understand and relate to how students can become effective learners.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
This course is designed to improve students’ abilities to analyze and evaluate the kinds of arguments and theories common in everyday life. It will help the students structure their thinking and make valid and logical arguments in drawing sound conclusions.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
At the end of the course learners should be able to demonstrate their understanding and knowledge of the early childhood education curriculum. Learners should also appreciate and support the close relationship between the early childhood education curriculum, the child, school, family and the community and recognise that children are unique in the context of family, culture and society.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course is designed to improve learner’s ability to analyze and evaluate the kinds of ECE philosophy on which to base decisions on the direction that ECE needs to take. It will help learners to design and adapt a teaching philosophy that is suitable for the context of the school and learners.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course is designed to expose primary teacher trainees to more student-centred approaches to assessment. It attempts to equip teacher trainees with formative assessment strategies that have practical applications for classroom use, with the intention of improving teaching and optimising the learning process.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course challenges students to rethink conventional ideas about educational theory and practice in order to critically examine ideas about ways of knowing, worthwhile learning, educational aid, schooling and organisational structures and to be able to synthesise approaches to dealing with contemporary issues in education.
Offered: Semester 1
Prerequisite: HED101
Contact hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of globalisation on education in Samoa during the pre-colonisation, colonisation and post- colonisation periods. It is expected that students will be able to offer a critical review and analysis of educational changes in Samoa throughout the three different periods.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course provides students with a broad knowledge of the theoretical, social, political and cultural bases of supervision and mentoring. Students will have the opportunity to relate their own supervisory and mentoring practices to this knowledge.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
In this course students use educational psychology and their knowledge of personality development and cognitive-structural development theories to understand the impact of socio-economic, emotional, cultural and religious influences on human behaviour.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
In light of the prevailing Samoan and global economic conditions, resource allocation in education needs careful planning and maximum interaction. The main objective of this course, therefore, is to provide students with a good foundation and working knowledge of planning and administration in schools. It also provides learners with the skills and opportunity to critique past educational systems in order to understand the present.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course assists students with research techniques of collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating data. It provides students with necessary research tools that will enable them to access information using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course aims at analyzing educational policies in the broader national and international context of best practices. The course also develops and evaluates education policies in domains, such as governance, resource allocation, productivity, assessment, and curriculum development.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course examines the philosophical foundations of education. Students will have the opportunity to explore a series of questions in this course: What is the ultimate purpose of education? How can we best characterize human nature? How do people learn? What constitutes knowledge? What methods should teachers employ to realize their goals? Though there are no definite answers the practice of asking them and considering their implications through various forms of philosophical analysis will help students to clarify educational priorities.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The purpose of this course is to advance students’ understanding of curriculum theories and models and the application of these models to the classroom and relevant context. The course will enable students to (i) identify and discuss the significant issues in curriculum debates and (ii) develop competency to define their own curricular position in the context of the Pacific Island Region, their country and school. They should be able to apply the relevant model to suit their own situation. This approach will have implications for curriculum theory and practice from perspectives of Pacific Island Nations (PINs).
Offered: Semester 2
Faculty of Education | 162
Contact Hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Food and Textile Technology
This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to food and nutrition within the community. It provides opportunities for teacher trainees to investigate the impact of food technologies on all areas of society, including individuals, family, business and community groups.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to design and textiles within the community. It provides opportunities for teacher trainees to investigate the impact textile technologies have on all areas of society, including individuals, family, business and community groups.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course provides a working knowledge of the micro- and macro-nutrients in the diet, their digestion, absorption, use and excretion as well as the inter-relationships between them. It explores in depth the nutritional issues specific to different stages in the life cycle.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course enables teacher trainees to develop skills to translate designs into patterns, using a basic block pattern. They will explore methods of designing and adapting patterns to incorporate a range of design features. The problem- solving approach is emphasised as part of the design and pattern-making process.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
This course aims to enable the food and textile technology teacher trainee to study and understand the curriculum documents that are used in secondary schools. Emphasis is placed on the planning and writing of teaching units in conjunction with all sections of the curriculum.
Offered: Semesters 1 & 2
Prerequisites: One 100- or 200-level HFT course
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course will provide a combined approach to Food and Textile design processes within the community. It offers opportunities to teacher trainees to investigate and develop their technological skills in the Design context. The Design process provides a framework for solving problems and producing products whereby teacher trainees will be challenged to extend their skills and knowledge into a real life setting.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
Music
This is an introductory course to develop students’ understanding of music theory. It provides basic concepts and terms needed for students to have an appreciation of melody and harmony. It is intended for both those with, and without, a background in music theory, but students should have some familiarity with reading common notation, playing an instrument or singing.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course applies the theory of music to the basic techniques of playing, to enable students to develop the skills to perform with a chosen instrument in front of a small audience. Their co-ordination and psychomot or skills will be developed through constant practice. Correct techniques to improve accurate rhythmical and listening skills will be developed.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course aims to extend students’ understanding of music theory. It provides students with the grounding that would enable them to see the relationship between theory and practice and extend their understanding of melody and harmony.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The course attempts to extend the techniques of instrumental playing. This will enable students to master the skills to perform their chosen instrument in front of a small audience. Their co-ordination and development of psychomotor skills will be further developed as will their rhythmical and listening skills.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The course aims to assist music teacher trainees to develop lesson plans, unit plans and relevant programmes to allow for progressive development of musical skills in schools.
This will also enable teacher trainees to meet the learning outcomes for the music curriculum in secondary schools.
Offered: Semesters 1 & 2
Prerequisites: One 200-level HMU course
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course covers materials, methods and techniques for teaching music at primary level. Teacher trainees will be exposed to the music curriculum and current trends in primary music teaching. They will also develop the knowledge and skills to plan, implement and evaluate a music programme.
Offered: Semesters 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course will introduce students to the history and development of music in Samoa beginning from chants to the contemporary popular music. Students will also formulate a timeline of music evolution with emphasis on literature, forms, genre and composers of the different eras and discuss causes of transition of the music.
Offered: Semesters 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 60% coursework, 40% examination
Performing Arts
This course is designed to explore the foundations of physical theatre through practical and theoretical involvement. It offers students the opportunity to develop their abilities in mime, object work, improvisation, mask and character acting for theatre and film performance.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course is designed to explore the foundations of Pacific contemporary dance on stage and in film. It offers students the opportunity to develop their abilities in dance elements, choreography and performance as well as expand students’ knowledge and understanding of space, timing and energy, body awareness and relationships in dance.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course explores the foundations of acting for film and television through practical and theoretical involvement. It also develops students’ abilities in improvisation, characterisation, working with text, script analysis and screen performance. There is a fieldwork component which offers the opportunity to gain practical experience within the film and television industry in Samoa.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course is designed to explore the foundations of Samoan dance, traditional and contemporary, on stage and in film. It offers students the opportunity to develop their
abilities in Samoan dance elements, choreography and performance and to expand their knowledge and understanding of the history and development of traditional Samoan dance by exploring space, timing and energy, body awareness and relationships in dance.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course is designed for teacher trainees of performing arts at secondary schools. The focus is on the pedagogy of teaching students in the use of the Samoan Performing Arts Curriculum and Teacher’s Guide. It will also develop their abilities to plan lessons, unit plans and create, develop and put into place appropriate performing arts programmes within the schools.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: One 200-level HPA course
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
In this course students will utilise materials and techniques related to teaching performing arts at primary level. Teacher trainees will be exposed to the performing arts curriculum and current trends in performing arts teaching. They will also develop the knowledge and skills to plan, implement and evaluate a performing arts programme.
Offered: Semesters 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
Physical Education
The focus of this course is the personal well-being of individuals and personal management. This course develops teacher trainees’ knowledge and understanding about the health and well-being of themselves, their families and their community, including social, physical and emotional development issues.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course is a study of teaching and coaching techniques in various sports, and the modification of major sports for young children. Practical sessions help teacher trainees develop their skills and confidence in the teaching of sport.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The focus of this course is the well-being of the family and community. This course develops teacher trainees’ knowledge and understanding about social, physical and emotional development issues.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course provides an opportunity for students to develop skills and activities which promote a greater awareness of how the body moves in space, through time and with energy.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
Physical education teacher trainees should be able to provide programmes which allow for the progressive development of skills. This course will help them understand the aims and objectives of the health and physical education curriculum for secondary schools and develop plans to achieve those aims.
Offered: Semesters 1 & 2
Prerequisites: One 200-level HPE course
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course covers teaching and organising sporting activities for children. The course is practical, aiming at improving students’ movement skill level and providing an opportunity to understand the physiological and psychological factors that affect children’s participation and performance in sporting activities.
Offered: Semesters 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The focus of this course has been designed with the specific purpose of providing a relevant, practically focused and culturally specific approach to the identification, training and on-going development of Development Coaches within the Pacific Region. The course design has 5 core objectives: Pacific athletes resulting in better performances; extensive coach education experiences, athlete-focused coach education, teaching best practice coaching principles.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course focuses on the aims, achievement objectives, learning outcomes, approaches to teaching and learning, and assessments in the Samoa Early Childhood Education Curriculum. It also provides learners with the knowledge to plan, create innovative resources, project materials and fun teaching activities.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Teacher Education
This course focuses on the aims, achievement objectives, learning outcomes, approaches to teaching and learning, and assessments in the Samoa Early Childhood Education Curriculum. It also provides learners with the knowledge to plan, create innovative resources, project materials and fun teaching activities.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
This course focuses on basic communication skills in the Samoan language. As learners at this age are inquisitive, it is very important for them to effectively use the first language to express their views and opinions clearly. Therefore, teachers must be fully equipped with a sound knowledge of the basic language learning skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in the Samoan language in order to facilitate communication in the classroom.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
The content and focus of this course build on basic components and elements of music from early childhood to year three as prescribed in the Early Childhood Curriculum. It builds from rudimentary to intermediate level of music skills necessary for facilitating classroom teaching and learning. This course will also provide the opportunity for learners with skills to observe, listen, interpret and perform music.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
This course is designed to provide teacher trainees with the appropriate content in mathematics. It also equips them with teaching and learning strategies that are suitable for Years 1-8. The course provides opportunities to apply mathematical concepts and skills in the teaching of mathematics.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This introductory course engages students in acquiring rudimentary skills in music and performing arts, dance and drama as prescribed in the Expressive Arts Curriculum for Primary School in Samoa. It will explore a range of dance, dramatic and musical forms and styles. Both content and pedagogical contents of the course will develop from fundamentals to integrated practical performance.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 70% coursework, 30% examination
This course covers the English Language skills and knowledge that are required for the teaching of English in the Primary Schools of Samoa. It provides students who are preparing to become teachers with the necessary knowledge and English language competencies required for teaching the Samoan National English Curriculum for Years 1- 8.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 5 hours
Assessment: 70% coursework, 30% examination
O le mataupu lenei e faamoemoe e faatuputeleina ma fa’a’oaina atili ai le faiaoga i tomai eseese o le Gagana Samoa, ina ia fesoasoani ia te ia i le a’oa’oga o le mataupu. Ia toe tapu’e lona silafia i le gagana, kalama, tusitusiga, aganuu ma agaifanua faigofie aemaise ituaiga tala mo tusi a tamaiti.
Taimi e a’oa’o ai: Vaituuaga 1
Itula faatulagaina I le vaiaso: 5 itula
Togi: 70% galuega faatonuina, 30% suega
This course aims to enhance the teacher’s background knowledge and understanding in all aspects of the Samoan Language plus children’s literature to better equip them in the teaching of Samoan in primary schools.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 5 hours
Assessment: 70% coursework, 30% examination
This course teaches students how to plan comprehensive English and Samoan Reading Programs, suitable for all levels in the primary school. They will also be equipped with knowledge and appropriate methodologies for developing and upgrading literacy teaching practices in primary schools.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: HTE122, HTE222 or RPL
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course provides learners with the necessary knowledge and English language competencies required for self-development. The learners are equipped with the knowledge and understanding of classical and modern children’s literature as well as Pacific myths and legends. Their knowledge and skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, and literacy-related resources are also cultivated.
Offered: Semester 1
Prerequisite: HED101
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
This course is designed to familiarize learners with the components of Home Economics incorporated into the Early Childhood Education Curriculum. The course also provides learners with practical experiences, knowledge and skills to facilitate the development of healthy cooking and healthy eating. Sewing and clothing design skills will also be developed to assist in maintaining health and hygiene in their homes.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
O lenei matā’upu olo’o taula’i i le tapenaina o tomai fa’avae o le mātau a tamaiti e ala i le va’ava’ai manino ma fa’alogo toto’a i fa’amatalaga ma fātuga faigofie o le Gagana Sāmoa. E aofia ai fo’i fa’ata’ita’iga ma fa’atinoga amata ma faigofie o nisi o tu ma āga fa’avae a Sāmoa o lo’o vaaia pea ma fa’atino i totonu o ‘āiga ma isi si’osi’omaga tele. O le a a’oa’oina ai fo’i le faitauga o le Pi Faitau i ōna mata’itusi eseese o vaueli ma konesane.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
This course focuses on developing learners’ observation skills on explanation and composition in the Samoan language. It involves demonstration of some basic Samoan values practised at home and other environments. Learners will practise pronouncing and using vowels and consonants of the Samoan alphabet in simple phrases.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
E patino le matā’upu lenei i le a’otauina o ali’i ma tama’ita’i ina ia lava saunia mo le a’oa’oga o le matā’upu i ā’oga tulagalua. Ia lava le mālamalama i auala ma metotia e fa’aā’oga i le a’oa’oga o le Gagana Sāmoa i Tausaga 1-8.
Taimi e a’oa’o ai: Vaitu’uaga 1 & 2
Itūlā fa’atūlagaina i le vaiaso: 4 itula
Togi: 100% galuega fa’atonuina
This course is designed to prepare teacher trainees to teach Samoan in primary schools. Students will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the repertoire of skills required to teach Samoan at Years 1-8.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
O le matā’upu lenei ua a’oa’oina ina ia mālamalama ali’i ma tama’ita’i i le so’otaga o vāega uma o polokalame fa’atino i le gagana ma aganu’u. Ia fesoasoani i le a’oa’oga o tu ma aga i le olaga o le Sāmoa, aemaise ai le tau’avega o tiute ma nafa fa’ata’ita’i.
Taimi e a’oa’o ai: Vaitu’uaga 2
Itūlā fa’atūlagaina i le vaiaso: 4 itula
Togi: 100% galuega fa’atonuina
This course helps to extend the teacher trainees’ knowledge and skills in the integration of language, culture and history to enable them to make links between the classroom, school, and the local environment. The role and responsibilities to society, effects of globalisation and climate change are an integral part of an effective classroom programme.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
O le fa’amoemoe o le matā’upu ia fa’aoaina ali’i ma tama’ita’i i auala ma metotia ‘ese’ese e a’oa’o ai le Gagana Sāmoa. Ia atagia i fa’atinoga ma fetufa’aiga lo lātou mālamalama i matā’upu talanoaina.
Taimi e a’oa’o ai: Vaitu’uaga 1 & 2
Tomai mana’omia: 1 se matā’upu Sāmoa i le vāega 200 po o 300
Itūlā fa’atūlagaina i le vaiaso: 4 itula
Togi: 100% galuega fa’atonuina
This course aims to enhance teacher trainees’ repertoire of teaching strategies and methods to enable them to teach Samoan effectively at the secondary level. Unit planning, lesson development and interactive demonstrations will provide them with opportunities to share their understanding of language issues.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: 200 or 300-level HSA course
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course aims to introduce teacher trainees to the secondary English curriculum. The focus is on the underlying principles, the framework and the scope and sequence covered. It provides experiences to examine the approaches and the strategies for teaching language and literature at this level.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: 200 or 300-level HEN course
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course introduces teacher trainees to the social studies curriculum used in schools. Teacher trainees will work closely with the different curriculum documents that are important in planning social studies units of work and programmes. Teacher trainees will learn and practise methodologies and strategies that will enable them to gain the confidence and competencies needed to be effective social studies teachers.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: 200 or 300-level HGE, HHI course
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course aims to familiarise students with the curriculum for business studies. The focus is on the content covered and the sequence of lessons and types of resources used in the teaching of each unit. The curriculum books will be studied and analysed. Methods and approaches other than those in the curriculum units will also be studied and practised.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: 200 or 300-level HAC or HEC course
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The course is designed to extend teacher trainees’ understanding of the whole spectrum of science curriculum strands at secondary level. It focuses on the content covered, sequence of lessons, types of resources and materials used and in particular on the teaching methods appropriate for the various strands. Alternative methods to those suggested in the curriculum will be explored.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: One 200-level HBI, HCH or HPH 100 or 200 level course
Contact hours per week: 7 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course introduces instructional strategies for teaching using computers and teaching about computers. It familiarises students with the evaluation, creation and use of e-resources in the classroom as a tool to support teaching in any subject.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: HCS183
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 55% coursework, 45% examination
This course is designed to enhance teacher trainees’ knowledge of the content of mathematics. It also equips teacher trainees with teaching strategies and skills that are suitable for Years 9-13. This course gives students the opportunity to apply mathematical concepts and skills to the teaching of mathematics at secondary level and to real-life situations.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: 100 or 200-level HMA course
Contact hours per week: 4 hours Assessment: 100% coursework
This course introduces Primary teacher trainees to the value and function of the Arts. Emphasis will be placed on the use of a variety of experiences, materials and techniques to enrich their knowledge, skills and techniques in the teaching and learning, as well as the importance of language and therapeutic healing through the arts. The course will look at the teaching of knowledge and understanding, confidence in communication [language], critical thinking, and the application of skills and knowledge as emphasized in the Expressive Arts Curriculum.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course introduces teacher trainees to the primary school English language curriculum, principles in the development of the curriculum and the use of Primary Education and Materials Project materials. It also focuses on the approaches, techniques and strategies involved in the teaching of a second language.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course will equip students with knowledge and understanding of the Health and Physical Education curriculum for Primary Schools in Samoa. These topics will be used as teaching platforms for both classroom and movement-based settings by using a variety of delivery methods including storytelling, dance, and music and material construction.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 5 hours
Assessment: 70% coursework, 30% examination
This course focuses on the aims, achievement objectives, learning outcomes, approaches to teaching and learning, assessment in science, and science concepts covered in the Samoa Early Childhood Education Curriculum. It also provides learners with the opportunity to choose appropriate types of resources and project materials, put together sequencing of lessons, and apply investigative inquiry and interpretive skills that are essential for teaching science in Early Childhood Education centres.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
This course is to improve learners’ knowledge through engaging in physical activities, designing personal wellness portfolios and basic fitness programmes to achieve and maintain good quality of life as stipulated in the Early Childhood Education Curriculum. Through a series of lectures and practical activities, essential knowledge and skills in health and basic dimensions of wellness will be explored.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
The contents and focus of this course builds on basic components and elements of drama and dance from early childhood to year three as prescribed in the Samoa Early Childhood Education Curriculum. It builds on rudimentary to intermediate level of dance and drama skills necessary for facilitating classroom teaching and learning. The course provides learners with skills to observe, listen, interpret and perform early childhood dance and drama activities.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
This course focuses on the aims, achievement objectives, learning outcomes, approaches to teaching and learning, and assessments in the Samoa Early Childhood Education Curriculum. It provides learners with the knowledge to create; innovative resources, inspiring project materials, fun teaching activities, and effective lesson demonstration to familiarize with young children with the school environment. The course allows learners to apply investigative, inquiry and interpretive skills that are essential for exploring Social Studies concepts in Early Childhood Education centres.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% Coursework
This course provides teacher trainees with knowledge of the spiral curriculum model for social studies education in primary schools. The process of curriculum development, unit design and lesson planning are studied in detail and practiced using the primary school curriculum content.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course aims to provide teacher trainees with the foundation of understanding science and the skills that can be applied to the teaching of science at the primary level. It focuses on the content covered, sequence of lessons, types of resources and in particular Primary Education and Materials Project materials. Alternative methods to those suggested in the curriculum booklet will be explored.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 7 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course explores the issues and recent research in science education on the role of the science teacher, the science learner, the science curriculum, and science assessment practices. The course will have an international science perspective, but it will also look at science problems and issues that are of particular concern for Samoa.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The course will provide students with the opportunity to understand applied linguistics and language learning theories, reflect on their own language capabilities and language teaching practices. Clear understanding of the sociolinguistic contexts in which English is taught and learnt as a second language, the concepts and issues covered. Language change and the context of teaching and learning English as a second language will be studied closely with relevant applied linguistic knowledge and theory.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 3 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
Teaching Practicum
This course focuses on the application of knowledge and skills pertaining to classroom management. The learners will cover a variety of techniques, strategies, and routines for the effective non-violent management of their teaching and learning environments. The course culminates in the learners’ assembling of an inspiring learning display showcasing – multi-level and/or inclusive teaching in the Early Childhood Education level.
Offered: Semester 2
Prerequisite: HTP160
Contact hours per week: 4 hours for 14 weeks & 25 hours for 1 week
Assessment: 100% Coursework
The course is designed to strengthen and extend in both primary and secondary trainees their understanding and metacognition in the teaching skills of introducing, concluding, questioning, reinforcement, explaining and variability. The course provides the teacher trainee with the opportunity to study in depth and be self- reflective of these teaching skills and their positive application.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course equips both primary and secondary teacher trainees for his/her role as an effective manager in a multi-level and/or inclusive classroom. It provides professional guidance for personal beliefs and philosophies about established models of teaching. It also fosters the utilisation of motivational techniques, cooperative learning activities and effective non-violent disciplinary methods as a means of encouraging student-centred learning environments.
Offered: Semester 1
Prerequisites: HTP320
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The course focuses on the teacher trainee’s ability to design, develop and use resources that will enrich and enhance the process of teaching and learning at both primary and secondary level. It also encourages teacher trainees to be more creative, constructive and innovative in utilizing the available materials to produce activities to inspire and motivate students’ learning.
Offered: Semester 2
Prerequisites: HTP310/320 and HTP311/321
Contact hours per week: Fieldwork
Assessment: 100% coursework
This practical course will provide primary and secondary teacher trainees with the opportunity to apply in the real context the knowledge and skills learnt from the pedagogical courses and informed by relevant teaching and learning theories. They will plan and implement units of work or series of lessons that provide a variety of teaching and learning experiences that can be used to meet the needs of multi-level and multi-ability classrooms.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: HTP310/320 and HTP311/321
Contact hours per week: Fieldwork
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course allows students to apply classroom management skills to the real setting at both primary and secondary levels. They will gain insight into school organization and how this impacts the teaching and learning environment. They will discover through their field experience a variety of techniques and strategies considered effective for the management of diverse classrooms or learning environments. They will reflect critically on school organization and different classroom management practices.
Offered: Semester 2
Prerequisites: HTP310/320 and HTP311/321
Contact hours per week: Fieldwork
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course provides the students with the opportunity to critically examine and reflect on pedagogy including learning principles in the primary and secondary education environment as it impacts on the role of a professional educator. This will occur via participation in a structured, supervised teaching practicum involving research, observation, feedback, professional conversations and critical reflections.
Offered: Semester 2
Prerequisites: HTP310/320 and HTP311/321
Contact hours per week: Fieldwork
Assessment: 100% coursework
Visual Art
This course will promote visual awareness through the observation of light and translation of three-dimensional forms into two-dimensional drawings and paintings. It highlights colour theory as it relates to design. Students will investigate spatial design as a problem-solving process with a wide range of materials and working methods.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course introduces the art historical movements of the ancient civilizations to the medieval period. It highlights the aesthetic concepts of the ancient world, the dark ages and its influences on our modern world today. It also provides a broad context for examining artistic production of various peoples, artifacts against their cultural background and examines the nature of art history itself: how value judgments are made, by whom, and how they change over time.
Offered: Semester 1 or 2
Prerequisite: Nil
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course provides a structured introduction to the study of the history and philosophy of art. It introduces the art historical movements of the Renaissance up to Modern Art, with a focus in Renaissance art. It examines the aesthetic concepts of the classical era and its influences on our modern world today and provides a broad context for meaning. The course gives learners the opportunity to pursue their interest in visual art at an advanced level and develop an expertise in topics in the history and philosophy of art.
Offered: Semester 1 or 2
Prerequisite: Nil
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The course aims to introduce the principles of graphic design, illustration and print media in the context of the arts and the commercial world today. It highlights fundamental drawing and painting techniques appropriate for the creation of graphic works, basic computer knowledge, hardware and software skills and illustration of literature and literary concepts.
Offered: Semester 1
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
The course addresses the intersection between the sculptural, performance and design disciplines and explores their shared methods, materials and critical/theoretical discourse. Students will be encouraged to consider their art- making process as a multidisciplinary practice that ranges across sculpture, performance, painting, weaving, and stained glass, mosaic-making and wearable art.
Offered: Semester 2
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course introduces students to the secondary school visual art curriculum. Students will develop their abilities to plan art lessons, unit plans and relevant art programmes and resources.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Prerequisites: One 200-level HVA course
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course offers students a combination of theoretical and practical experiences of teaching art at Samoan primary schools. Students will use a variety of materials and techniques as they develop their skills, and learn to communicate the function and value of visual art in their community and culture.
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This is an advanced course in painting. There will be an emphasis in traditional and contemporary approaches to the principles of colour and an exploration of colour theory as it relates to design. It builds on the students’ understanding of psychological and cultural aspects of colour in making appropriate design decisions relevant to their personal work
Offered: Semester 1 & 2
Contact hours per week: 6 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course focuses on the study of Oceanic Art. It will examine various art making practices within the Pacific with special attention to the body as a subject and object. Learners will develop an awareness of the aesthetic, conceptual and cultural aesthetics of pacific art. The course trains learners in formal and visual analysis and guides them in examining works of art and architecture within appropriate contextual and cultural frameworks. They will learn how to analyze a work of art, as well as gain insights into specific pacific island art making, the lives of the artist, and traditional artifact against their cultural context.
Offered: Semester 1 or 2
Prerequisites: 200 level papers Or RPL has undertaken studies through recognized prior learning.
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This course provides an exploration of popular culture and art production in contemporary Samoa. It explores a broad context for artistic production and current trends in Samoa and scrutinizes the nature of art. Artworks will be viewed on location and learners will be introduced to current trends including a historical précis of movements leading to the current contemporary art. It also includes an introduction to contemporary trends and the historical backgrounds of movements and theories which have influenced contemporary Samoan art.
Offered: Semester 1 or 2
Prerequisite: HVA300 or RPL has undertaken studies through recognized prior learning.
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
This is an advanced course with a combination of art projects in gallery and museum studies. This study allows for students to investigate beyond traditional methods and experiment with current alternative materials and art practices. It is a tool for students to create works of interest and gain experiences in curating exhibitions within museum and gallery settings. It addresses knowledge within the contexts of art management with a fieldwork component working in our local creative industries.
Offered: Semester 1 or 2
Prerequisite: HVA301
Contact hours per week: 4 hours
Assessment: 100% coursework
