Dissatisfaction with MTeach

We, the undersigned, wish to express our dissatisfaction with the quality of the 2010 Masters of Teaching course.

Our concerns are for the content of the course material, the organisation of the course, (especially in key areas such as the Professional Experience Office), the unreliable nature of much of the course documentation, and for the general attitude of many of the teaching staff.

We are frustrated by what feels like a lack of content in some subjects (such as EDBT5600) and the insistence on our attendance to such subjects that appear to introduce little content that is not already in the set reading. It is also a common feeling among students that the course does not offer enough practical advice or information that may be readily applied, focusing too much on theory and not giving us enough in the way of practice.
The poor co-ordination between the core subjects and individual curriculum subjects seems to exacerbate this problem, with similar work being duplicated between subjects. For example, after our practicum, many students were given a similar reflective task in multiple subjects. This repetition of work restricts the time available for practical ideas that address common issues and that are supported by research and evidence.
We are disheartened by the poor organisation of our UoS Outlines, from the fact that there are contradictory documents available, to the fact that assessment guidelines, requirements, or due dates are subject to change without our being informed in writing. The changing of UoS outlines to suit individual lecturers is not an isolated occurrence, and has happened in multiple subjects.
Poor organisation has also impacted badly on many of us, particularly in regard to our Professional Experience. We understand that finding placements for so many student teachers is an enormous task, and certain factors are outside the universitys control. However, if the job is such a complex one, why does the university not employ more people to help organise and manage it?
We are also frustrated at some subjects (especially Professional Options) which require us to spend time and money external to our existing course hours and HECS fees, in order to pass the subject. Statistically, students are not wealthy people, and the fact that some of us are required to ask for charity in order to meet the minimum requirement for a subject seems cruel (referring of course to the demand that we pay out of pocket for a First Aid course, rather than the cost being part of our university fees).
Please be advised that we are not using this petition to complain about individual lecturers or tutors the purpose of this petition is to alert you to our dissatisfaction with the Master of Teaching course as a whole. Those of us who have issues with individual lecturers or tutors will address these through the appropriate channels.

We request that action be taken before next semester to improve the quality of teaching that we receive in this course, and to improve the attitude held by the Faculty toward the next generation of teachers. If we do not receive any promise that such an improvement will be made, we will submit this petition to a more superior person within the university.

Thank you for your time.