Scholarship / Incredible core courses and field of studies - why this course and institution? [2]

Why did you choose your proposed course and institution?

I chose master of educational studies specializing in curriculum studies from university of Queensland because of what I have been doing as a practitioner in government high school and English language school as well as community-based education environments over the past few years. I have been utilizing different course books and teaching methods and familiar with both local and international curricula. Having experiences with different curricula in diverse settings, I have become interested in curriculum studies which can develop understanding of effective instructional systems and delivery of quality education. Moreover, curriculum development was just a part of the course in the first year of graduate studies in my university and since then, I wanted to explore and learn more about it to help design the future of education by becoming a leader in curriculum development and to create meaningful classroom instruction programs that help students in any classroom.

Another prominent reason is that when working as an English subject coordinator in community-based education classes in rural areas, I used different course book rather than the textbook from government school in order to create an authentic language learning. Combining with task-based instructions, it can be considered as being successful but one problem remains. The children from rural areas are not familiar and struggle with the cultures and some of the contents from the course book; for example, from Cambridge university press. This problem indeed pushes me to dive into curriculum studies and encourage me to develop a culturally relevant and localized curriculum which will lead to a more meaningful learning.

Considering priority areas in the Australian curriculum, exploring contemporary issues associated with curriculum in schooling and education would prepare me with essential capabilities to apply in our country's context. In addition, core courses such as globalization, educational policy and change and teachers as leaders and innovators from curriculum studies would equip me with comprehensive knowledge to develop a broad-based understanding of the political, economic, socio-cultural and ethical dimensions of globalization and their effects on education policy and practice and to explore in-depth the possibilities of integrated and innovative use of technology and blended learning in educational settings. One of the field of studies from the course which is multi-literacies and numeracy across learning areas would help me to enhance my knowledge in developing teaching strategies to build literacy and numeracy competence as general capabilities for personal enablement, civic and economic participation and social equity.

Comprising with incredible core courses and field of studies, it is also known for the exceptional teachers who are internationally recognized and industry pioneers who use innovative teaching styles and methods. Studying in University of Queensland not only would brush up my academic skills but also can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation during my university life in Brisbane because it's a thriving place that blends global sophistication with a laidback and friendly atmosphere and has a diverse population and can explore its cultural events and activities as well as its nature and wildlife.