EDN7035

Language education

Dr I S Walker

6 points - 4 hours per week - First semester - Peninsula

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed a critical view of language as social practice, and the factors affecting its development in children; an understanding of the essential components of a language curriculum; a familiarity with some basic teaching strategies including those relating to the specific needs of individual children; an appreciation and understanding of rationales underlying the presence of English as a second language (ESL) and languages other than English (LOTE) in the primary school.

Synopsis This subject aims to develop students' understanding and appreciation of the importance of language in the classroom, the school and community. After completing this subject students should have (a) a basic understanding of the role language plays in learning across the curriculum; (b) an understanding of the essential components of a language curriculum; (c) an appreciation of the integrative nature of language; (d) a basic knowledge of strategies relating to the development of language and literacy in children; (e) a basic knowledge of catering for language needs of individual children, including those whose first language is not English; (f) an appreciation of the place of languages other than English in the primary school; (g) an understanding of the factors affecting the development of language in children and the role of the teacher in this development.

Assessment One assignment (1500 words): 50% - Group report (2000 words) and oral presentation: 50%

Recommended texts

Emmitt M and Pollock J Language and learning OUP, 1997
Victorian Board of Studies Curriculum and standards framework: English VBOS, 1995

Back to the 1999 Education Handbook