GEC4529

Teaching language and literacy: curriculum and pedagogy

Mr P W Richardson

8 points - Second semester - Distance - Also offered summer semester on Peninsula campus

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have re-examined what is meant by whole language; developed an understanding of literacies as socio-cultural constructs; examined the theoretical underpinnings of whole language pedagogy; reviewed and evaluated various critiques of whole language pedagogy; examined differing pedagogies of literacy education in relation to current State-based literacy curriculum documents.

Synopsis This is an introductory subject in the burgeoning field of literacy studies. The subject examines a range of approaches to language and literacy education by examining in detail curriculum and pedagogies of literacy in the contexts of primary and secondary schools. It provides an opportunity for experienced teachers to review their knowledge of literacy pedagogy and to consider new perspectives on language learning. The subject focuses on whole language pedagogy using it as a case study for discussion of curriculum and pedagogical issues, and to examine the theoretical underpinnings of a range of literacy pedagogies. Factors which impede access to literacy education in schools will also be of interest.

Assessment Written (500 words, compulsory requirement, ungraded) - Essay 1 (1500 words): 40% - Essay 2 (2000 words): 60%

Prescribed texts

Bull G and Anstey M (eds) The literacy lexicon Prentice-Hall, 1996

Recommended texts

Bull G and Anstey M (eds) The literacy labyrinth Prentice-Hall, 1996

Back to the 1999 Education Handbook