EDF4112 - English language and literacy education

Leader: Dr G Parr and Dr W Sutherland-Smith

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Clayton First semester (Open Learning) 2008 (Open Learning)

Synopsis

Students will develop their understanding of, and capacity for, developing appropriate curriculum and pedagogy across a range of subject areas, appreciating the importance of language and literacy in schooling and students' learning. Through grounded inquiry into aspects of recent international, national, state-based curricula, and awareness of the way language and context mediate teaching and learning, students are familiarised with current practices in English language and literacy in Australia and other countries. Focus is upon language and literacy with respect to curriculum and pedagogy in Yrs 7-10 of secondary schooling, while the principles and practices are relevant to years P-12.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. critically reflect upon their beliefs, ethical approaches and experiences with respect to language and literacy learning in secondary schools;
2. develop, and critically evaluate, a variety of teaching practices and communication strategies in different modes and in different teaching and learning contexts;
3. actively participate in professional conversations about a range of issues in relation to the nature and possibilities of English language and literacy learning across different subject areas; the impact of recent language and literacy policy on curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and ethical issues in different subject areas; and professional identity of teachers who teach language and literacy in different curriculum settings.

Fieldwork

25 days shared between this unit, core education units, and a core curriculum unit.

Assessment

This unit is graded Pass Grade Only (PGO);Assessment Task 1: A reflective autobiographical narrative (2,000 words); Assessment Task 2: A unit of work for secondary school students (equivalent of 2,000 words)

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Level 3 undergraduate degree, or by special permission

Co-requisites

EDF4406, or EDF4416

Prohibitions

EDF5436