Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit focuses on children and young people's language and learning in school and community settings. National and state language and literacy curriculum and policy documents are used to help educators develop coherent curriculum programs suitable for a range of school and community settings, based on critical understandings of language, literacy and learning practices. The unit takes into account various historical, institutional and cultural factors which impact upon, and are affected by, curriculum and policy change in school and community settings.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should:

• have developed an understanding of children's and young people's language and learning development in school and community settings;
• be able to compare and reflect critically on relevant curriculum documents and policies in the area of language and literacy;
• be able to engage in curriculum development and policy formation in school and community settings to enhance students' language and learning;
• be able to devise and evaluate teaching strategies for improving students' language and learning abilities;
• be able to identify, reflect on and propose solutions to difficulties associated with implementing new curricula and policies; and
• have developed ways of communicating the findings of their research to others, both to other educators and to the wider community.

Assessment

One minor assignment (3,000 words): 37.5%
One major assignment (5,000 words): 62.5%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Graham Parr

Contact hours

3 hours per week