Postgraduate - UnitEDF5711 - English, literacies and policy contexts A

This unit is the first of two units (also EDF5712 English literacies and policy contexts B) that focus on the role and nature of literacy education in schools. It establishes a critical understanding of the inter-relationships of policy initiatives and directives with educational practices in schools and the community. Students explore connections between home, community and school literacy practices, within the context of a socially and culturally diverse world influenced by technological change, international testing of literacy, the international rights of children, and published policies of global entities (OECD, UNESCO). The unit also critically examines Australia's national, state and local policies and practices, including professional standards, curriculum and assessment. Students enhance their personal literacies to communicate effectively as members of the teaching profession. With an emphasis on the early years of school the unit explores effective pedagogies to enhance children's oral language, reading, writing and visual literacies taking into account issues related to information and communication technology. It emphasises the place of literacy in the development of autonomous and lifelong learners.