EDF1030 - English and literacy learning - 2017

This unit builds students' understanding of the discipline of English and introduces them to the multifaceted, diverse worlds of children's literacy learning spanning home and communities, including early childhood settings and the first years of schooling. Engagement with contemporary research literature assists students in their exploration of English language and literacy concepts and theories, leading to their development of pedagogical practices that support children's literacy learning in multiple contexts. A strong emphasis is given to understanding the four elements of English language development required by the literate person in relation to speaking, reading, writing and listening. Students learn to appreciate the importance of respecting the impact of cultural and linguistic background on students and their literacy learning.

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

1. develop their expertise in and understanding of the discipline of English
2. understand the connections between home and community literacies with special focus on verbal and non-verbal language in context
3. recognise how key literacy concepts are practised in early learning settings such as homes, communities, childcare, preschool and primary school
4. analyse and critique literacy skills such as phonemic awareness, semiotic theory, text genres, morphology, phonics, consonants, syntax, phonology and semantics
5. engage with contemporary theories and research related to English language and literacy learning and development from birth to 12 years
6. demonstrate understanding of key curriculum principles and strategies relating to English language and literacy for young children
7. develop an understanding and appreciation of inclusive and diverse practices to support and engage children from a range of language heritage backgrounds, including bilingualism and multilingualism, which leads to an awareness of the cultural construction of English language development.

Research paper as a poster presentation on a key literacy topic (1600 words, 40%)

Portrait of a literacy learner: observation and critical written analysis of an everyday

literacy scenario for a young child (2400 words, 60%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2 hours per week
2. Additional requirements:
   • 10 hours of independent study per week

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Damien Lyons

Early years education

Early years and primary education