EDF4254 - Developing literacy and numeracy across the curriculum - 2017

An important aim of education is to develop literate and numerate citizens who are well-equipped to learn at school, and are able to use language and mathematics confidently so they can participate fully in opportunities for employment and community life post-school. To achieve this aim, teachers of all subject areas must share in the responsibility of educating literate and numerate students. In this unit the teaching of literacy and numeracy is examined from a number of current theoretical perspectives, drawing on contemporary research. Pre-service teachers learn how to develop appropriate teaching strategies that maximise student learning of oral language, reading, writing, and visual and digital literacies. They explore strategies for teaching the key ideas of numeracy so students can develop the knowledge skills and behaviours to use mathematics across a range of subjects and in their lives. Pre-service teachers also explore various ways of developing and assessing literacy and numeracy across the curriculum, in different learning areas and through integrated approaches.

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

1. explain the importance of literacy and numeracy in schooling, drawing on a range of current theoretical perspectives and contemporary research
2. identify literacy and numeracy learning opportunities within different learning areas and through integrated approaches across the curriculum
3. demonstrate knowledge of a range of teaching strategies for developing student literacy and numeracy
4. plan for improving student literacy and numeracy for students who come from diverse social, cultural and linguistic backgrounds
5. understand varied ways of formatively and summatively assessing literacy and numeracy.

Critical analysis of research on literacy and numeracy strategies (2000 words, 50%)

Planning for integrated approaches to literacy and numeracy learning (2000 words, 50%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 24 hrs over the semester
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • Independent study to make up the required minimum hours during the semester

See also Unit timetable information

Primary and secondary education

Primary and secondary inclusive education

Primary and secondary health and physical education