Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed an awareness of strategies used in the development of children's reading, including those children with specific literacy needs; an appreciation of the place of reading (and other aspects of literacy) in the school and in the wider community; an understanding of some current theories of second language acquisition and learning; an awareness of the multi-cultural nature and composition of Australian (particularly Victoria) society and school systems; a familiarity with some basic strategies for teaching and evaluating English language skills to NES background or second stage English primary aged children; a familiarity with available resources for developing ESL in schools.
Synopsis An examination of the role of reading in contemporary society focusing on the reading process and strategies used by children in gaining meaning from print. Teaching procedures such as shared reading and literature-based reading, language experience and graded reading and techniques for observing and evaluating children's reading will be explored. The nature of current multicultural Australia is described and implications upon the primary school population discussed. Equity and equality in the schools requires that all pupils are able to communicate effectively and this subject examines strategies for achieving this in the area of ESL. While the communicating competence approach is seen as most useful, other approaches will also be examined, along with useful resources and relevant government policies.
Assessment Assignment (1500 words) or class test: 50% + Examination: 50%