Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed a critical view of language as social practice, and the factors affecting its development in children; an understanding of the essential components of a language curriculum, particularly in relationship to current State and national language statements and frameworks; a familiarity with some basic teaching strategies and, in particular, those relating to the specific needs of individual children; an appreciation of the place of ESL and LOTE in the primary school and how teachers might assist in these programs.
Synopsis This subject aims to develop students' understanding and appreciation of the importance of language in the classroom, the school and community. After completing this subject students should have (a) a basic understanding of the role language plays in learning across the curriculum; (b) an understanding of the essential components of a language curriculum; (c) an appreciation of the integrative nature of language; (d) a basic knowledge of strategies relating to the development of communication skills in children; (e) a basic knowledge of catering for language needs of individual children, including those whose first language is not English; (f) an appreciation of the place of languages other than English in the primary school; (g) an understanding of the factors affecting the development of language in children and the role of the teacher in this development.
Assessment Two assignments (1500 words each): 50% each + or + One class test: 50% + One assignment (1500 words): 50%