Pre-requisites

LN521.312 Introduction to Language Learning and Linguistics

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

Unit Description

Readers and writers construct meanings using written texts and their knowledge of language and social situations. This module explores how this construction takes place, what literacy practices are, how they can be acquired and how they are used in different social settings and in different languages. Current literacy teaching theories will be discussed at the macro level with demonstrations of useful teaching practices, consistent with phonic, language experience and whole language approaches. The importance of teaching writing will also be examined including how the development of writing supports reading acquisition and literacy acquisition in general. The notion of relating people’s motivations to their immediate needs through literacy projects (such as dealing with health issues, environmental issues, poverty alleviation, or reading local Scriptures), will guide discussion of the design of instructional materials and the development of programs that facilitate the use of literacy practices. Such programs must also encourage those who use the materials to think reflectively and critically and to develop solutions independently.

Current literacy teaching theories will be discussed at the macro level with demonstrations of useful teaching practices, such as: phonics, language experience approaches, shared reading, repeated readings, and guided reading. Students will also explore the reading-writing connection and how these connections can be encouraged. These topics will enable students to construct personal literacy programs and materials that take into consideration the motivations of the learner, and foster the use of culturally appropriate and relevant learning and teaching styles.

The notion of relating people’s motivations to their immediate needs through literacy projects (such as dealing with health issues, environmental issues, poverty alleviation, or reading local Scriptures), will guide discussion of the design of literacy materials and the development of programs that facilitate the use of literacy practices between different languages and cultures (Bridging Programs). Such programs must also encourage those who use the materials to think reflectively and critically and to develop solutions independently.

Teaching Strategies

Teaching strategies include lectures, tutorials, research, school visits, class discussion and debates, presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, OHP, DVD, video and audio tape. Students also learn by personal study, preparation of assignments and assessment comments on their work.


Unit offerings

SILA: (Every Year, Semester 1)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.