EDUC9302 Exploring Language, Literature, Literacies (4-8)

2017

4.5

6 x 3-hour workshops per semester
1 x 6-hour intensive workshop once-only

1 of EDUC2303, EDUC3521 has been successfully completed

Assignment(s)

This topic introduces students to theory and research in literacy education for children aged 4 - 8 years. This will involve critical analysis of language and literacy learning from contemporary perspectives. Literacy is viewed as the use of multimodal communication, including reading, writing, listening, speaking and communication technologies, to explore, shape and share ideas and values. The topic is focused on young children learning to communicate using multiliteracies in the preschool and early years of school. The topic will cover: links between oral and written language, developing a balanced literacy program; catering for diverse individual needs; planning for and assessing literacy learning; and, creating a supportive learning environment.

This topic is designed to:

• Introduce students to theories of literacy and research literature about early literacy learning

• support students to develop a research-based approach to:
  (a) language development
  (b) literacy practices of children in home and community prior to and during the early years of schooling

• introduce students to the use of a wide variety of texts, resources and approaches designed to enhance literacy learning opportunities for young children

• guide students as they develop an understanding of planning for and evaluating multiliteracies learning across the 4-8 childhood years.

On completion of this topic students will be able to:

• synthesise research literature and policy documents in order to articulate their own theory of literacy, and its implications for classroom practice

• demonstrate their knowledge of oral language development and its relationship to print literacy learning

• use an inquiry approach to examine literacy practices of children in home and community, prior to and during the early years of schooling and recognise how these influence literacy learning in the educational setting

• utilise a wide variety of resources, approaches and strategies to enhance literacy learning opportunities for young children

• select appropriate planning and evaluation tools to sustain, enhance and monitor young children's literacy learning, including those at educational risk