James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2002

ED5510:04

Teaching ESL to Indigenous Students

External

HECS Band 1

External nationally and internationally. Semester 1 and 2.

Staff: Ms G Shopen.

This subject reviews the theories and practices of teaching English as a Second Language to Indigenous students. It deals with the specific educational needs of Indigenous students in urban, rural and remote contexts. It includes reference to issues involving second language learning; oral language development; the development of reading, writing and multiliteracies; the use of appropriate assessment; the development of community partnerships and culturally inclusive curricula. Current policy initiatives in literacy education will also be critically evaluated with reference to Indigenous contexts.

Learning Objectives:

  1. identifies issues related to the teaching of ESL in Indigenous contexts;
  2. demonstrates effective teaching and assessment of English oral language;
  3. demonstrates effective teaching and assessment of English literacy and the development of multiliteracies;
  4. identifies the value of developing community partnerships and culturally inclusive curricula for Indigenous contexts;
  5. critically evaluates current policy initiatives in literacy education with reference to Indigenous contexts.

Assessment by two practical tasks (2500 words equivalent) (50%); a reflective or critical paper (2500 words) (50%).