James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

ED1421 - Foundations of Language and Literacy in Education

Townsville Mixed attendance available only to RATEP students. JCU Online offering is available only to Online B Ed ECE and Primary students enrolled in the carousel offering.

Subject Description

This foundational subject provides an introduction to the concepts of 'language', 'literacy(ies)' and 'literacy(ies) across the curriculum'. Pre-service teachers will examine, and develop an understanding of, contemporary theories and practical approaches pertaining to language and literacy education for children and adolescents from birth to 18 years. The subject introduces concepts of language development and language use, with an emphasis on how both spoken and written language functions in diverse social and cultural contexts, specifically in home and school/pre-school contexts. The subject also introduces contemporary frameworks for understanding literacy(ies), and contemporary approaches to the teaching and learning of literacy(ies). The subject furnishes an introduction to the Australian Curriculum, with a focus on the Literacy General Capability and the inherent priority of cross-curriculum approaches to the teaching and learning of language and literacy(ies). The subject explores the 'place' of Speaking and Listening, Reading/Viewing, and Writing/Creating across the curriculum, and contemporary frameworks and approaches informing the teaching and learning of such. Pre-service teachers' personal, professional and academic literacy proficiency is also addressed in this subject. This subject includes an embedded 5-day Professional Experience placement for Primary and Secondary pre-service teachers, and a 10-day placement for Early Childhood pre-service teachers (in a 3-5 year old setting), to enable observation, reflection and practical implementation of the learning(s) in this subject.

Learning Outcomes

• 3. describe and explain key concepts of language and literacy development and learning, contemporary literacy curriculum frameworks and current approaches to language and literacy teaching
• 4. demonstrate personal, professional, and academic literacy proficiencies of a commencing Preservice Teacher by developing and applying strategies for reading, writing and analysing texts, including complex academic texts
• 2. identify and apply language and literacies concepts and teaching strategies in teaching areas across the curriculum
• 1. identify language and literacies content and approaches that respond to the learning of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Examination (College administered) - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Satisfactory performance in literacy. Complete consecutive 5 day Placement (Prim/Sec) and 10 day Placement (ECE), submit Satisfactory grading - Minimum Developing Adequately in all descriptors on the Professional Experience Report is required to pass the subject. Attendance at Profex Workshops meets placement requirement procedures of the Work Integrated Learning Program. If repeating the subject, the reattempt at all subject assessments including the Placement is a requirement.

Availabilities