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Unit outline_

EDSE3047: Teaching Languages 1A

Semester 1b, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study is the initial Languages Curriculum (method) unit for prospective secondary languages teachers. The unit is designed to introduce pre-service languages teachers to key concepts and understandings of languages education and build their awareness and skills in preparation for NSW secondary classrooms. Students will gain broad understandings about the nature and scope of languages education in the NSW context, about traditional and more contemporary and innovative classroom practices and particular aspects of policy and NESA documentation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
72 credit points, including 12 Senior credit points from one of (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Modern Greek, Spanish)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Hongzhi (Veronica) Yang, hongzhi.yang@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Hongzhi (Veronica) Yang, hongzhi.yang@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Tianqi Wu, tianqi.wu@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Essay
Due date and time 23/04/20 23:59 (details of assessment is on Canvas site)
35% Week 08 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment Lesson plans
Due date and time 29/05/20 23:59 (details on Canvas site)
35% Week 13 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Assignment Portfolio
Due date and time 04/06/20 23:59 (details on Canvas)
30% Week 14 (STUVAC) 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3

Assessment summary

  • Essay: Assignment 1 requires students to write an academic essay tp the following question – “From the brief introduction to languages education during the first few weeks of your language curriculum classes, what do you believe to be key issues for you in your pre-service languages teacher education period and for your teaching career to come? Discuss your thinking on 3 issues.”
  • Lesson plans: Submit 3 linked lesson plans in the student’s target language for a Stage 4 class. Plan and design 3 linked sequential lesson plans, outline the appropriate learning outcomes (including both the syllabus outcomes and content outcomes), select and organise the content of the lessons in logical, sequential and structured ways to address student learning outcomes, and demonstrate knowledge of a range of appropriate and engaging resources and materials to support students' learning. Give a written rationale giving justification for the teaching approaches, activities, and materials with links to the wider literature and stage 4 syllabus outcomes.
  • Portfolio: You will compile a portfolio to showcase two aspects of your language teacher professional development: the first is a focus on your own continued development and maintenance of the target language. The evidences should indicate your development of the four skills of the target language, listening, speaking, reading and writing. The second is a number of application statements as to how that professional development can be applied to your future classroom teaching of languages. Indicate how professional association membership can assist you with professional development in any of the areas you have chosen to focus on in this portfolio.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 05 Introduction to the unit; the role and value of languages education in the K-12 school curriculum Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 06 Language, culture and learning Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1
Week 07 Theories of second language acquisition; knowledge of current developments and research into teaching and learning of first and additional languages Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 08 Language "input"-- listening, speaking, reading and writing (1) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 09 Language "input"-- listening, speaking, reading and writing (2) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 10 Planning, short and long term, the teaching cycle including assessing (1) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 11 Planning, short and long term, the teaching cycle including assessing (2) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 12 Intercultural "orientation" and pedagogy as a model underpinning program implementation Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 13 Language teacher growth and development, identifying professional learning needs; the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, and specifically the AFMLTA's Professional Standards for Accomplished Teaching of Languages and Cultures (2005) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate knowledge of current and past state, national and international trends in language planning, policy and implementation as well as developments in language education methodology, also demonstrating research-based knowledge of the intercultural pedagogies of contemporary Australian language education and a capacity to reflect critically on and improve teaching practice
  • LO2. demonstrate an awareness of the links to L1 literacy development through L2 learning, general theories of second language acquisition along with lesson planning skills, specifically a capacity to identify and articulate clear and appropriate learning goals in lesson preparation, the capacity to select and organise subject/content in logical, sequential and structured ways to address student learning outcomes, and a knowledge of a range of appropriate and engaging resources and materials to support students' learning for a group of learners from differing social, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds
  • LO3. demonstrate a general awareness about the roles and responsibilities of being a language teacher, and the responsibility of undertaking continued professional development in maintaining skills and proficiencies in the target language, particularly in regard to the language teachers' professional association's (Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Association's) "Professional Standards for Accomplished Teaching of Languages and Cultures (2005)", a capacity to reflect critically on and improve teaching practice, a knowledge of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and its impact on the professional life of a teacher, and a knowledge of the available professional development opportunities and the importance of personal planning to ongoing professional growth and research.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
6.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1. (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
6.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
6.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
6.3.1. (Graduate) Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices.
6.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.2.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
2.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1 A (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1 A (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.5.1 A (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
3.1.1 A (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1 A (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1 A (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
6.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
6.2.1 A (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
6.3.1 A (Graduate) Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices.
6.4.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

no changes

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

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