Course overview
This course will build preservice teachers' understanding of how language works in learning. Preservice teachers will develop an understanding of how language works through a socio-cultural model of language for learning. Drawing on a functional model of language, preservice teachers will examine all levels of language, starting with sounds and letters, words and vocabulary, grammar and sentences, through to whole text (meaning in context). Preservice teachers will explore language in authentic texts as they apply a functional model of language to a range of literacy practices. Preservice teachers will explore both the oral and written modes of language, with a particular focus on oral language in terms of phonological awareness, phonics, language development, talking with children and young people (dialogic pedagogy and teaching and learning cycle), and variation of languages. Preservice teachers will convey their learning through the analysis of texts and oral presentations, demonstrating their knowledge of how language works, and their competency in various literacy practices in oral and written modes.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain that language learning, language development and language practices are influenced by sociocultural contexts, through a functional model of language
- Define and distinguish the relationship between language and learning: learning language, learning through language, learning about language
- Analyse and apply the levels of language (sounds/words, grammar and sentences, register and genre) to a range of texts
- Characterize and compare the affordances of oral and written language
- Apply a functional theory of language development and its implications for educational settings
- Explain the value of intercultural competence with people of diverse linguistic backgrounds
- Design, create and produce oral and written texts for professional and academic contexts