Language 1 (ED0908)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : EDU-1-Language

Language 1 sets out to give students a first broad view of the nature of the Language Curriculum and how it is taught. The design of the English Language 5-14 Guidelines and its major curricular concerns, such as Curriuclum for Excellence are studied. The implications of target setting, the cross-curricular nature of language and its relationship to the other 5-14 programmes are explored. Students are taught how to plan, implement and assess lessons for children at the middle and upper stages by making use of the English Language 5-14 guidelines. Language 1 also sets out to develop students' subject knowledge. This is done by helping students to begin to know how to analyse texts that they use in their teaching in a number or ways including: language purposes; the role of reader, writer, listener and talker;the interactive nature of language, language and creatively, genre characteristics and metalinguistic knowledge . Students also have a brief introduction to Language diversity including approaches to 'Modern Languages in the Primary School'. Approaches to effective learning and teaching are demonstrated, discussed and trialled by students. For example the organisation and ethos of whole-class lessons, differentiated group work and the apprenticeship approach of demonstration, joint activity, supported activity and individual activity are examined. Where appropriate the use of new technologies such as digital cameras and interactive white board are employed.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Education, (The Moray House School of Education, Schedule C)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 4 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

? Additional Class Information : Tu 1300-1400, Th 1100-1500

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Language 1 has been designed to help you achieve awareness and understanding of a key area of the primary school curriculum within the broader context of the BEd (Honours Primary) Programme. The course will: develop your understanding of the contentious concept of literacy; help prepare you to teach language lessons in your first school placement and provide you with a foundation for studying the language courses offered in years two and three.

More specifically, by the end of the course students will be able to:

a) demonstrate an understanding of different models of literacy and the implications of these models for the organisation of teaching and learning

b) demonstrate an understanding of the rationale of 5-14 English Language and Curriculum for Excellence in relation to language teaching

c) demonstrate understanding of the role of the teacher in developing an interactive approach to the development of literacy

d) demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for Modern European Languages in the Primary School.

Assessment Information

The course will be summatively assessed by an assignment of approximately 1,500 words in length which will give students an opportunity to demonstrate:

(a) knowledge of an aspect of literacy

(b) an ability to describe how knowledge of the aspect will inform their future teaching

The summative assignment represents 100% of the assessment of the half course.

Throughout the course students will be asked to keep a reflective portfolio. Formative assessment tasks, to support student learning, should be included in this portfolio. Details of the purpose of the portfolio and its status are included in appendix 1.

The Written Assignment

Use the information gathered in your Portfolio to analyse critically your understanding of one aspect of literacy teaching. Explain how your understanding of the aspect is likely to influence your teaching. Your analysis should be 1,500 words long and be written in continuous prose.