Outline

Overview

This unit focuses on effective teaching of language features in the second/foreign language classroom. The unit has a strong pedagogical focus, as it examines key principles of grammar instruction, how to structure grammar lessons, and how to evaluate and use grammar teaching materials effectively. The unit also focuses on raising awareness of the language systems of English such as tense/aspect, modality and cohesion, and of how context influences grammatical choices. It also examines how texts can be used effectively in the classroom. This unit is intended for those who are, or planning to be teachers of English as a second or foreign language.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Education
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Marie Stevenson, marie.stevenson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam This exam tests both knowledge and application of knowledge about language awareness. The exam tests students' own language awareness, as well as their understanding of how to raise the language awareness of their English language learners. 2.5hr (2500wd)	40%	Formal exam period	2.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Micro-Teaching Prac Micro-teaching practice in which a grammar feature is presented and practiced.	20%	Multiple weeks	10min (1000wd equivalent) per student	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Critical reflection on grammar lesson Developing and teaching a grammar lesson to one or more learners and then evaluating your own lesson.	40%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Apr 2026 at 23:59	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Micro teaching practice: You will choose one language feature of English that you would like to teach a specific group of target learners (for example: high school, intermediate level, Japan). In groups of 2 you will each teach 10-minutes of a 20-minute grammar lesson to the students in your tutorial group.
Critical reflection on grammar lesson: You will develop and teach a grammar lesson and then write a critical reflection in which you evaluate the effectiveness of your lesson.
Final Exam: You will complete an exam that test your own language awareness and your understanding of how to develop the language awareness of your English language learners.

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	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors.
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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% of the mark will be deducted per day for assignments that are late without receiving an extension.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction: Language in use	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction: Language in use	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Context and language use	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Context and Language Use	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Principles of teaching grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Principles of teaching grammar	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Presenting language	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Presenting language	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Practicing language	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Practicing language	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Evaluating grammar teaching	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Evaluating grammar teaching	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Genre	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Genre	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Tense and aspect	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Tense and aspect	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Modality	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Modality	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Cohesion: grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Cohesion: grammar	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Cohesion: vocabulary	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Cohesion: vocabulary	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Exam preparation 1: Analysing texts	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Exam preparation 1: Analysing texts	Tutorial (1 hr)

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. The readings are also listed in the Additional Information document, also available on CANVAS.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Understand and apply key grammar teaching principles in the English language classroom
LO2. Choose grammar teaching materials that are appropriate for learners’ needs
LO3. Critically evaluate own and others’ grammar teaching
LO4. Demonstrate awareness of English language use in spoken and written texts
LO5. Use spoken and written texts to raise English learners' language awareness

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Key concepts will be explained in more detail, as requested in student feedback.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EDPJ5016: Grammar and the Language Classroom

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links