Unit outline_

EDSE4227: Teaching Languages 3A

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This is the third unit of study in a suite of concurrent languages curriculum units. In this unit, students will consider how discipline knowledge is organised, taught, and experienced across the secondary school years. The unit will emphasise the integration of knowledge within and across the discipline and consider the role teachers play in facilitating curriculum pedagogy that consider the subject and connect to students’ lives. This unit will provide students with the practical and theory-informed knowledge required to respond to the needs of diverse learners in languages.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
EDSE3128
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
EDSE4030
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Hongzhi (Veronica) Yang, hongzhi.yang@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Hongzhi (Veronica) Yang, hongzhi.yang@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Jennifer Gordon, j.gordon@sydney.edu.au
Anna Formosa, anna.formosa@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment AI Allowed Portfolio
See details on Canvas site
20% Formal exam period
Due date: 13 Jun 2025 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO6
Presentation group assignment Oral presentation
See details on Canvas site
15% Multiple weeks Equivalent to 500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5
Assignment group assignment AI Allowed Unit of work
See details on Canvas site
45% Week 09
Due date: 02 May 2025 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Assignment AI Allowed Individual written rationale
See details on Canvas site
20% Week 09
Due date: 28 Apr 2025 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

  • Oral presentation and written rationale: The presentation task requires students to work in a group of 3-4 (to be arranged in class) and present a 15-20 minute group presentation at the lecture about how Stage 6 teachers can keep Stage 6 learning "fun/engaging" and achieve the required learning outcomes at the same time. In the individual writtten rationale, you need to write up your justification for the strategies, materials and differentiation ideas in the presentation with links to the wider literature and stage 6 syllabus outcomes.
  • Unit of work: Students are required to plan and design a languages unit of work (4-6 weeks of a school term) for the Stage 6 Continuers syllabus in the target language.
  • Portfolio: You will compile a further version of your Portfolio (a collection of evidences) structured to show aspects of your professional development during the semester.

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.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Exploration of Stage 6 languages syllabuses and the characteristics of Stage 6 learners Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 02 Exploration of teachers managing the Stage 6 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 03 Exploration of learning area objectives and topics; texts; tasks and vocabulary for Stage 6 languages syllabuses Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 04 Exploration of the macro-skills: teaching listening, speaking, reading and writing skills at Stage 6 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 05 Deconstructing aspects of writing units of work - planning for learning Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Exploration of Higher School Certificate Stage 6 assessment components and weightings; NESA's requirements for Higher School Certificate languages courses Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Exploration of literature and film as two genres for language focused study in continuers, extension and languages and literature syllabuses Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Exploration of aspects of writing units of work - planning for learning Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Further exploration of aspects of writing units of work -- planning for learning and a language teacher's continued professional learning needs. Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO6

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 Canvas site.

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 understanding of the complex role of curriculum in school settings, and apply relevant policies, procedures and protocols when working with syllabus documents.
  • LO2. Critically analyse and evaluate teaching and learning resources that enhance students’ learning in languages.
  • LO3. Describe how knowledge of languages education to recognise the agentic role of curriculum when it is co-constructed with learners, leaders and community.
  • LO4. Display increasing competence in teaching, planning, and assessing in ways that meet the needs of diverse learners who are progressing to a variety of post-school pathways.
  • LO5. Incorporate the needs and interests of students from a range of social, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds including the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that takes this into account in authentic ways.
  • LO6. Describe the importance of engaging in continual and reflective professional dialogue and demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continual professional learning in languages education.

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
1.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
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.
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
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.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
3.7.1. (Graduate) Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process.
4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.
4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
LO5
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.
1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
LO6
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
6.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
6.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
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.
1.5.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
1.6.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
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.
2.6.1 A (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
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.
4.1.1 A (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
4.2.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to organise classroom activities and provide clear directions.
4.3.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.
5.3.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment moderation and its application to support consistent and comparable judgements of student 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.
7.4.1 A (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

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

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

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