Language & Literacy Development

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject addresses contemporary theories and research into the processes involved in the acquisition of language, communication and literacy development in typically developing children throughout the early childhood and primary school years; the effects of language delay and disorder or hearing loss on the interrelationship of these processes; the development of sign language; observation, classification and assessment of communication in infants, preschoolers and primary-aged students; parent-child and teacher-child interaction; literacy assessment.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced ability to evaluate and synthesise research findings;
• Demonstrate an advanced ability to integrate theory and practice;
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of language and literacy development;
• Demonstrate an advanced ability to articulate subject knowledge in oral and written presentations.

• Response to online modules (750 words equivalent) Due throughout semester 15%
• Review of a journal article (750 words) Due early semester 15%
• Written essay (2500 words) Due late semester 50%
• Descriptive analysis of language and communication (1000 words) Due end of semester 20%

There is one hurdle requirement. Description of an aspect of language development, due mid semester.

Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs/online classes) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the development of communication, language, speech and literacy
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of a hearing-loss on the development of communication, language, speech and literacy;
• Use a variety of techniques for the informal assessment of communication, language and early literacy in young children;
• Assess parent-child interaction, identifying areas of need;
• Critically evaluate research into parent-child interaction and language and literacy development;
• Demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives of deafness, the range of educational settings available to support students with a hearing loss and communication modes.