Master of Modern Languages Education (Stream A)

The Master of Modern Languages Education (Stream A) is designed for people who are already qualified to teach in Australian schools but do not have qualifications in teaching Languages Other Than English (LOTE) and wish to obtain an advanced formal qualification in the specialisation of LOTE. In combination with an approved initial teaching qualification, the Master of Modern Languages Education (Stream A) is recognised as an approved course of study for appointment and promotion to tagged positions within the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

This stream is designed for already qualified teachers who wish to become registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching as a teacher of LOTE.

Students who have completed the Master of Modern Languages Education course should be able to:

• demonstrate a high level of competence in the management and teaching of at least one modern language;
• demonstrate a superior knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of language learning;
• have an understanding of the theory and practice of research in modern languages education;
• make effective use of the findings of educational writings and research in addressing language education-related professional problems;
• have the depth of knowledge and understanding that will enable them to be a resource for colleagues in language education-related professional situation;
• demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to modern languages education;
• demonstrate cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to modern languages education knowledge and practice;
• plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship in the area of modern languages education;
• demonstrate communication and technical research skills in modern languages education to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• demonstrate technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship in the area of modern languages education.

Students complete six compulsory subjects (75 points), and 25 points of electives.

Compulsory subjects

Elective subjects

Students choose 25 points of electives from the following list:

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• either
– an undergraduate degree and a fourth-year level education qualification, or
– a four-year education degree, or equivalent;
and
• either
– a major study in a language other than English; or
– an equivalent level of proficiency in a language other than English.
In addition, applicants for Stream A are required to be eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• the degree of proficiency in a language other than English; and for applicants for Stream A
• eligibility for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7 is required.

Note.
• Successful completion of a major in the language other than English is a requirement for LOTE teacher accreditation in Victoria.
• Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages (Stream A) or the Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages (Stream B) may be eligible to progress to the Master of Modern Languages (Stream A) or Master of Modern Languages (Stream B), respectively, with 50 points credit.
• Students who discontinue from the Master of Modern Languages (Stream A) or the Master of Modern Languages (Stream B), but have successfully completed the requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages (Stream A) or the Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages (Stream B), respectively, will be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate as an exit award.

The Melbourne Graduate School of Education welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Graduate School policy to take reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Graduate School’s programs.
The core participation requirements for study in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education are:

In all courses

1. The ability to comprehend complex information related to education and the disciplines in which the student is teaching.
2. The ability to communicate clearly and independently in assessment tasks a knowledge of the content, principles and practices relating to education and other relevant disciplines.
3. Behavioural and social attributes that enable a student to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.
   
   In courses requiring students to undertake practicum placements
   
4. The ability to undertake professional practice placements independently, including:
   a. the ability based on personal maturity to establish a professional relationship with students and interact with them appropriately;
   b. the ability to communicate to students the subject matter being taught with clarity and in a way that is age-sensitive;
   c. the ability to model literacy and numeracy skills independently for students and in all their interactions meet community expectations of the literacy and numeracy skills teachers should have;
   d. the ability to demonstrate skilfully and safely activities required in particular discipline areas being taught (e.g. physical education activities, science laboratory techniques);
   e. the ability to create, monitor and maintain a safe physical environment, a stable and supportive psychological environment, and a productive learning environment in their classroom;
   f. the ability to establish effective relationships with all members of the school community, including colleagues, students, and caregivers;
   g. the ability based on mental and physical health to exercise sound judgment and respond promptly to the demands of classroom situations, and the personal resilience to cope and maintain their wellbeing under stress.

Students who feel a disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.

Graduates from this program are eligible to apply for entry to the Doctor of Education program or a PhD after completion of a 50-point Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Research, provided they meet the entry requirements and subject to achievement of an H2A GPA. Please note also that graduates of an undergraduate Honours degree may already be eligible for doctoral studies, subject to the same entry and achievement requirements.

In combination with an approved initial teaching qualification, the Master of Modern Languages Education (Stream A) is recognised as an approved course of study for appointment and promotion to tagged positions within the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.