Critical Literacy for Diverse Communities

Unit code: ETS5001 | Study level: Postgraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Footscray Nicholson
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit considers the challenges and barriers experienced by students from the non-hegemonic mainstream. It focuses on how teachers can support and include students from diverse backgrounds across areas such as socio-economic background, culture, ‘race’, Indigeneity, gender, sexuality and ability/disability. This unit explores what it means to be literate and draws on a range of standpoints and perspectives in considering effective ways to engage diverse students by drawing on multicultural education models. A critical pedagogy framework will be used to challenge dominant discourses and explore issues such as privilege, power and oppression. Pre-service teachers will integrate the literacies in their specialisation and will demonstrate their understanding of inclusion by drawing on curriculum requirements, policy documents and professional standards. Students will present their personal theoretical understanding of what it means to be an inclusive and culturally responsive teacher with reference to a range of literature in the field.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Use a critical lens to explore social justice issues in society and within schools and consider culturally responsive teaching strategies to address educational barriers and create opportunities for students.
  2. Articulate a standpoint on inclusive education by drawing on a range of practices, principles and theories to engage students from diverse backgrounds and across a range of learning needs and abilities.
  3. Draw on legislation, curriculum and theory to develop and present differentiated learning experiences that promote literacy engagement for a diversity of students, including those with a disability.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 20%
Critical reflection on how you became literate
Assessment type: Poster
|
Grade: 35%
Present a poster outlining a literacy development strategy
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 45%
Develop and present examples of school & classroom learning experiences encompassing inclusion in literacy education

Required reading

Links to recommended readings and resources for this unit will be provided to students via the Learning Management System (VU Collaborate)

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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