LIN 5003 Syllabus Design and Materials Writing

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

SYNOPSIS:

This course introduces students to principles of course design and looks at a number of frameworks for development of language teaching/learning material. The course will look at the inter-relationships between theory of language, theory of learning, aims of syllabi, the social and personal contexts of student learning. It will also examine a number of different frameworks within which syllabus design is embedded and which determine the ways materials might be developed. Students will also be introduced to issues in language assessment as a way of evaluating the effectiveness of a course. Students will be asked to prepare a "course of work" based on principles encountered in the program, to teach the course to a group of learners and to evaluate the success of their course of work.

OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationships between theory of language, general theory of learning, aims of a course, the context in which teaching and learning is taking place and the extent of the outcomes. Such understanding will be shown by discussing these relationships and the way they operate in particular concepts.
2. critically discuss some of the language frameworks that have been used in language teaching and learning (including the Australian Language Levels Guidelines) and demonstrate the understanding of the rationales underpinning them.
3. demonstrate an understanding of theory and practice by designing a unit of work based on one of the frameworks.
4. demonstrate an understanding of ways of going about evaluation and of current issues in language testing and evaluation by evaluating assessment instruments as well as producing an assessment instrument.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Journals are to be submitted with each assignment on the assignment due date.

2.

Journals are to be submitted with each assignment on the assignment due date.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available (or at least a grade of C-).
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   A penalty may be applied if an arrangement for an assignment extension has not been negotiated before the due date.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   N/A
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   N/A
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES