EDE4012 Cross-cultural Communication in Early Childhood

Synopsis

This course examines the relationship of language and culture to communication in the early childhood learning environment and wider school community context. It provides an introduction to second language teaching pedagogy, including second language learning/ESL, development and assessment, the communicative approach, intercultural literacy and reflective practice. The nature of effective language learning environments and the way linguistic, socio-cultural, psychological and psycholinguistic factors may impact on second language learners in mainstream are also considered. Strategies to support effective cross-cultural communication in the classroom and in the school community, and approaches to managing ESL children's English language development are explored, including a special focus on cross-cultural communication as it applies to Australian Aboriginal and South-East Asian cultures. Approaches to curriculum and criteria for evaluation, selection and production of materials designed to develop children's communicative skills, including the use of ICTs in second language programs are also considered. NOTE: Minimum enrolment numbers apply to this offering. Should enrolments not reach the minimum number required for on-campus study, students may be transferred to the WEB offering and advised of this change before semester commences.

Course offers