Students

LING3385 – Second Language Teaching and Learning

2024 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Hanna Torsh
Felicity Cox
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
50cp at 2000 level or above including 10cp from LING units at 2000 level
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit is intended as a general introduction to the sociolinguistics of second language teaching and learning. It focuses on contemporary social and pedagogical issues of second language teaching and learning in a linguistically-diverse world. In this unit, you will explore sociolinguistic themes on teaching and learning English as a second language. Learning activities will include expert lectures, online activities and interactive tutorials. Through this unit, you will gain insights on second language teaching as a professional practice.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

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

  • ULO1: Critically evaluate different theories regarding second language learning and teaching.
  • ULO2: Identify the assumptions that underpin second language teaching and learning in a linguistically-diverse world.
  • ULO3: Analyse sociolinguistic issues that impact on English language teaching and learning across the four macro skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
  • ULO4: Relate research findings to effective language teaching approaches and techniques.
  • ULO5: Describe and evaluate the effect of a range of individual and contextual factors on language learning.

General Assessment Information

Requesting an extension to assignment due date

On occasion, you may be in a situation when you aren't able to submit an assessment task on time. Extensions are only given in special circumstances, by completing a Special Consideration request. For more information on Special Consideration, see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration  

Late submission of assignments

If you haven't been approved for an extension and you submit your assessment task late, penalties are applied. You should consult your unit convenor if you are in this position. Late submissions will receive a 5% per day penalty. If you submit the assessment task 10 days or more beyond the due date, without an approved extension, you will be awarded a maximum of 50% of the overall assessment marks. Weekends and public holidays are included. 

Use of generative AI

Please refer to instructions from your lecturer on the use and acknowledgement of use of Generative AI in your submitted assignments.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Critique on Blog Posts 20% No Weeks 5 and 8
A sociolinguistic review on English language teaching & learning 30% No Week 13
PowerPoint Presentation 15% No Week 11
Quizzes on key concepts 35% No Sunday Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 10

Critique on Blog Posts

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Weeks 5 and 8
Weighting: 20%

 

Students are expected to review a number of sociolinguistic blog posts related to English language teaching and learning and engage with the chosen blog posts by writing a critical response.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate different theories regarding second language learning and teaching.
  • Identify the assumptions that underpin second language teaching and learning in a linguistically-diverse world.
  • Analyse sociolinguistic issues that impact on English language teaching and learning across the four macro skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
  • Relate research findings to effective language teaching approaches and techniques.
  • Describe and evaluate the effect of a range of individual and contextual factors on language learning.

A sociolinguistic review on English language teaching & learning

Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%

 

Students are expected to do a literature review on a specific sociolinguistic topic related to English language teaching and learning. Through the literature review, they are expected to show evidence of nuanced understanding of contemporary empirical research in the area.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate different theories regarding second language learning and teaching.
  • Identify the assumptions that underpin second language teaching and learning in a linguistically-diverse world.
  • Analyse sociolinguistic issues that impact on English language teaching and learning across the four macro skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
  • Relate research findings to effective language teaching approaches and techniques.
  • Describe and evaluate the effect of a range of individual and contextual factors on language learning.

PowerPoint Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 15%

 

Students have to present their (changing) views regarding one issue in second language learning and teaching in class in either Week 11 or 12. The presentation should reflect the theories and concepts learned in class which have underpinned the shift (or not) in their beliefs.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate different theories regarding second language learning and teaching.
  • Identify the assumptions that underpin second language teaching and learning in a linguistically-diverse world.
  • Analyse sociolinguistic issues that impact on English language teaching and learning across the four macro skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
  • Relate research findings to effective language teaching approaches and techniques.
  • Describe and evaluate the effect of a range of individual and contextual factors on language learning.

Quizzes on key concepts

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Sunday Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 10
Weighting: 35%

 

Students will sit up to four quizzes scheduled throughout the semester. These quizzes are intended to help students focus on important key concepts in second language teaching and learning.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate different theories regarding second language learning and teaching.
  • Identify the assumptions that underpin second language teaching and learning in a linguistically-diverse world.
  • Analyse sociolinguistic issues that impact on English language teaching and learning across the four macro skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
  • Relate research findings to effective language teaching approaches and techniques.
  • Describe and evaluate the effect of a range of individual and contextual factors on language learning.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of online and face-to-face learning activities, including readings, videos and lectures. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

Recommended Readings

This unit has a required textbook which is available (e-book) from the library:

Murray, & Christison, M. (2019). What English Language Teachers Need to Know Volume I: Understanding Learning (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351139847

Other recommended readings can be found through the Leganto link on the unit iLearn page.

Technology Used

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the university library.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Inlcusion and diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2024.01R of the Handbook