Students

EDST8212 – English Specialisation

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-infrequent, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor, Lecturer, Tutor
Dr Kerry-Ann O'Sullivan
25WW B522
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
EDST8208 and EDST8211
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit focuses on deepening students’ knowledge of a wide range of children's literature and other texts and an awareness of textual concepts.  It investigates research-informed pedagogies for building primary school students' multimodal and critical literacy skills, enhancing their reading for pleasure and assisting them to understand and create texts. Attention is given developing reading aloud skills and to making quality text selections that will facilitate learning and enjoyment and meet students' individual needs in the classroom. It will examine and critique various textual forms and multimodal materials from different cultural, linguistic and social contexts and analyse how meaning is made through words, sounds and images. Students research and investigate the literary and textual resources of schools and libraries and review classroom reading practices and the role of storytelling in Primary English teaching.

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: Investigate, analyse and apply research-shaped understanding and scholarly knowledge of the role of literature and reading for pleasure in students’ learning experiences in the primary English classroom.
  • ULO2: Evaluate, critique and select children’s literature and other texts for students, justified by current research and demonstrated disciplinary and syllabus knowledge.
  • ULO3: Apply knowledge of evidence-based pedagogical strategies to design engaging learning experiences across a range of textual modes with varied activities and effective differentiation for Primary students.
  • ULO4: Analyse and evaluate the textual concepts, forms and features of literary and other types of texts used for teaching Primary English students.
  • ULO5: Demonstrate effective personal competence in professional communication and in applying research-based knowledge and understanding by using a variety of language modes and technologies in creative, critical and reflexive ways.

General Assessment Information

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines

General Submission Information

Please format assessments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.

All assessments must be submitted electronically. Turnitin plagiarism detection software is used to check all written assessments. It is the responsibility of all students to ensure that their submitted work is in a format compatible with Turnitin software for plagiarism checking. Submissions must meet the required file type and formatting specifications outlined in the assessment guidelines. Failure to submit work in an acceptable format may result in delays in processing your submission and potential penalties for non-compliance with assessment requirements. If you are unsure about the file format or have technical difficulties, it is your responsibility to seek assistance before the submission deadline. Students should be careful to check that they submit the correct file for an assessment as no re-submissions will be accepted after the due date and time, including instances where students upload an incorrect file. It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assessments. If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to contact the unit convenor.

Students can use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit.

Word limits are strictly applied. Work above the word limit will not be marked. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Students should be aware of and apply the University policy on academic integrity (see: https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=3).

Unauthorised use of generative artificial  intelligence

occurs when a student uses material produced by a generative artificial intelligence in an academic exercise, without authorisation and submits it as their own work.

Unauthorised use of generative artificial intelligence may include using generative artificial intelligence to:

  • produce or retrieve information and then using that information in an academic exercise;
  • paraphrase text;
  • increase or enhance the quality of an academic exercise, beyond the purposes permitted within the academic exercise;
  • produce an answer for a task or quiz; and/or produce non-text-based work and then using that non-text-based work in an academic exercise.

Any student suspected of using unauthorised AI in an assignment will be referred to the Faculty of Arts Discipline Committee. Penalties can include reduced marks for an assessment, being awarded '0' for a task, failing an entire unit, being excluded from a course of study. Please see each assessment task description/rubric for expectations about AI.

Special Consideration / Late Penalties

Applications for extensions must be made via Service Connect.

Late submission penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day to late submissions, up until the 7th calendar day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue.

Important to note:

  • Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs) will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.
  • Students should not request an informal arrangement from their tutor, lecturer or Unit Convenor (or equivalent).
  • Where an application for Special Consideration is approved and the outcome is an extension to the due date of a task, submissions that are received after the new due date will be subject to late penalties that are calculated from the new due date. This only applies where the outcome is an extension to the due date – see the Special Consideration Policy for a schedule of all possible outcomes.

Marking

All assessments are marked using a rubric.

Marking of all assessments is moderated by the Unit Convenor.

University policy on grading

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy.

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed because 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 Service Connect.

Withdrawing from this unit

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via Service Connect before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact your course progression.

 
   

 

 

 

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
A professional exploration of children's literature 50% No 23.55 12/10/2025
Multimodal presentation of Children’s Literature 50% No 23.55 10/11/2025

A professional exploration of children's literature

Assessment Type 1: Qualitative analysis task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 23.55 12/10/2025
Weighting: 50%

 

An investigation of the selection and teaching of Children’s literature with a consideration of reading for pleasure. 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Investigate, analyse and apply research-shaped understanding and scholarly knowledge of the role of literature and reading for pleasure in students’ learning experiences in the primary English classroom.
  • Evaluate, critique and select children’s literature and other texts for students, justified by current research and demonstrated disciplinary and syllabus knowledge.
  • Apply knowledge of evidence-based pedagogical strategies to design engaging learning experiences across a range of textual modes with varied activities and effective differentiation for Primary students.

Multimodal presentation of Children’s Literature

Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 23.55 10/11/2025
Weighting: 50%

 

A multimedia presentation for teaching a unit of work of literary and other texts in a primary class.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Investigate, analyse and apply research-shaped understanding and scholarly knowledge of the role of literature and reading for pleasure in students’ learning experiences in the primary English classroom.
  • Evaluate, critique and select children’s literature and other texts for students, justified by current research and demonstrated disciplinary and syllabus knowledge.
  • Apply knowledge of evidence-based pedagogical strategies to design engaging learning experiences across a range of textual modes with varied activities and effective differentiation for Primary students.
  • Analyse and evaluate the textual concepts, forms and features of literary and other types of texts used for teaching Primary English students.
  • Demonstrate effective personal competence in professional communication and in applying research-based knowledge and understanding by using a variety of language modes and technologies in creative, critical and reflexive ways.

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

Required and recommended texts

Required texts:

Callow, J. (2023 2nd edn). The shape of text to come. How images, text and other modes work. Newtown, NSW, Australia: Primary English Teaching Association Australia.  

ISBN 9781875622870

McDonald, L. (2023). A literature companion for teachers (3rd edn). Sydney, Australia: Primary English Teaching Association Australia.

·  Note please:  both are published by the Primary English Teaching Association and if students join PETAA (free membership), these 2 books receive a members' discount. 

There are prescribed peer reviewed articles as required readings in LEGANTO on iLearn (linked to the Library).

RECOMMENDED texts will be suggested and listed on iLearn in the Resources section

Information about the unit iLearn site 

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn. Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php. You will need to enter your student username and password.

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help. Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk: via email onehelp@mq.edu.au or Ph: 9850 4357 or 1800 67 4357. On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk.

Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials, including a reading template and guide to lecture note taking to assist your studies.

Weekly lectures are available on the web through the ECHO360 lecture component. You must listen to all the lectures.

Structure

See the university timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit.Creating your timetable - Enrolling | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au)

In the tutorial students will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures and prescribed readings. They are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material. There will be a supporting iLearn site for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials.

EDST 8212 has a weekly recorded lecture, online weekly workshops on Zoom (Tuesdays, 4 to 6pm) and required attendance at one on campus full day session (Wednesday 1st October, 9am -3.30pm), and online independent learning activities.   CLASSES START WEEK 1

Unit Schedule

This Unit has the following required learning and attendance components and classes start WEEK 1:

  • A weekly lecture available online
  • A weekly online workshop of 2 hours at 4pm -6pm Tuesdays. Attendance is required: weeks 31-32 (1 &2), and weeks 41 -45 (9 through to 13).
  • One full on campus day, Wednesday 1st October, 9am to 3.30pm. Attendance is required.

EDST8212 is structured in 5 Modules: 

1. Literary tales to tell   Weeks 1 & 2 (Weeks 31-32)

2. Words, sounds and images   All day on campus (after 6 weeks of professional experience placement block) Wednesday 1st October, 9am to 3.30pm room  25WWA 204

3. Textual patterns, forms and features   Weeks 9 & 10 (Weeks 41- 42)

4. Many voices, many texts    Weeks 11 & 12,  (Weeks 43-44)

5. Creating and sharing stories   Week 13 (Week 45)

A program with details of the Module and weekly focus and the required readings will be available on iLearn.

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.

School of Education Procedures

In addition, the following policies and procedures of the School of Education are applicable in this unit.

Academic Progression Policy

This unit is a part of a professional course listed on Schedules 2 and 3 of the Academic Progression Policy. This course has additional requirements that are applicable for the full duration of the course, including course-specific Inherent Requirements, Fitness to Practice requirements and other compulsory course requirements. It also has rigorous academic progression standards. Inability to meet these requirements may result in a withdrawal of offer of admission and/or permanent exclusion from the course in accordance with the General Coursework Rules.

Attendance and Participation

See the University timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit. Creating your timetable - Enrolling | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au)

Attendance at all synchronous activities, completion of non-synchronous formative/diagnostic class tasks and involvement in professional forums is  expected as the MTEACH Primary is a professional qualification. Activities completed during weekly tutorials (DAY or ONLINE DAY mode) or on campus days (INFQ mode) are essential for building the core knowledge and/or skills required to demonstrate the learning outcomes of this unit and to meet the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards and/or ACECQA requirements. Attendance at all tutorials and/or on campus days is expected and will be recorded. Make up tasks may be given if attendance is missed to ensure all content is covered to meet accreditation requirements.

Information about the date of the on-campus sessions can be found in the university timetable. Creating your timetable - Enrolling | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au)

  • The on-campus session on Wednesday 1st October is essential to student engagement and learning and attendance  is expected. Failure to attend or to have an approved Special Consideration may result in a Fail grade for the unit. Please see attendance requirements in this unit guide. 
  • Prior to the on-campus session, you should have read the prescribed readings and listened to the lectures. Summarise the main points and make a note of the key terms and definitions. Prepare any discussion questions of your own that you wish to share.
  • Please make effective use of the online component of the unit and access iLearn regularly. Keep up to date with listening to the lectures on a weekly basis.

Electronic Communication

It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis.  Communication may occur via:

  • Official MQ Student Email Address
  • The Dialogue function on iLearn
  • Other iLearn communication functions

 

Student Support

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

Academic Success

Academic Success 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.

Changes from Previous Offering

New children's literature added as published.

Some new lectures have been included for 2025.


Unit information based on version 2025.04 of the Handbook