Unit rationale, description and aim
Learning to read and write is the most important challenge children face during their first three years of school. Early Childhood and Primary teachers play a crucial role in preparing children to learn the foundational reading and writing skills that allow them to access increasingly complex texts and discourses in later primary and high school years, and to communicate their learning to others.
This unit includes six modules that introduce pre-service teachers to evidence-based effective early reading and writing instruction, and to both formative and summative assessments of early literacy skills. The modules examine evidence-based instruction of phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, early writing, reading comprehension and fluency, and vocabulary. All six modules cover both instruction and assessment, including progress monitoring. The covered teaching and assessment practices will be based on current literacy research with a focus on supporting the literacy learning process for diverse learners.
The aim of this unit is to ensure that after completing the unit, preservice teachers understand the importance of explicit and systematic literacy instruction, and can deliver instruction that aligns with research evidence and meets the needs of all learners in their early childhood and primary classrooms.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe various theoretical models and approaches...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply and analyse effective instruction for childr...
Learning Outcome 02
Identify and evaluate a range of instructional tex...
Learning Outcome 03
Apply content, pedagogical and assessment knowledg...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
1. Phonemic awareness instruction and assessment
1.1. Phonemic awareness instruction using letters
1.2. Phonemic awareness instruction without letters
1.3. How to integrate teaching phonemic awareness into teaching letter-sounds
1.4. Examples of effective teaching sequences for blending and segmentation
1.5. Assessment and progress monitoring of phonemic awareness
2. Phonics instruction and assessment
2.1. Systematic phonics vs. non-systematic phonics
2.2. Synthetic phonics vs. analytic phonics
2.3. Scope and sequence of grapheme-phoneme correspondences, and the rate of introduction
2.4. Use of decodable books
2.5. Adaptive teaching of phonics to support advanced, EAL/D and struggling readers/spellers
2.6. Assessment and progress monitoring of phonics knowledge
3. Spelling and writing instruction and assessment
3.1. Spelling and transcription
3.1.1. Handwriting and keyboarding
3.1.2. Explicit vs implicit teaching of spelling and word-specific orthographic knowledge
3.1.3. Explicit teaching of morphology and etymology for spelling
3.1.4. Spelling instruction for students with EAL/D designation, learning difficulties and/or Developmental Language Disorder
3.1.5. Spelling assessment and progress monitoring
3.2. Writing: process and strategies
3.2.1. Understanding the writing process
3.2.2. Explicit teaching of the components of early writing
3.2.3. Self-regulated strategy development
3.3. Writing feedback and assessment
3.3.1. Quality feedback and use of metatalk to provide feedback
3.3.2. Formative feedback strategies, including self- and peer-assessment
3.3.3. Writing assessment and progress monitoring
4. Comprehension instruction and assessment
4.1. Evidence-based reading comprehension instruction
- Teaching techniques and strategies and (e.g., the role of comprehension strategies)
- Teaching oral language to support reading comprehension
- Teaching content knowledge to support reading comprehension
- Comprehending different kinds of texts
4.2 Reading comprehension assessment and progress monitoring
5. Fluency instruction and assessment
5.1. Components of reading fluency
5.2. Evidence-based instructional components
5.3. Teaching practices with evidence for different target groups
5.4. Use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to develop fluency
5.5. Assessment and progress monitoring of fluency at grapheme-phoneme correspondence, word, phrase, sentence, and text level
5.6. Assessment of prosody
6. Vocabulary instruction and assessment
6.1. Evidence-based vocabulary instruction for diverse learners
- Identifying, developing and applying strategies to teach vocabulary
- Explicit vocabulary teaching
- Strategies to enrich vocabulary
- Teaching morphology for vocabulary development
- Use of high-quality texts to improve vocabulary
- Use of ICT in vocabulary teaching
- Adaptive teaching of vocabulary instruction
6.2. Vocabulary assessment and progress monitoring
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures is used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes and professional standards and criteria consistent with University assessment requirements.
Assessment Task 1 consists of weekly/module quizzes that assess students’ consolidation of the content presented in lectures and reading. Assessment Task 2 requires the development of sequential lesson plans. For Assessment Task 3, pre-service teachers will complete a proctored, two-hour examination.
The three assessment tasks are sequenced to allow feedback and progressive development of content knowledge and skills to prepare pre-service teachers for pedagogical knowledge units in the sequence of language and literacy units.
Minimum Achievement Standards
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed to demonstrate achievement of each learning outcome. In order to pass this unit, pre-service teachers are required to complete ALL assessment tasks and achieve an overall Pass grade. Additionally, pre-service teachers are required to complete weekly readings and activities.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Weekly/module quizzes Student...
Assessment Task 1: Weekly/module quizzes
Students will complete short quizzes assessing their consolidation of the content presented in lectures and reading.
20%
Assessment Task 2: Sequential Lesson Plan Develop...
Assessment Task 2: Sequential Lesson Plan Development
Pre-service teachers explain, create and apply understanding of research-based teaching and assessment practices for teaching 2 reading and 2 writing lessons that are suitable for diverse early childhood, Foundation, Year 1 OR Year 2 students and based on the Australian Curriculum or other relevant state-based curriculum documents.
40%
Assessment Task 3: Examination 2-hour examinatio...
Assessment Task 3: Examination
2-hour examination: Application of knowledge and understanding of early reading and writing instruction.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The learning and teaching strategy for this unit is based on providing pre-service teachers with examples of explicit teaching approaches that are supported by research evidence, and that they are expected to implement in their own literacy classrooms by the Australian Curriculum.
In line with the chosen learning and teaching strategy, this unit includes frequent reviews of previous learning, explicit delivery of new content, worked examples, guided and independent practice, and frequent feedback. Once knowledge is consolidated, it will be applied to analysing and designing instruction and various forms of assessment. The learning and teaching strategy is achieved through a range of learning activities such as reading, reflection, discussion, and engagement with webinars, podcasts and video resources.
This is a 10-credit point unit and has been designed to ensure that the time needed to complete the required volume of learning to the requisite standard is approximately 150 hours. To achieve a passing standard in this unit, pre-service teachers will find it helpful to engage in the full range of learning activities and assessments utilised in this unit, as described in the learning and teaching strategy and the assessment strategy.
The unit is hosted on a Learning Management System (LMS) site with resources and online links, announcements, and a discussion board to post questions and reflections that promote the connection between content and educational experiences.
Mode of delivery: This unit may be offered in different modes to cater to the learning needs and preferences of a range of participants.
On-campus Mode
In on-campus mode, this unit will be delivered via timetabled classes, including on-campus classes.
Multi-Mode
In multi-mode, this unit is delivered using a blend of interactive asynchronous learning experiences and timetabled synchronous online or face-to-face classes.
Online Mode
In online mode, this unit is delivered fully online using interactive asynchronous modules and activities. Pre-service teachers are provided with the opportunity to attend facilitated synchronous online seminars/workshops with peers.
ACU Online
In ACU Online mode, this unit is delivered asynchronously, online using an active, guided learning approach. Pre-service teachers are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions and receive regular and timely feedback on their learning.
ACECQA Curriculum Specifications
In connection to the learning outcomes, on successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should have developed the following industry specific knowledge based on the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards:
Relating to
Language development
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Early intervention
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2
Relating to
Diversity, difference and inclusivity
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2
Relating to Early Years Learning Framework
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2
Relating to
The Australian curriculum
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4
Relating to
Language and literacy
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO4
Relating to
Teaching methods and strategies
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Children with diverse needs and backgrounds
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2
Relating to
Working with children who speak languages other than, or in addition to, English
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2
Relating to
Contemporary theories and practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - Graduate Level
In connection to the learning outcomes, on successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should have developed the following industry specific knowledge based on the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - Graduate Level standards:
Relating toDemonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1
Relating toDemonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating toDemonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2
Relating toDemonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2
Relating toDemonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating toDemonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating toOrganise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4
Relating toUse curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO4
Relating toKnow and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO4
Relating toPlan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4
Relating toInclude a range of teaching strategies.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2
Relating toDemonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3
Relating toDemonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student engagement.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4
Relating toIdentify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO4
Relating toDemonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO4
Relating toUnderstand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4
Representative texts and references
Required text(s)
Australian Curriculum: English https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/english/.
Australian Education Research Organisation Early Literacy collection at https://www.edresearch.edu.au/practice-hub/early-literacy
National Literacy Learning Progressions: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/resources/national-literacy-and-numeracy-learning-progressions/national-literacy-learning-progression/.
Recommended references
Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G., & Sandora, C. A. (2021). Robust comprehension instruction with questioning the author: 15 years smarter. Guildford.
Beck, I., McKeown, M., & Kucan, L. (2013). Bringing words to life: Robust vocabulary instruction (2nd ed.). Guilford.
Cabell, S. Q., Neuman, S. B., & Terry, N. P. (Eds.) (2023). Handbook on the science of early literacy. Guilford
Frey, N., & Fisher. D. (2013). Rigorous reading: 5 access points for comprehending complex texts. Corwin Literacy.
Honig, B., Diamond, L. & Gutlohn, L. (2018). Teaching reading sourcebook (3rd ed.). CORE.
Peregoy, S. F., Boyle, O. F., & Amendum, S. (2022) Reading, writing and learning in ESL: A resource book for teaching K-12 English learners (8th ed.). Pearson.
Stuart, M., & Stainthorp, R. (2016). Reading development and teaching. Sage.
Woods, A., & Exley, B. (2020). Literacies in early childhood: Foundations for equity and quality. Oxford University Press.