Department of Education, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
ED50323 Multilingual and multicultural education |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Masters |
| Modular: no specific semester |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: The aims of the unit are:
* to understand the diversity and complexity of different bilingual/multilingual situations; * to critically investigate theories and research related to the processes of bilingual/multilingual teaching and learning; * to investigate the institutional and planning implications of teaching in a bilingual/multilingual context; * to examine issues related to language and culture in the bilingual/multilingual classroom; * to consider the implications for teacher development and teaching practice where there are bilingual/multilingual learners. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit, students will be able to: * demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of bilingual/multilingual and multicultural situations; * appreciate the wider implications of implementing bilingual/multilingual teaching; * make informed decisions about the teaching of cultural awareness; * relate theory to practice. Skills: Self-directed learning (F) Problem analysis, research and reflection (T/F/A) Independent working (F) Problem-solving (F/A) Written communication (A) Appreciation of the complex, multifaceted nature of bilingual and multilingual education (F/A) Appreciation of the complex nature of culture and its influence on bilingual/multilingual education (F/A) Ability to research, synthesise and decide on the relevancy of various theories of bilingual/multilingual education (F/A) Key Skills 1. Make critical use of the literature of the field of Education (T/F/A). 2. Make critical use of professional experience in the field of Education (T/F/A). 4. Analyse, interpret and critique findings and arguments (T/F/A). 9. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems (T/F). 10. Evaluate research and variety of types of information and evidence critically, also making informed judgements in the absence of complete data (T/F/A) 12. Contribute to professional debate in the field of education (F). 13. Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level (F). 14. Communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences(T/F). 15. Evaluate their own academic and professional performance (T/F/A). 16. Manage change effectively and respond to changing demands (F). 17. Manage time, prioritise workloads and recognise and manage personal emotions and stress (F). 18. Develop new or higher level skill, for example in information technology (T/F/A). Content: To achieve the aims stated above, students will be supported in learning how critically to engage with relevant literature and to use it to inform the evaluatory analysis of their own experience of multilingual & multicultural education. It is anticipated that topics will include: * The characteristics of multilingual & multicultural education; * The nature of bilingualism/multilingualism; * Theories of bilingual language acquisition; * Cultural differences in terms of identity and learning styles; * The integration of bilingual/multilingual initiatives into a school and community; * Particular kinds of teaching approach suitable for a plurilingual educational environment; * The use of collaborative teaching arrangements, including team teaching; * The implications of multilingual education has for teacher development; * The social, political and linguistic implications of language choice in classrooms; * The development of critical cultural awareness. |