The stages of development, characteristics and backgrounds of children and young people have a significant impact on their participation and learning in early years settings and P-12 schools. In this unit, you will deepen your understanding of the teacher’s role in responding to the diverse range of student learning needs through engagement with two distinct modules designed to encourage critical reflection on teaching practices that have a positive impact on student learning. In the first module, you will research and analyse socio-cultural definitions of literacy that recognise the multiple modes in which literacy practices are performed in the contemporary world and the multiple perspectives that affect learners’ comprehension of, and communication through language as a result of their social and cultural backgrounds. You will apply this knowledge to an analysis of curriculum documents and construct a series of vignettes that illustrate and justify teaching approaches and learning activities that make the language and literacy demands of the curriculum accessible for all students. In the second module, you will be introduced to the Australian Professional Standards as a framework for describing quality teaching practice in the 21st century. You will also participate in a wider field experience to record observations and critically reflect on the ways in which learners’ linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds and physical, social and intellectual stages of development affect their learning and engagement and influence teachers’ curriculum decision-making.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE

Volume of content

Distinguish between essential and recommended reading