Key facts
UNE unit code: EDLA385
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

The teaching of languages is an important part of the curriculum in Australian schools and language teachers are highly sought after.
In this unit you will develop the understanding, skills and confidence to teach Languages in a range of contexts, and to engage with professional communities of practice.
You will explore and articulate an evidenced rationale for learning and teaching languages and cultures in plurilingual/pluricultural Australia and a globalised world.
You will consider and evaluate approaches and orientations to teaching, learning and assessing Languages and Languages curricula; plan languages and cultures programs for a diversity of learners and learning contexts; and reflexively consider yourself as a teacher of languages.
Study in a flexible and supportive university learning environment.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit addresses Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Stage, otherwise referred to as Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptors (GTSD).
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- present a thoughtful and evidenced rationale for teaching and learning Languages in Australian schools, including demonstrating understanding of the diversity of learners and learning contexts and engagement with professional standards, a rationale for continuous teacher learning, and communities of practice as ongoing sources of professional learning (GTSD 1.5.1, 2.1.1, 2.4.1, 6.2.1, 6.4.1);
- demonstrate understanding of and critically evaluate theories of how languages are learned, and how language skills are developed and maintained (GTSD 1.2.1);
- demonstrate understanding of and critically evaluate approaches to teaching languages and cultures including creating and maintaining a supportive learning environment through designing and organising engaging classroom activities, and of pedagogical models for evaluating self as a teacher of languages and cultures (GTSD 3.1.1, 3.3.1, 4.2.1);
- devise, analyse and evaluate a range of languages and cultures teaching processes, including planning structuring and sequencing language learning programs, evaluating language teaching resources including ICT-based learning materials and software, tasks and programs in relation to theoretical perspectives, knowledge and practice evidence (GTSD 2.3.1, 2.6.1, 3.2.1, 3.4.1, 3.6.1, 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.5.1); and
- demonstrate knowledge of assessing language learning including moderation, interpreting student data to modify teaching, feedback and reporting (5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.3.1, 5.4.1, 5.5.1).
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Reflective essay. Relates to GTSD: 1.2.1, 1.5.1, 2.1.1, 2.4.1, 2.6.1, 2.3.1, 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1, 3.6.1, 4.2.1, 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.3.1, 5.4.1, 5.5.1, 6.2.1, 6.4.1 No. Words: 1600 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Recorded presentation. It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass this unit.Relates to GTSD: 1.2.1, 1.5.1, 2.1.1, 2.4.1, 2.6.1, 2.3.1, 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1, 3.6.1, 4.2.1, 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.3.1, 5.4.1, 5.5.1, 6.2.1, 6.4.1 No. Words: 800 equivalent |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Persuasive Essay. It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass this unit.Relates to GTSD: 1.2.1, 1.5.1, 2.1.1, 2.3.1, 2.4.1, 2.6.1, 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1, 3.6.1, 4.2.1, 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.3.1, 5.4.1, 5.5.1, 6.2.1, 6.4.1 No. Words: 1600 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
How Languages are Learned
ISBN: 9780194406291
Lightbrown, P.M. and Spada, N., Oxford 5th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
Becoming an Outstanding Languages Teacher
ISBN: 9781032222097
Smith, S., Routledge 2nd 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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