Key facts

UNE unit code: EDLA523

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Not offered in 2026
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

Examining language acquisition is important for educators who teach English to speakers of other languages.

In this unit you will explore second language acquisition (SLA) research in relation to practice in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other languages (TESOL).

You will analyse the dual role of TESOL professionals as both teachers and researchers.

This unit enables you to interpret SLA research, to design classroom-based research projects, and to use your own and others’ research findings to reflect on your own or others’ practices, with a view to making changes as appropriate in the teaching and learning situation.

In this unit you will design and carry out your own Action Research project on professional practice.

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
EDLA503 or EDLI502 and candidature in GradCertEdStud or MA(AppLing) or MEd
Co-requisites
EDLI504 or LING551 or LING562 or 6cp at 500 level in Education

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Leonardo Veliz
Leonardo VelizAssociate Professor - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Education

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. apply highly developed skills and theoretical knowledge of second language acquisition in exploring second language learners, their learning contexts, and their learning processes;
  2. demonstrate autonomy and well developed judgement in designing or carrying out an Action Research project on professional practice; and
  3. demonstrate highly collaborative approaches to learning and research as tools for future study or professional advancement.

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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes25%All offerings

Essay Part A

No. Words: 1500

Assessment 2 - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

Seminar presentation

It is mandatory to pass this assessment in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 3000 (equivalent)

Assessment 3Yes25%All offerings

Essay Part B

No. Words: 1500

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.

Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • •Course updates and important changes as they happen
  • •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
  • •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
  • •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire

Ready to stay in the loop?

GET IN TOUCHUniversity campus with students on a sunny day, historic brick building and green lawn

Why study with us?

Graduate Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.