Key facts
UNE unit code: EDLA315
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
In bilingual and plurilingual learning contexts, communication is key. Teachers play an extremely important role in helping students navigate the boundaries of language and culture in the classroom and the wider community.
You will begin the unit with an exploration of yourself as a user and teacher of more than one language, before focusing on developing processes for understanding the needs of local learners and learning contexts, including the needs of plurilingual learners.
In this unit you will investigate plurilingual teaching models, programs, literature and practical scenarios.
This unit includes a flexible 20 day Professional Experience placement, designed to suit your needs and those of the teaching community.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit requires contact with children in an educational setting. Before entering the setting, all students must have completed online Anaphylaxis training, an online Child Protection module, and have obtained a valid Working with Children Check clearance (for those students wishing to complete their placement in NSW) or equivalent (for those students wishing to complete their placement outside NSW). Please see the Office for Professional Learning Important Information webpage for more information.
This unit addresses Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Stage, otherwise referred to as Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptors (GTSD).
Any enquiries about the Professional Experience component of this unit should be directed to the Office for Professional Learning rather than the Unit Coordinator.
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:
- demonstrate a sound understanding of themselves as users and teachers of more than one language and culture and of working with professional standards and communities of practice (GTSD 1.3.1, 6.1.1);
- complete a needs analysis of learners and learning contexts, with a focus on learner language backgrounds and current and future language use and language learning needs (GTSD 1.3.1, 2.1.1, 2.2.1);
- interpret a range of theories, models and practices of plurilingual learning contexts (GTSD 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1);
- apply their learning of plurilingual learning contexts to local teaching contexts in professional experience (GTSD 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1, 3.7.1, 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.3.1); and
- perform competently during professional placement in a school setting (GTSD 2.3.1, 4.3.1, 5.1.1, 6.3.1).
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 | 35% | All offerings | Needs analysis of specific learners and learning contexts. Relates to GTSD: 1.3.1, 2.1.1, 2.2.1 No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Presentation. The Bilingual Educator. It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass this unit.Relates to GTSD: 1.3.1, 6.1.1 No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Report. Relates to GTSD: 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1, 3.7.1, 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.3.1 No. Words: 1500 |
| Professional Experience - Assurance Task | Yes | All offerings | Students are required to complete 20 days of school-based professional experience in an Australian School and receive a satisfactory report from their supervisor(s) in order to successfully pass this unit Relates to GTSD: 2.3.1, 4.3.1, 5.1.1, 6.3.1 |
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: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism
ISBN: 9781836680536
Baker, C. and Wright, W.E., Multilingual Matters 8th Edition 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Bilingual Education in the 21st Century: A Global Perspective
ISBN: 9781405119948
Garcia, O., Wiley-Blackwell 2009
Text refers to: All offerings
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