Key facts

UNE unit code: EDLI502

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

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Teaching people to speak English requires a comprehensive understanding of how people learn and a systematic approach to language and teaching processes.

This unit is the first in a pair which prepares you to become a teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

In the unit you will examine the experience of the language learner and analyse the relationship between language and culture. You will explore the principles that underpin effective learning and teaching in TESOL contexts, and analyse related approaches and pedagogies.

You will learn how to create a positive and encouraging learning environment and learn how to plan effective lessons and learning sequences for your students and learn strategies to assess and evaluate their learning.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in MEd or MAppLing or MAppLing(Hons) or MTESOL or MEd(Res) or GradCertAppLing
Co-requisites
for MEd or MEd(Res) students only: EDLA503
Restrictions
EDLA401 or EDLA402 or EDLA387 or EDLA487 or EDLA502

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. demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the experience of the language learner, the relation between language and culture, theories used to explain how an additional language is learned and maintained, as well as the ability to analyse and evaluate these principles and theories effectively;
  2. demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and critical understanding of theories and principles that underpin effective learning and teaching in TESOL contexts, and related approaches and pedagogies;
  3. demonstrate understanding of a range of approaches to teaching English language and culture in culturally diverse contexts, and apply this understanding to the analysis and critical evaluation of techniques used to plan, design, assess and evaluate TESOL programs; and
  4. demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of assessment and evaluation processes applicable to TESOL programs.

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 1Yes20%All offerings

Quiz

No. Words: 500 (equivalent)

Assessment 2Yes30%All offerings

Micro-lesson presentation and reflection

No. Words: 2000

Assessment 3 - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

Portfolio and Presentation

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

No. Words: 3500

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.

Navigating TESOL: Objectives and Core Principles

ISBN: 9780367536848

Neilsen, R., Shokouhi, H., Routledge 2025

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

The Practice of English Language Teaching

ISBN: 9781447980254

Harmer, J., Pearson Education 5th ed. 2015

Text refers to: All offerings

English as an additional language or dialect: Teacher resource (EAL/D

Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority , ACARA 2015

Text refers to: All offerings

Students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)

NESA 2021

Text refers to: All offerings

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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.*

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