This unit of study will involve a 25-day placement (equivalent to 200 hours) in an approved EAL teaching context under the supervision of an experienced supervising teacher who holds a post-graduate TESOL qualification and who has taught EAL/D for at least two years. Placements can be undertaken in primary or secondary schools or in a variety of vocational settings. The 25 day practicum comprises a minimum of 22 days where the student teaches planned lessons and 3 days of focussed observation of qualified and experienced EAL practitioners. It is a requirement that students participate as fully as possible in the EAL program during their placement and continue observing experienced teachers beyond the first three days when possible. As well as observing and teaching classes, activities must include: familiarisation with policies and procedures of the program; study of the curriculum documents used with the learners; familiarisation with assessment procedures and practices; observation of learner placement interviews; assisting individual EAL learners / small group work within a class; correction of learners’ work; preparation of teaching resources; participation in excursions and other special activities; attendance at staff / planning / department / curriculum meetings.
This will typically include a minimum of 3 hours teaching and observation each day.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
As this is a field placement unit of study, supplementary readings will be provided via VU Collaborate.
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.