Literacy in Community

Unit code:EED7007Study level:Postgraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Nicholson
Footscray Park

Prerequisites

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

This unit of study addresses adult literacy pedagogies and practices. The unit will investigate the diverse nature of literacy in an age of globalised technology- mediated communication. It will historically analyse what it means to be literate drawing on a range of historical and contemporary adult literacy theories incuding cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives. Students will explore these theories in practical ways related to their own pedagogical understandings and practices. A particular focus of the unit will be on adult literacy as a public pedagogy practiced in non-formal learning settings.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Critically analyse the history of adult literacy theory and practices in a global context;
Research and critically analyse educational theories underpinning contemporary adult literacy practices using academic literature;
Interpret and transmit knowledge on innovative strategies for inclusive adult learning practices; and,
Participate in an academic community of discourse through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Case Study | Grade: 20%

Written case study on an adult literacy or foundation skills program.

Assessment type: Annotated Bibliography | Grade: 30%

Annotated bibliography, focused on critical analysis of an approach to adult literacy education.

Assessment type: Workshop | Grade: 50%

Undertake a workshop and analyse its effectiveness.

A written case study will allow participants to reflect on the pedagogical practices that informed a learning activity that they have taught or observed. They will draw links between the learning activity and the theoretical views that informed it.
An annotated bibliography, focused on critical analysis of an approach to adult literacy education that has been widely discussed and debated by educational theorists and practitioners will allow participants to build a bank of scholarly literature to draw upon in AT3.
Students will develop and facilitate a workshop and critically evaluate its effectiveness, using participant feedback and drawing on relevant theories of adult literacy and learning to analyse and justify their pedagogical choices.