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  3. Languages for Young Learners (EC)

Languages for Young Learners (EC) (EDUC91016)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025

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Overview

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This subject introduces students to the theory and practice of teaching Languages to young learners within early childhood settings. Beginning with a theoretical foundation based on contemporary research in second language education, the fundamental question of how languages are taught will be introduced and discussed within a communicative framework for language teaching and learning, in alignment with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). The subject then focuses on practical implications related to integrating language learning and intercultural understanding within play-based pedagogies. This subject also includes a focus on language ecologies in early childhood settings, the nature of language, multimodal engagement with language and culture, the role of the planning and reporting cycle and the role of community in language programs.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Identify the principles and approaches to teaching and learning Languages in early childhood education contexts
  • Demonstrate the ability to align language learning experiences with Australian early childhood frameworks
  • Identify strategies for integrating languages learning across early childhood education programs
  • Demonstrate an ability to consider language-specific issues in adapting second language learning to play-based pedagogy.
  • Understand how to set learning goals in Languages that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics

Generic skills

  • Clinical reasoning and thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Evidence based decision making
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Teamwork and professional collaboration
  • Learning to learn and metacognition
  • Responsiveness to a changing knowledge base
  • Linking theory and practice
  • Active and participatory citizenship.

Last updated: 19 November 2025