EDF5634 Understanding language and learning
Faculty of Education
EDF5634 Understanding language and learning is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Education, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs (EDF5610 or EDF4610) and (EDF4611 or EDF5611) and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 4 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 2 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EDF5634
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After EDF5634
2 units list EDF5634 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit is an introduction to the study of language. It explores key theories on the nature of language and covers a range of linguistic, sociocultural and political/ideological perspectives on language learning. In this unit you will reflect on ideas around language-as-system and language-as-practice and more broadly, on the communicative repertoires of speakers. The unit recognises the complexity of language use in the contemporary world and engages with recent developments in bi/multilingualism. You will explore how language is learnt both in formal and informal settings. Opportunities will be provided for you to apply knowledge gained in the unit to your own experiences and to critically analyse your views of language and learning.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Flx blk |
| Second semester | Clayton | Flx blk |
Assessment
- Analysis of language use (1600 words or equivalent)Written40%
- Critical essay (2400 words or equivalent)Written60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
demonstrate an understanding of key theories of - and perspectives on - language
- 2
apply relevant theories to your experiences with language
- 3
demonstrate an understanding of different kinds of language learning settings
- 4
apply an understanding of various dimensions of communication to your lived experiences with education
- 5
critically evaluate different ways of facilitating language learning in a range of contexts.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study.
Usually, you can expect to engage with:
- a total of 24 hours of scheduled learning. These will typically include 18-24 hours of on-campus regular directed learning activities, with any remaining hours of scheduled learning delivered online via a combination of synchronous and asynchronous directed learning activities and self-directed/independent study
OR - a total of 24 hours of scheduled learning delivered online via a combination of synchronous and asynchronous directed learning activities, and the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study^
^ International students studying in Australia are not permitted to undertake this scheduled learning delivery mode
You will be provided with the opportunity to engage with relevant literature and resources. Further, you will be encouraged to deepen your understanding of topic areas through collegial discussion and debate, and by participating in activities designed to extend your understanding.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Please visit the unit Moodle site for further information.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Katrina Tour
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Katrina Tour
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EDF5634?
You need (EDF5610 or EDF4610) and (EDF4611 or EDF5611) before you enrol.
What can I take after EDF5634?
EDF5634 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including EDF5697 and EDF5698. Those lead on to 4 units in all.
When is EDF5634 offered?
In 2026, EDF5634 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is EDF5634?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EDF5634 have an exam?
No. EDF5634 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.