EDF5642 Bilingualism and content-based programs

This unit builds your capacities to identify fundamental principles underpinning the effectiveness of bilingual and/or content-based programs in a range of educational contexts including English as an additional language (EAL) and languages, and how they impact on language acquisition. You will examine the development and maintenance of bilingualism and biliteracy in formal learning environments. Sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, political and educational aspects of content-based and immersion programs will be explored in local and global contexts. The unit covers a range of approaches, including Content-Based Language Teaching (CBLT), Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and the Canadian immersion models in primary, secondary and vocational education settings. Key policies and documents related to curriculum development and practice will be investigated with a focus on the pedagogical implications of additional language/literacy teaching and first language development. Connections will be made between research and pedagogy including recent bilingual instructional strategies such as translanguaging.