Study Modern Languages Education with us
Learning a new language is recognised in Australia and around the world as potentially a great educational experience. Learning a new language can develop understanding of one's own culture and language use, as well as the communication skills and intercultural understanding vital for living and working successfully in today's global environment. Modern Languages Education is concerned with the theory, principles and practice of how teachers and students can realise this potential in their language classrooms.
- Programs in Modern Languages Education
- Themes explored in Modern Languages Education
- Research in Modern Languages Education
- Staff in Modern Languages Education
- Who is the program suitable for?
- Career outcomes
- Key benefits of the program
Programs in Modern Languages Education
The following programs lead to a specialisation in Modern Languages Education. They do not provide the initial teacher training required for registration as a Modern Languages Education teacher in Australia. Only the Postgraduate Certificate in Modern Languages Education will constitute a qualification to teach a language, for those already qualified in Australia as a teacher of another subject
(NB. The differing lengths of the Masters programs are based on the previous qualifications/work experience of the applicant)
Themes explored in Modern Languages
- The educational nature of intercultural learning through language study
- Historical and current debates in the methodology of language teaching and learning, including ICT
- Curriculum design and the assessment of learning
- Sociopolitical issues in presenting a new language and society to learners
Subjects available in Modern Languages Education
Current Research in Modern Languages Education:
- Textbook representations of target language speakers and their society
- The teaching of Kanji to high school learners using word processing
- The notion of 'appropriate': responses to Chinese Speakers of English (www.atypon-ink.com.ezproxy.lib.unimelb.edu.au/WDG/toc/iral/4)
Staff in Modern Languages Education
Dr Jane Orton
Dr Kieran O'Loughlin
Dr Michele de Courcy
Who is this program suitable for?
Postgraduate courses in Modern Languages Education aim to benefit three principal groups:
- school teachers of a modern language who want to deepen and broaden their theoretical understanding and practical capabilities;
- tertiary and post-secondary teachers of language and intercultural interaction;
- international students involved with the teaching of a foreign language in their home countries.
In addition, the Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Modern Languages Education) will provide a recognised qualification for teachers already qualified to teach other subjects in Australia to teach a language other than English in this country.
Career Outcomes
Postgraduate studies in Modern Language Education develop research-based knowledge and understanding of the professional field. They lead graduates to the discovery and investigation of underlying issues through research in a range of fields, and to leadership capacity in the sound development of practice at all levels, including research into practice itself.
The international and intercultural ambiance of classes and studies realised through the mix of student cohort, perspectives taken, reference materials cited and actual course content, develop all students for active roles in the global environment in which they and their colleagues and students will work and study.
Key benefits of the program
- Research-based curriculum content and processes
- International scope of content and references
- Integrated use of ICT in teaching and learning