How the 2005 units of work were developed...
Twelve English and ESL teachers participated in a two-day training workshop. They were given an additional four days in which to plan, develop and write their unit. The units were then trialled in each individual school and edited by the project officer.
While the units have been informed by ESL methodology and written to address the language learning needs of ESL students, they equip teachers to support all students through their acknowledgement of prior learning and the explicit teaching of content vocabulary and language structures and features. The units assume duration of 6-8 weeks allowing time for students to learn and practise new vocabulary and develop mastery in the use of English within the unit context.
The ESL Scales have been used to identify the language focus of key activities and to map the English Years 7-10 Syllabus outcomes to the ESL Scales outcomes. The teaching and learning activities were then modified with reference to the strand organisers to ensure students’ language development was sufficiently supported within the activities.
The model of pedagogy presented in the Quality teaching in NSW public schools: Discussion paper, 2003 has guided the planning and design of lessons to maximise the student learning benefits of each learning experience.
All units incorporate opportunities for students to develop and apply their skills in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
For further information about what makes these units suitable for ESL learners please click here.
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