EDMST6010 Language Acquisition
This unit provides post-graduate students with an understanding of the major theories of language acquisition, the developmental milestones in first and second language development and research-based best practice for supporting the language needs of diverse learners. Students in this unit will learn about the differences and similarities between first and second language acquisition, the major theories of language acquisition, developmental benchmarks and communicative milestones, and the differences between adults and children learning a second language. Socio-cultural and cognitive approaches to language acquisition will be covered. Topics include the acquisition of grammar, vocabulary, phonology and phonetics, semantics and pragmatics, and the development of reading and writing in a second language (in particular academic writing). Students will also be able to read current research, use research to inform practice, and differentiate instruction for language learners with different needs and language backgrounds. They will be able to interpret professional practice documents relating to language acquisition, such as the curriculum documents, including but not limited to the Australian Curriculum, the Victorian EAL Developmental Continuum. Students will gain an understanding of the various developmental stages in language acquisition across the lifespan, and learn about language drawing on fields such as linguistics, sociology, education, speech pathology, audiology and psychology.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government and students pay a contribution amount. Each unit is classified into a band, depending on the study area of the unit (this discipline may be different from the study area of your course).
2025 contribution amount* $578
2025 grandfathered contribution amount* $578
Grandfathered contribution amount - if you are a continuing student, who commenced your course before 1 January 2021, you will continue paying the same amount as you would have, had legislative reforms not been implemented, for any units that would otherwise have an increased student contribution amount.
* For Clinical Psychology & Professional Pathways bands the unit fee amount is determined by accredited courses. Students in Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, Professional Pathway Psychology or Professional Pathway Social Work accredited courses should refer to the information below.
