Why this course?
Leveraging evidence-based research from the Science of Language and Reading Lab, this course is designed to address diminishing student competencies in writing.
Understanding the relationship between linguistics and writing will unlock your ability to teach writing more effectively. You’ll learn the building blocks for great writing; a framework for diagnosing and addressing writing errors and give your students the uplift they need to develop their writing skills.
You’ll learn from Dr Nathaniel Swain. Dr Swain brings a myriad of experiences and expertise to his role as Senior Lecturer, Learning Sciences and Learner Engagement and Director of Academic Programs – Undergraduate. Originally educated as a linguist and speech-language pathologist, Nathaniel became a classroom teacher to pursue his lifelong dream of teaching students so every child can achieve their best. Drawing upon his linguistics, instructional coaching, and even his performing arts expertise, Nathaniel creates effective and engaging learning environments for any student with whom he works, and he is highly sought after in schools and systems around Australia.
Course content
Designed so participants can apply learnings into their writing practice, this course is also suitable for anyone seeking to improve their writing skills.
Topics covered include:
The linguistic structure of English, and its implications for your writing
Analysing grammatical components of effective sentence and paragraph writing
The key components of clear, effective writing for academic purposes (reports, essays)
Breaking the writing process down into manageable steps
You’ll learn:
To analyse the linguistic structure of academic writing at the phrase, sentence and paragraph level.
To apply key sentence and paragraph writing strategies for clear and effective expression.
Your study experience
The total time commitment for this course is 10 hours, through 4 x 1.5 hour weekly live, online webinars and 4 hours’ additional learning activities and material. The weekly webinar will be recorded and made available afterwards.
At the conclusion, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 10 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Dates
Session 1: Tuesday 16 April
Session 2: Tuesday 23 April
Session 3: Tuesday 30 April
Session 4: Tuesday 7 May
7.30 PM - 9.00 PM AEST (9.30 PM - 11.00 PM NZST)
Cost
AUD $480.00
About the La Trobe SOLAR Lab
The SOLAR Lab was established in the School of Education at La Trobe University in 2020 to promote the scientific study of the role of oral language skills in the emergence and consolidation of reading skills across the school years (pre-school to secondary). We use the term “reading” to specifically identify core skills in text decoding and language comprehension that also promote success in writing and spelling.