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TWS01
The National Literacy Strategy and Balanced
Literacy: Theory and Practice

MQF Level: 6

ECTS Value: 1 ECTS

Duration: 2 Sessions

Contact Hours: 5

Self Study Hours: 12

Assessment Hours: 8

 

Module Description

This module will give participants an overview of the National Literacy Strategy for All and introduce the components of a balanced literacy approach (read aloud, shared reading, modelled reading, guided reading, independent reading, modelled writing, shared writing, guided writing, independent writing and word study). 

A balanced literacy approach can be implemented with all students to address their literacy difficulties. Participants will be introduced to a balanced literacy approach to teaching and learning within a theoretical and practical framework.

Overall Objectives and Outcomes

By the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

Competences 

a) Identify aspects of a balanced literacy approach they are currently utilising in their teaching;
b) Deliver literacy lessons integrating at least one of the components of a balanced literacy approach.

Knowledge

a) The key literacy strategies and balanced literacy;
b) The pedagogy and methodology of a balanced literacy approach including the gradual release model of responsibility;
c) The teacher’s role in the teaching and learning process of balanced literacy.

Skills

a) Understand the components of a balanced literacy approach;
b) Apply one component of a balanced literacy approach to their classroom or group context;
c) Develop a multi-sensory, hands-on and scaffolded methodology in the delivery of writing activities;
d) Analyse the components of balanced literacy they are proficient in implementing;
e) Identify the components of a balanced literacy approach and assess how they can implement these components in their teaching;

Mode of Delivery

This module adopts a blended approach to teaching and learning. Information related to the structure and delivery of the module may be accessed through the IfE Portal. For further details, kindly refer to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy and Procedures found on the Institute for Education’s website.

Assessment Methods

This module will be assessed through: Research Assingment and Online Tasks/Reflections.

Suggested Readings

Core Reading List

1) Bodman, S & Franklin, G (2014). Which Book and Why, Institute of Education Press, University of London.

2) Cecil, N. L. (2011) Striking a Balance: A comprehensive approach to Early Literacy. Holcomb Hathaway, United States.

3) Ministry for Education and Employment, (2014). A National Literacy Strategy for all in Malta and Gozo. Available online: http://education.gov.mt/en/Documents/Literacy/ENGLISH.pdf

4) Ministry for Education (2012). The National Curriculum Framework for All. Available online: http://curriculum.gov.mt/en/resources/the-ncf/pages/default.aspx.

Supplementary Reading List

1) Mermelstein, L.; foreword by Calkins, L. (2006) Reading/Writing Connections in the K-2 Classroom: Find the Clarity and then Blur the Lines. Pearson Education Inc.

2) Rief, S.F. & Heimburge, J.A (2007). How to Reach and Teach all Children through Balanced Literacy. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

3) Tompkins, G.E. (2006) (4th ed.) Literacy for the 21st Century: A Balanced Approach. Pearson, New Jersey.

4) www.fountasandpinnell.com/resourcelibrary/default?search=phonics#Document395

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