Phonetics, Phonology and Oral Communication

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2024/20

Institute / School :

Institute of Education, Arts & Community

Unit Title:

Phonetics, Phonology and Oral Communication

Unit ID:

EDBSP1023

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

Nil

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

(EDMST6113)

ASCED:

061707

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This course teaches undergraduate students to identify and understand the sounds of the English language. Australian Standard English, like all languages, is composed of a set of specific sounds, i.e. phonemes, and all words are made up of these sounds. Understanding the sounds of the English, including how they are articulated, is essential for a range of professions, including teachers of English, in particular for teaching phonics, speech pathologists, audiologists, and learning integration aides. Students completing this course will be able to identify the sounds that make up any given word of English, articulate and explain these sounds for pedagogical purposes. They will have the skills to transcribe English words in the international phonetic alphabet, and understand place and manner of articulation and the acoustic relations of the phonetics and phonology of English.

The course introduces students to the articulatory and acoustic phonetics and phonology of English, including stress and intonation patterns, and how these function to create meaning in oral communication. Students will be able to identify stress patterns in English words and sentences. Students will also understand speech development, and oral communication development across the lifespan.

Students will learn about research into how oral language supports literacy development, and evidence-based practices such as phonics instruction. Students will also understand how oral language development supports reading and writing development. The course covers phonemic awareness, phonological awareness, and the grammar associated with spoken discourse and oral communication.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component: No

Supplementary Assessment:

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Apply the phonemes and phonological patterns of English

K2.	Identify and articulate the sounds of words

K3.	Articulate and explain stress and intonation in words and discourse

K4.	Examine the current research and pedagogical best practices relating to oral language

K5.	Investigate speech development milestones

K6.	Recognise the key ideas of articulatory and acoustic phonetics

Skills:

S1.	Transcribe words according to their sounds

S2.	Identify place and manner of articulation for the sounds of English

S3.	Apply alphabetic principle and phonics

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Apply knowledge of oral language to interpret curriculum

A2.	Analyse spoken language demonstrating an understanding of English phonetics and phonology

A3.	Use appropriate pedagogical interventions to promote oral language, literacy outcomes, and speech development

Unit Content:

This course will cover the following topics:

The sounds of English: phonetics and phonology
Pronunciation and listening: Articulatory and acoustic phonetics
Oral language and literacy development
The alphabetic principle, phonics and reading instruction
Speech development

Graduate Attributes:

The Federation University graduate attributes (GA) are entrenched in the Higher Education Graduate Attributes Policy (LT1228).Federation University Australia graduates develop these graduate attributes through their engagement in explicit learning and teaching and assessment tasks that are embedded in all Federation Courses. Graduate attribute attainment typically follows an incremental development process mapped through Course progression. One or more graduate attributes must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each Federation University Australia Unit, and all attributes must be directly assessed in each Course.

Graduate attribute and descriptor		Development and acquisition of GAs in the Unit
Graduate attribute and descriptor		Learning outcomes (KSA)	Assessment task (AT#)
GA 1 Thinkers	Our graduates are curious, reflective and critical. Able to analyse the world in a way that generates valued insights, they are change makers seeking and creating new solutions.	K1, K2, K3, K4, K6, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, A3	AT1, AT2, AT3
GA 2 Innovators	Our graduates have ideas and are able to realise their dreams. They think and act creatively to achieve and inspire positive change.	S2, A3	AT3
GA 3 Citizens	Our graduates engage in socially and culturally appropriate ways to advance individual, community and global well-being. They are socially and environmentally aware, acting ethically, equitably and compassionately.	S3	AT2, AT3
GA 4 Communicators	Our graduates create, exchange, impart and convey information, ideas, and concepts effectively. They are respectful, inclusive and empathetic towards their audience, and express thoughts, feelings and information in ways that help others to understand.	K1, K2, K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, A3	AT2, AT3
GA 5 Leaders	Our graduates display and promote positive behaviours, and aspire to make a difference. They act with integrity, are receptive to alternatives and foster sustainable and resilient practices.	K2, K3, S3, A1, A2, A3	AT3

Learning Task and Assessment:

Students must complete all assessment tasks and achieve a minimum overall grade of 50% to pass this course

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S1, S2,	Transcription tasks: phonemes, stress and intonation	Quiz	20-30%
2.	K1, K3, K4, K5, K6, S3, A2, A3	Essay: Oral Communication/evidence-based practice/speech development	Written	30-40%
3.	K4, K5, S3, A1, A3	Lesson Plan and micro-teaching	Oral presentation	30-40%

Adopted Reference Style:

APA

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency

Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia: 2020 Version

Attribute			Assessed	Level
Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia 2020
	1. Professional Conduct
		1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice	No	Low
		1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols	No	Low
		1.3. Provide safe and quality services	No	Medium
		1.4. Collaborate with individuals, their supports, our colleagues and the community	No	N/A
		1.5. Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping	No	Low
		1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice	No	Low
		1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing	No	N/A
	2. Reflective practice and life-long learning
		2.1. Demonstrate self-awareness	No	N/A
		2.2. Use critical reflection to guide professional development and practice	No	N/A
		2.3. Plan personal development goals	No	N/A
		2.4. Participate in professional development	No	N/A
		2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources	No	Low
		2.6. Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community	No	Medium
		2.7. Contribute to the speech pathology evidence base	No	Low
	3. Speech pathology practice
		3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology	No	N/A
		3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs	No	Low
		3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments	No	N/A
		3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response	No	N/A
		3.5. Implement and evaluate intervention or service response	No	N/A
		3.6. Support development of the profession	No	N/A