This unit will focus on the planning and teaching of effective English lessons for the middle years of school.  Students will examine theories of language and learning relevant to the teaching of English and will develop strategies appropriate to the teaching of text areas (including prose fiction, drama, poetry, media and transactional texts).  Students will also be given practice in evaluating and responding to student writing. The unit will also provide an understanding of current curriculum frameworks, in the field of English, for young adolescents. The relationship between English-specific student learning outcomes and generic competencies will be explored, as will the relationship between English-specific professional standards of teaching and general principles of best pedagogical practice in the middle years of schooling. Consideration will be given to teaching strategies, particularly through integrated learning programs, for making English interesting, relevant and useful for young adolescents.