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: they will develop strategies appropriate to the teaching of reading, writing, viewing, and speaking and listening; and to teaching a range of text areas (including prose fiction, film, 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 considered, as will the relationship between English-specific professional standards of teaching and general principles of best pedagogical practice in the middle years of schooling.