Dr Paul Moore
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
This course explores second language learning and teaching from the perspective of sociocultural theory (SCT). It introduces the central theories, principles and concepts of sociocultural approaches, which highlight the importance of context and collaborative relationships as mediating factors in second language learning, both inside and outside the classroom (e.g., online). Students will apply these concepts to their own and others' learning, develop materials, and analyse collaborative discourse drawing on SCT principles.
This course explores second language learning and teaching from the perspective of sociocultural theory (SCT). It introduces the central theories, principles and concepts of sociocultural approaches, which highlight the importance of context and collaborative relationships as mediating factors in second language learning, both inside and outside the classroom (e.g., online). Students will apply these concepts to their own and others’ learning, develop materials, and analyse collaborative discourse drawing on SCT principles.
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice. Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable. Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation.
Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here .
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develop students' awareness of second language learning and teaching from the perspective of sociocultural theory (SCT). It develops students’ knowledge of the central theories, principles and concepts of sociocultural approaches, which highlight the importance of context and collaborative relationships as mediating factors in second language learning, both inside and outside the classroom (e.g., online). Throughout this course, students are encouraged to develop the following key attributes of a language professional: the curiosity and intellectual independence to explore new approaches to understanding language and learning and their pedagogical relevance; the openness ﾠto consider sociocultural approaches to research; and creativity and independence in developing pedagogical resources. Students will gain experience in applying sociocultural concepts to their own and others’ learning. They will develop materials, and analyse collaborative discourse drawing on SCT principles. The course is experiential in that learners will develop awareness of group learning processes by reflecting on their own collaboration.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify and explain major concepts in sociocultural theory (SCT) and praxis
LO2.
Critically evaluate recent literature on sociocultural approaches to learning and teaching
LO3.
Apply SCT critically and reflectively to their own learning and teaching practice
LO4.
Analyse collaborative learner data using sociocultural principles and tools
LO5.
Create and reflect on pedagogical materials based on SCT principles
LO6.
Identify and analyse current SCT research issues and findings
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online task - to be completed before each lecture
|
20% |
28/02/2025 4:00 pm 7/03/2025 4:00 pm 14/03/2025 4:00 pm 21/03/2025 4:00 pm 28/03/2025 4:00 pm 4/04/2025 4:00 pm 11/04/2025 4:00 pm 17/04/2025 4:00 pm 2/05/2025 4:00 pm 9/05/2025 4:00 pm 16/05/2025 4:00 pm 23/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Group Workshop: SCT in the language classroom
|
20% 30 mins |
31/03/2025 - 30/05/2025
Presentations will occur during class time from WEEK 6 to WEEK 13. |
| Essay/ Critique |
Critical analysis of a research article
|
20% 800 words (excluding references) |
3/04/2025 4:00 pm
WEEK 6 |
| Essay/ Critique |
Discourse analysis project
|
40% 2000 words (excluding references) |
11/06/2025 4:00 pm
Exam Week 1 |
Assessment details
Online task - to be completed before each lecture
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
28/02/2025 4:00 pm
7/03/2025 4:00 pm
14/03/2025 4:00 pm
21/03/2025 4:00 pm
28/03/2025 4:00 pm
4/04/2025 4:00 pm
11/04/2025 4:00 pm
17/04/2025 4:00 pm
2/05/2025 4:00 pm
9/05/2025 4:00 pm
16/05/2025 4:00 pm
23/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06
Task description
The purpose of this task is check your engagement with and understanding of the content of the weekly readings. From Week 1 to Week 12, you will be asked to read assigned readings for the following week's class. After completing the reading material, you will complete a short online task.
The task will be available in Blackboard from from Monday to Friday of the previous week (e.g., the Week 2 task will be available from Monday to Friday of Week 1). You will not be able to complete the online task during or after the first class of each week.
Each of the 12 tasks will receive a mark out of 10. The percentage of correct questions will be averaged across your top 10 scores to calculate a mark out of 20 for your final grade.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Complete each task via the link in the assessment folder in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extensions are allowed for this series of weekly tasks as students are given a five-day period to complete them. Individual results and correct answers are automatically released on a weekly basis. Timely engagement with these tasks supports sequential nature of learning in this course. Additionally, only the top 10 scores out of 12 tasks are used to calculate a mark out of 20.
Group Workshop: SCT in the language classroom
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20% 30 mins
- Due date
31/03/2025 - 30/05/2025
Presentations will occur during class time from WEEK 6 to WEEK 13.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05
Task description
Sociocultural theory in the language classroom
Aim: This group assessment aims to provide the class with hands-on experience of classroom tasks which are designed based on sociocultural concepts. It also gives students the opportunity to interpret classroom discourse and reflect on group processes from a sociocultural perspective. Your group will be given a topic, based on one of the weekly lecture topics. Drawing on an article in the current research literature, you will introduce one or two relevant SCT concepts to the other members of the class.
The Workshop:
With the class, you will briefly explore and explain how your chosen task is theorised to support language learning from a sociocultural perspective. The aim of this task is to give your audience practical experience of one (1) classroom task used in SCT research. In other words you will 'partially duplicate' the research in the chosen article, meaning you will redevelop the classroom task from that article and have students in the class perform a short version of that task (5-8 minutes).
In your workshop you will do the following:
- Briefly describe the research article, concept(s), and task chosen;
- Introduce the task, explaining how it was used to address one of the research questions in the article;
- Have the students perform the task (SCT tasks often involve pair or group interaction);
- Monitor the task-based activity, and attempt to interpret the interaction according to the chosen research question
- Present a brief comparison of the findings from the research article with your observations of the task-based activity in your workshop;
- Invite and answer questions and comments from your workshop participants.
The workshop will be supported by a Powerpoint file and a short introductory video, which must be submitted to the lecturer prior to the presentation. The workshop may be video-recorded.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Critical analysis of a research article
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20% 800 words (excluding references)
- Due date
3/04/2025 4:00 pm
WEEK 6
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L06
Task description
Aim: This assignment requires you to write a critical reflection on a journal article provided by your lecturer. The aim is to develop critical awareness of concepts in sociocultural theory and how these are drawn on in research.
Process: The critical reflection should include the full publication details of the article, and a brief description followed by a critical reflection emphasising its strengths and weaknesses. Pay particular attention to the sociocultural concepts used by the researchers, and how they use these to design their research tools and interpret their findings. Consider influence of the context of the research, the tasks used, and how the research findings may be different if the research were conducted in another context, with different participants.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin submission
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Discourse analysis project
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40% 2000 words (excluding references)
- Due date
11/06/2025 4:00 pm
Exam Week 1
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04, L06
Task description
Discourse analysis project
Aim: This individual written assessment aims to give you experience in collecting, analysing, interpreting, and writing up a small amount of interaction data from a sociocultural perspective.
Process: In negotiation with your lecturer, you will choose a task from a research article, or other literature related to the course, and collect interaction data from two students. Spoken (maximum five minutes) or online (written), or multimodal interaction (maximum 100 lines of data) can be chosen, depending on the selected research article.
The written assignment will include:
1. Introduction, explaining the focus of the original study, the task used. (150-200 words)
2. A brief literature review. including references to related research (approximately five articles). (500 words)
3. Research question(s) and a summary of the methods used. (400-500 words)
4. Findings and discussion, including your original data and how they compare with those in the original study. (800-1000 words)
5. Conclusion. (200 words)
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student has failed to hand in the required assessable work by the specified date. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student's work is uneven and of limited merit, showing an inability to master the concepts and material of the course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student has shown some understanding of the concepts and material covered in the course, but has not demonstrated a coherent, soundly based comprehension of Applied Linguistics, its disciplines and methods. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student's work shows a basic level of understanding of concepts and methods; some ability to communicate and argue; and some ability to link ideas to practice. This understanding, however, is not extended or sophisticated. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student shows a richer, deeper and more articulated level of understanding than for a result of 4, with better interdisciplinary links and a more critical approach to the literature and its interpretation. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student shows a firm understanding of the key concepts of the course; has shown some originality in developing the themes of the course and exploring them further; and in relating the literature to practice. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student shows originality and initiative in approaching the themes of the course, together with an advanced level of understanding and ability to synthesize diverse material, to link the literature to ideas and practice, and to engage in discourse about the course at an advanced level. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
TURNITIN
- It is the student's responsibility to upload their own assignment to Turnitin and to ensure that this assignment is their final draft.
- The digital copy uploaded must be the same as the hard copy handed in, if a hard copy is requested by the course coordinator.
GROUP ASSESSMENT
Instructors reserve the right to adjust individual grades in group assignments to reflect identified differences in individual contribution.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Tutorial |
SCT4SLL&T: History and People This introductory class sets up the course by exploring key movements and people in sociocultural theory (SCT) for second language learning and teaching (SLL&T). Practical aspects of the course, including assessments, are also explained. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Tutorial |
Theory into practice in SCT This class provides a theoretical and pedagogical context for SCT research and practice, by exploring a range of perspectives, from cognitive, to sociocultural, to critical. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Key Concepts in SCT(1) Mediation, self-regulation, internalization and the ZPD Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Key Concepts in SCT(2) Action, Agency, Autonomy, and Affordance - An ecological approach Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Key Concepts in SCT(3) Activity theory Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Classroom research (1): The task-in-process (Friday 29/3 is a public holiday - if necessary classes to be rescheduled) Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Classroom research (2): Framing interaction This class explores second language classroom interaction from a sociocultural perspective. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Classroom research (3): Performance & development This class looks at classroom research into task performance and language development from an SCT perspective. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
(Trans)languaging in the second language classroom This class explores a recent movement in second language sociocultural research, based on a reframing of the role of the first language in second language learning. [25 April is a public holiday, classes to be rescheduled if necessary] Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Tutorial |
Discourse Analysis Project Overview of Discourse Analysis Project Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Tutorial |
Formal SCT pedagogical approaches This seminar introduces two formal SCT-informed approaches to second language instruction: Concept-based instruction (CBI) and Systemic theoretical instruction (STI). Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Tutorial |
Dynamic assessment Drawing on two major Vygotskian concepts, the ZPD and the ZAD, this class explores research based on the emergent relationship among instruction, assessment and development. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Tutorial |
SCT into the future This class looks back at the concepts explored through the course, and the directions in which SCT-inspired research and practice are expected to move into the future. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.