Course Title: Investigate issues in the Australian environment
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2017
Course Code: GEDU6076C
Course Title: Investigate issues in the Australian environment
School: 360T Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C3310 - Certificate III in EAL (Further Study)
Course Contact: Baia Tsakouridou and Bloss Robertson
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488
Course Contact Email: baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Angela Fourtounis 51.2.02 angela.fourtounis@rmit.edu.au
Jane Saunders 51.2.02 jane.saunders@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge for learners of English as an additional language to research the key aspects of the physical Australian environment, and to identify and investigate environmental issues.
The unit provides you with an introduction to terminology related to Australian physical features and environmental issues, and the skills and knowledge to research and present information in an oral presentation and a written report.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU21470 Investigate issues in the Australian environment |
Element: |
1 Discuss Australia’s physical features and climate |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Note terminology and language used to describe key physical features on maps 1.2 Locate the key physical features of Australia on a map 1.3 Describe the key features of different climate zones |
Element: |
2 Investigate an environmental issue of significance in Australia |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify an environmental issue of significance in Australia 2.2 Scan informational texts and note the main features of the environmental issue 2.3 Analyse the impact of the environmental issue |
Element: |
3 Present your research findings in a talk to the group |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Outline one environmental issue and its impact on the community 3.2 Describe possible solutions 3.3 Use simple cohesive devices to give explanation and express opinion 3.4 Use strategies to deliver talk clearly demonstrating awareness of audience |
Element: |
4 Write a report on your research |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Plan to write a report of a paragraph in length on an environmental issue and possible solutions 4.3 Select and order information, using appropriate layout 4.4 Use appropriate terminology and language 4.5 Proofread and correct final draft, with guidance |
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes described in this unit relate to:
The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Speaking and Listening. They contribute directly to the achievement of Speaking 2+ / 3,Listening 2+ / 3, Reading 2+/3, Writing 2+/3 and
the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence in Oral Communication, Reading and Writing at Level 3.
Details of Learning Activities
This unit is part of Certificate III in EAL (Further Study) which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with one other unit on the same day. Your program consists of Face to Face teaching and Directed Study. Your program will have a minimum of 8 hours Directed Study per week. You are not required to attend to complete Directed Study, however you are expected to complete all work given and will at times be required to show evidence that the work has been completed in this unit. An outline of your Directed Study is published each week in the Weekly Program Delivery Plan.
The Weekly Program Delivery Plan is a detailed outline of what activities you will be undertaking in each session on a weekly basis. You can access this via Blackboard (Mystudies) on the first day of each teaching week.
This unit will focus on the Australian environment and is clustered with Design and Produce Text Documents. You will be required to produce work within this cluster that is centred around the Australian environment using computer based skills. In order to pass this program you will need to complete satisfactorily two assessment tasks.
Teaching Schedule
This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with BSBITU303A (OFFC5305C) Design and Produce Text Documents. This is Cluster 3 - Interactions for Further Study.
Teaching Schedule:
| Week | VU21470 Investigate issues in the Australian environment |
VU21470 ELEMENTS |
| 1 |
Introduction to course Blackboard, Email, Induction Booklet, Map reading, Printing at RMIT, Student card photos |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
| 2 | Research using Google, deciphering information, paraphrashing and note taking | E1, E2 |
| 3 |
Australian Environmental Issues Key Features of the Australian environment:
|
E1, E2 |
| 4 |
Australian Environmental Issues continued:
|
E1, E2 |
| 5 |
Begin a report
|
E4 |
| 6 |
Report writing continued:
|
E4 |
| 7 |
Australian Environmental Issue Students choose an issue or place to research and write an article for the class magazine |
E1, E2 |
| 8 |
Presenting environmental issue Students present their information using PowerPoint to the class |
E3 |
| 9 | Assessment Task 4: Research Project for Class Magazine | E1, E2, E3, E4 |
| 10 | Review assessment task | E1, E2, E3, E4 |
| 11 | Guest Speaker - Environment Victoria | E1, E2, E3, E4 |
| 12 |
Begin class research for Expo Students to pick an issue or feature to make a poster or diorama to present to the other level 3 class |
E1, E2, E4 |
| 13 |
Continue class research for Expo
|
E1, E2, E4 |
| 14 |
Complete class research for Expo
|
E1, E2, E4 |
| 15 | Preparation for assessment task | E1, E2, E3, E4 |
| 16 | Assessment Task 7: Research Project for Class Expo | E1, E2, E3, E4 |
| 17 | Review of second assessment task and complete supplementary task given if needed | E1, E2, E3, E4 |
|
**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Blackboard and in class should changes occur.
Your program is made up of:
All students will be inducted. The induction includes:
Course Dates: 6 February – 9 June 2017 Public Holidays: Labour Day Holiday – Monday 13 March 2017 Anzac Day Holiday – Tuesday 25 April 2017 Mid-Semester Break: Thursday 13 April 2016 – Wednesday 19 April 2017 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT
There are no set texts in this course, but it is recommended that you bring:
• English-English dictionary (we ask that you do not use a translation dictionary)
• Thesaurus
• Display folder with plastic sleeves
• Highlighter pens
• Notebook or loose leaf paper
• Headphones (use your own or they can be purchased from the Carlton Library very cheaply)
• USB (Memory stick)
Teacher will provide handouts and resources during class time. You can locate these resources on Blackboard and Facebook.
Overview of Assessment
This course is delivered as part of a full time intergrated program.You must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of the competencies in order to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. You will be assessed through the following:
Research project
Production of class magazine
Presentation of research
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions, through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program manager or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
The Student Charter www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/supporting-learning-and-teaching/student-charter/ summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT University student as well as the responsibilities of the university.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which can be found on the RMIT University website at: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qwxbqbg739rl1
Assessment Tasks
Assessment will take place throughout the course. Your work is assessed on a Competent (C) / Not Yet Competent (NYC) basis – it is not graded. You will be given written feedback on all assessment tasks. There will be individual and group projects completed both in and out of class.
Assessment is ongoing and its purpose is to develop your skills. You will be given assistance in redrafting and editing written assessment tasks because developing your ability to identify and correct your own mistakes is an important part of the learning process. It is important that you read the specific elements each assessment task addresses on the cover sheet for each task. At the time of setting assessments you will be given clear guidelines about which course, elements and performance criteria you will need to meet in order to successfully complete the task. Submission dates & deadlines will also be clearly explained.
This program consists of two Assessment Tasks.
Assessment Task 4: Research Project for Class Magazine (Week 9)
This task will involve preparing and producing a class magazine using a variety word processing skills on a researched topic on the Australian environment.
Assessment Task 7: Research Project for Class Expo (Week 16)
This task will involve preparing and planning an expo for the class on a researched topic on the Australian environment using a variety of text documents.
A supplementary assessment task will be provided if necessary.
The tasks will be based on The Australian Environment and use of computer based skills.
Assessment Matrix
Assessment Matrix
Each assessment cover sheet clearly outlines the competencies being addressed in the task in relation to performance criteria. The sum of assessment tasks will cover all units and their elements over a range of occasions. You will be given opportunities to demonstrate competency in a variety of ways throughout the program. To sucessfully complete this unit you will need to demonstrate that you are competent in each element of the unit/subject on at least two occasions.
You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or student co-ordinator. An assessment matrix will be available on myRMIT
Other Information
Attendance:
Your course involves participating in face to face classes. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to successfully complete this course.
Student Progress:
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.
Student program policy www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academicprogress
You will be asked to attend mid-semester and end of semester interviews with relevant teachers and Program Co-ordinator. The interviews are an important part of giving you feedback and supporting you through your program by monitoring your academic progress
Special consideration policy (Late submissions):
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Extension www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Special consideration is an assessment adjustment for unexpected circumstances that are outside your control, which:
• have a significant adverse impact on your performance in assessment or
• prevent you from attempting or submitting the assessment. Special Consideration www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy
www.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity
Course Overview: Access Course Overview