Course Title: Investigate issues in the Australian environment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 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) or Canvas 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

 

BSBITU303A

 ELEMENTS

 

1

Introduction to course

Canvas, Email, Induction Booklet, Map reading, Printing at RMIT, Student card photos

Computer Diagnostic Test

E1, E2, E3, E4

 E1

2

Research using Google, deciphering information, paraphrasing and note taking

Intro to OH&S and Google Search

Students will begin to work through self-paced workbook that introduces skills and teaching practices for Word      

E1, E2

E1

3

Australian Environmental Issues

Key Features of the Australian environment:

  • direction
  • size
  • shape
  • comparison in relation to descriptions of physical features
  • mountains / mountain ranges
  • deserts
  • Great Barrier Reef /Uluru
  • rain forests
  • coastal areas
  • rivers

Designing a text document using PowerPoint. Students will begin to work through a self-paced workbook that introduces skills and teaching practices for PowerPoint

E1, E2

 E2, E4

4

Australian Environmental Issues continued:

  • salinity /erosion
  • drought / floods / bush fires
  • air / water pollution
  • impact of climate change and global warming
  • fragility of the Great Barrier Reef
  • natural disasters
  • traffic congestion
  • rubbish
  • industrial waste
  • water shortages

Designing a text document using Excel

Students will begin to work through a self-paced workbook that introduces skills and teaching practices for Excel 

E1, E2

 E2, E4

5

Begin a report 

  • Cover letter or Memo
  • Title page Synopsis
  • Executive Summary
  • Abstract Table of Contents Introduction Body of the report Analysis of data
  • Results Conclusion Recommendations
  • Reference list Glossary
  • Appendix/Appendices

Formatting a text document and researching information for class magazine assessment task

E4

 E2, E3, E4

6

Report writing continued:

  • Steps in Writing a Report
  • Choose and refine the topic (Aim, Purpose, Scope)
  • Determine appropriate methods of research
  • Create Table of Contents
  • Conduct research
  • Collect relevant information from primary and secondary sources
  • Organise information under headings (keep notes and references)
  • Write first draft of body to ensure the Aim of the report has been met
  • Write Final draft of body (proof-read and check grammar, spelling, punctuation and referencing)
  • Write Conclusion
  • Write Recommendations (if required)
  • Write Executive Summary or Synopsis (if required)
  • Check Report is organised in correct order

Formatting Documents for class magazine assessment task using the workbook and weekly lessons on specifics of using MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

E4

E1, E3, E2

7

Australian Environmental Issue

Students choose an issue or place to research and write an article for the class magazine

Formatting Documents for class magazine assessment task using the workbook and weekly lessons on specifics of using MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

E1, E2

E1, E3, E4

8

Presenting environmental issue

Students present their information using PowerPoint to the class

Formatting and finalising documents for class magazine assessment task using the workbook and weekly lessons on specifics of using MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

E3

 E1, E2, E4

9

Assessment Task 4: Research Project for Class Magazine

E1, E2, E3, E4

 E1, E2, E3,E4

10

Review assessment task

E1, E2, E3, E4

 E1, E2, E3, E4

11

Guest Speaker 

Computerised Note taking

Apps to use for note-taking

E1, E2, E3, E4

 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

Begin class research for Expo using the workbook and weekly lessons on specifics of using MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

E1, E2, E4

 E1, E2, E3, E4

13

Continue class research for Expo

Continue class research for Expo using the workbook and weekly lessons on specifics of using MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

E1, E2, E4

 E1, E2, E3, E4

14

Complete class research for Expo

Preparation for assessment task

Continue class research for Expo using the workbook and weekly lessons on specifics of using MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

E1, E2, E4

E1, E2, E3, E4

15

Assessment Task 7 - Research project for Class Expo - (begin presentations)

E1, E2, E3, E4

E1, E2, E3, E4

16

Assessment Task 7 - Research project for Class Expo - (complete presentations)

E1, E2, E3, E4

E1, E2, E3, E4

17

Review of second assessment task and complete supplementary task given if needed

E1, E2, E3, E4

E1, E2, E3, E4

 

**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Blackboard and in class should changes occur.


The course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the weekly delivery plans which are updated each week.

Your program is made up of:

  • Orientation
  • Learning activities
  • Mid semester review
  • Guest speakers
  • Excursions
  • Exit review

All students will be inducted. The induction includes:

  • Induction Booklet and presentation
  • Explore RMIT activity
  • Orientation to RMIT Libraries

Course Dates:  17 July – 24 November 2017

Public Holidays:

Melbourne Cup Holiday – Tuesday 7 November 2017

Mid-Semester Break:

Monday 25 September 2017 – Friday 6 October 2017

**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Blackboard and in class should changes occur.


The course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the weekly delivery plans which are updated each week.

 

Your program is made up of:

  • Orientation
  • Learning activities
  • Mid semester review
  • Guest speakers
  • Excursions
  • Exit review

All students will be inducted. The induction includes:

  • Induction Booklet and presentation
  • Explore RMIT activity
  • Orientation to RMIT Libraries

 


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 15)

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