Course Title: Read and write straightforward texts for research purposes

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2015

Course Code: LANG5819

Course Title: Read and write straightforward texts for research purposes

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3310 - Certificate III in EAL (Further Study)

Course Contact: Baia Tsakouridis and Bloss Robertson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254488

Course Contact Email: baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au, bloss.robertson@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

 

Jennifer Chamberlain jennifer.chamberlain@rmit.edu.au

Tim Morris tim.morris@rmit.edu.au

 

 
 

Nominal Hours: 80

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 of competency describes reading and writing performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language backgrounds other than English for research purposes. In this unit, you will focus on developing reading, notetaking, research and writing skills to produce texts relevant to study needs.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21501 Read and write straightforward texts for research purposes

Element:

1 Read information from straightforward texts for a range of research purposes

Performance Criteria:


1.1 Establish reasons or purpose for reading a text
1.2 Locate and access relevant paper based and online texts
1.3 Scan text and select information relevant to research purpose
1.4 Use reading strategies to identify main ideas, some details and opinions in the relevant sections of the texts
1.5 Assess the usefulness of the text for the research purpose

Element:

2 Record specific information from texts for a study task

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Review the study task and identify the information required to complete the task
2.2 Source appropriate texts and evaluate relevance of each for the study task
2.3 Use a range of commonly recognised methods to record relevant information clearly
2.4 Organise the information gained from reading to fit the research purpose
2.5 Review notes for accuracy and clarity

Element:

3 Write a straightforward text based on research

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Determine the audience and purpose for the text based on research
3.2 Establish any formal requirements for the text
3.3 Locate, select and record research information
3.4 Develop an outline plan for the text using researched material
3.5 Sequence key points and supporting information into a paragraph using required format

Element:

4 Reference resources used in research based text

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Confirm the required format and content for references according to the study task
4.2 Check accuracy of references
4.3 Include references using the required referencing format

Element:

5 Review written text

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Check text meets requirements
5.2 Use proofreading and editing processes to review text
5.3 Review feedback and edit text accordingly
5.4 Submit final draft as required
 

Learning Outcomes


 

The outcomes described in this unit relate to:

• The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Reading and Writing. They contribute directly to the achievement of ISLPR Reading 2+
/ 3 and Writing 2+ / 3

and

• the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence for 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 several other units 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. This is a very important part of your program and we ask that you do 4-5 hours on your non attendance day and at least 1 hour each evening to cover all the units in the program. 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 in part covers the reading and writing  macro skills addressed in the certificate.

Examples of how you will practice and study the units:

READING
You are encouraged to read a wide range of texts relevant to the study context. You will:

  • read , analyse and review complex texts for research purposes
  • read extended personal and imaginative texts
  • read opinion texts
  • study items in the news every week and compare television and newspaper news.

WRITING
In a variety of writing activities, you will improve knowledge of grammar,  the structure of sentences and paragraphs and organizing writing You will:

  • research and write a report
  • develop a writing folio which includes a variety of written texts
  • reflect on issues in the news
  • learn about formal writing styles and referencing
  • learn to plan, draft and proof read work
  • construct formal text for study purposes

 

The revision of important grammatical structures will be incorporated into each activity.
 


Teaching Schedule

Program dates


Program dates:
13th July, 2015 – 20th November, 2015
Semester break
21st September – 2nd October, 2015
Public Holiday
Melbourne Cup Day 3rd November, 2015


 


Teaching schedule

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with VU21502(LANG5820) Analyse and produce straightforward texts relevant to further study and VU21504 (LANG5821)Use language learning strategies and Study skills.
The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course
 

 

Week VU21501 Read and write straightforward texts for research purposes

VU21501

Elements

VU21502

Elements

VU21504

Elements
1

 Looking at the structure of a text, grammar used and identifying main ideas

Writing a short text



 

  1 2   1
2

 Reading text to look at tenses used locate information.

Writing paragraphs by sequencing information and selecting topic sentence




 

 1

 

 

 1

2

 

 

3
3 Using conjunctions appropriately. Reading a report to look at paragraphs and topic sentences. Structuring a written report, Introductions and conclusions.
 

 3

 

 

 1

2

 

 2

3
4  Research a topic to evaluate resources. Taking notes. Using conditionals.           Adjective use

 1

2

 

 1

2

  3
5

 Excursion to visit Melbourne’s Historic buildings

Research selected topic

Drafting report

Discussing grammar terminology to edit work
         
                              

 

 1

2

 

3

 1

2

  1
6  Researching information and citing texts using Harvard system, in text referencing. Planning an outline of a report
Writing an Introduction
Tense forms

 1

2

 

4

 2

 

 2

3
7  Writing Paragraphs
Integrating Ideas
Summarising
 

 1

3

1

2 

 3 
8 Model report and look at use of articles. Organizing researched information into outline for report

 2

3

4

 

1

 2

3

 1

2
9

 Reading for information and analysing references. Planning and drafting report, self correction.

 

 1

3

4

5

 

2

3

  2
10  Mid semester Interviews
           
      

 

 

 

 

  
11 Assessment Task 9: Writing a report on Melbourne.

 1

2

3

4

5

 1

2

3

 

 1

2

3
12 Reading current affairs and writing a short opinion. Looking at reference sources on the same topic

 

 1

2

3

 1

2

  2
13

In text referencing and summarizing information. Locating errors in writing  Reported speech

Reading a news report
 

 3

4

5

 1

2

3

 1

2
14

 Reading news reports and using statistics and facts from research in writing.

 1

2

4

 

 1

 

 

 

3
15  Assessment Task 4: Read and Write about a current Issue
        
   
 

 1

2

3

4

5

 1

2

3

 1

2

3
16  Overview of grammatical structures taught. Review of vocabulary.

 

 

5

 

3

 1

 

3
17  Writing a formal report using structures and skills taught

 

 1

2

3

4

5

 1

2

3

 1

2

3


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

Teaching Schedule: This course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the program delivery plans which are updated each week.


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)
     


Overview of Assessment

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 may be assessed by:

  • Individual and group reports 
  • Online research 
  • Completion of research
  • essays

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 tasks:

Assessment task 4: Read and Write about a Current Issue: This task involves reading a number of newsarticles from different sources in class , researching one of the topics analysed and planning  and writing a report. The writing must show evidence of reviewing and editing work and sources of information have to be referenced.

Assessment task 9:  Report on Melbourne: This assessment task is a researched report on a building in Melbourne showing the stages of drafting, proof reading and editing of writing and correct referencing of references used.

 

 
Formative assessments: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work

Please note:
Assessments tasks may  include other courses (Units of competency) from the program.

All Assessment tasks should be submitted by the deadline. If an extension is required you must ask your teacher for one before the due date.


Assessment Matrix


Each assessment cover sheet clearly outlines the competencies being addressed in the task in relation to the required skills and knowledge. 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 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