Course Title: Read and write straightforward texts for research purposes
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2016
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
Caroline McEnroe 51.02.02 caroline.mcenroe@rmit.edu.au
Tim Morris 51.02.02 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 |
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 |
Element: |
3 Write a straightforward text based on research |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Determine the audience and purpose for the text based on research |
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 |
Element: |
5 Review written text |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Check text meets requirements |
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 two 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. 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 an essay
- 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
Course dates:
8th February- 10th June, 2016
Labour Day holiday: Monday 14 March
Easter Break: Friday 25 March – Sunday 3 April
Anzac Day holiday: Monday 25 April
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. This is Cluster 2 - Read, Research and Write for Research Purposes.
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 |
Reading skills: skimming & scanning. Looking at the structure of a text, grammar used and identifying main ideas Writing a short text |
1 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 |
Reading skills: skimming & scanning. Main ideas, some details and opinions. Reading text to look at tenses used locate information. Writing paragraph by sequencing information and selecting topic sentence Harvard referencing. |
1 2 3 4 |
1 2
|
3 |
| 3 |
Reading & writing paragraphs and topic sentences. Plagiarism and paraphrase activity. Harvard reference practice Grammar terminology & resources. |
3 4
|
1 2
|
2 3 |
| 4 |
Research skills & taking notes. Plagiarism and paraphrase activity Harvard reference practice Grammar terminology. In class writing composition. |
1 2 4 |
1 2 |
3 |
| 5 |
Handout Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay. Excursion to visit Melbourne Historic buildings. Research selected topic. Plagiarism and paraphrase activity. Harvard reference practice Discussing grammar terminology. |
1 2
3 4 |
1 2 |
1 |
| 6 | Researching information and citing texts using Harvard system, in text referencing. Planning an outline |
1 2
4 |
2
|
2 3 |
| 7 |
Assessment Task 2: In Class essay. Draft written in class. Student edits & submits final version in following class Harvard referencing Required grammar for editing work. |
1 3 4 5 |
1 2 |
2 3 |
| 8 | Mid semester Interviews |
|
|
|
| 9 |
Reading for information and analysing sources Use Assessment Task 2 to model Turnitin.
|
1 2 4 5 |
2 3 |
3 |
| 10 |
Reading skills practice for Assessment Task 8:Read & Write About a Current Issue. Identify main ideas, some details and opinions. |
1 2
|
1
|
3 |
| 11 |
Reading skills practice for Assessment Task 8:Read & Write About a Current Issue. Required grammar Paraphrasing practice Harvard referencing practice. |
1 2 3 4 5
|
1 2 3
|
1 2 3 |
| 12 |
Reading current affairs. Handout Assessment Task 8:Read & Write About a Current Issue. Research skills & taking notes. In class reading assessment. Task 8 Part 1. Paraphrasing practice. Harvard reference practice. |
1 2 3 4 |
1 2 3 4 |
1 2 3 |
| 13 |
Assessment Task 8:Read & Write About a Current Issue. Writing an outline and plan In text referencing and summarizing information. Locating grammar errors in writing |
1 2 3 4
|
1 2 3 |
1 2 3 |
| 14 |
Assessment Task 8:Read & Write About a Current Issue. Harvard referencing practice. Planning current issue written text. Required grammar |
1 3 2 4
|
1 2 |
1 2 3 |
| 15 |
Assessment Task 8:Read & Write About a Current Issue. Full draft due for teacher feedback and class editing workshop |
1 2 3 4 5 |
1 2 3 |
1 2 3 |
| 16 |
Assessment Task 8:Read & Write About a Current Issue. Overview of grammatical structures taught. Review of vocabulary. |
1 2 3 4 5 |
1 2 3 |
1 2 3 |
| 17 | Reflective writing addressing skills covered during program. |
1 2 3 4
|
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 2: In Class Essay submitted Week 7
Melbourne: This assessment task is a researched text on a building in Melbourne showing the stages of drafting, proof reading and editing of writing and correct referencing of references used. This will be written in class.
Assessment Task 8: Read and Write About a Current Issue submitted Week 16
This task involves reading a number of news articles from different sources in class , researching one of the topics analysed and planning and writing an extended text. The writing must show evidence of reviewing and editing work and sources of information have to be referenced. This task will be submitted via Turnitin.
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