Course Title: Use language learning strategies and study skills

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2017

Course Code: LANG5820

Course Title: Use language learning strategies and study skills

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 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: 45

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 course is delivered as part of a full time integrated program.

This unit of competency describes language analysis skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language backgrounds other than English. In this unit you will focus on language analysis and application of these skills to the completion of study tasks.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21504 Use language learning strategies and study skills

Element:

1 Discuss key language terminology related to language learning

Performance Criteria:

1.1 List key grammatical terms used to describe language structure and use
1.2 Locate examples of language items in oral, aural and written texts
1.3 Ask and respond to questions about aspects of language structure
1.4 Identify grammatical errors and discuss alternatives

Element:

2 Use language reference texts for study purposes

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Locate relevant language reference texts
2.2 Determine type of information required
2.3 Locate relevant sections of the text
2.4 Identify key grammatical terms and abbreviations used
2.5 Apply information as appropriate to edit and refine language use in a range of written and spoken texts

Element:

3 Read and analyse study texts
 

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Locate language items in a range of study texts
3.2 Identify language items used to qualify requirements
3.3 Assess the significance of the requirements for task completion
3.4 Follow instructions to complete study tasks


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 Reading 2+ / 3 and Writing 2+ / 3 and
the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 3.
 


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate III in EAL (Further Study). This means that you will study this unit with two other units on the same day; VU21501 (LANG5819) Read and write straightforward texts for research purposes & VU21502 (LANG5821) Analyse and produce straightforward texts relevant to further study.  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. 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 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 opinion texts
  • study items in the news 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 organisation of writing. You will:

  • research and write an essay
  • keep 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:

17 July - 24 November 2017

Public Holidays:

Melbourne Cup day Holiday Tuesday 7 November 2017 

Mid-Semester Break:

Monday 25 September 2017- Friday 6 October 2017

 

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. It is taught with VU21501(LANG5819) Read and Write Complex Texts for Research Purposes and VU21502 (LANG5821) Analyse and Produce Straightforward Texts Relevant for Further Study. This is Cluster 2- Read, Write Straightforward Texts for Research Purposes.
  

Week VU21504 Use language learning strategies and study skills

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

Paragraph structure

Grammar terminology & resources  

 1  1
2

Reading skills: skimming & scanning. Main ideas, some details and opinions

Reading text to look at tenses used

Locate information

Summarising

Writing paragraph by sequencing information and selecting topic sentence

Grammar terminology & resources

1

2

3

4

 1

2

 

 

3

3

Reading & writing paragraphs and topic sentences

Plagiarism and paraphrase activity

Introduce Harvard reference practice

Introduce essay structure

Grammar terminology & resources

 3

 4

 

 1

2

 

 2

3

4

Research skills & taking notes

Plagiarism and paraphrase activity

Harvard reference practice

Grammar terminology & resources

Summarising

In class writing composition

 1

2

 4

 1

2

 3
5

Handout and deconstruct Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay

Assessment Task 2: In Class essay Part 1 Practice reading

Research selected topic. Analysis of essay topic and review how to research appropriate texts using key words 

         
Researching information and citing texts using Harvard system. In text referencing    

Plagiarism and paraphrase activity    

Harvard reference practice                 

Discussing grammar terminology 

Library orientation and key word searches to support Assessment 2.

Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay (Part 1)

1

2

 

3

4

 1

2

 1
6

Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay (Parts 2A & 2B)

Analysing features of an essay

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 (Parts 3A, 3B & 4) 

Draft written in class

Student edits essay in class 

Harvard referencing

Required grammar for editing work

Model Turnitin

1

3

4

5

1

2

8

Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay (Part 4 cont) & submit via Turnitin

Mid semester Interviews

 

 

 

 3

 

 

 1

2

 

9

Reading for information and evaluation of sources

Workshop Turnitin results

Required grammar

 1

2

4

5

 

2

3

 

3

10

Reading skills. Understanding text types

Reading for fact and opinion

Evaluation of various Current Issue texts

            
      

1

2

 

 1

 

 3
11

In class practice essay 

Reading skills: Fact and opinion

Required grammar 

Paraphrasing practice

Harvard referencing practice

1

2

3

4

5

 

 1

2

3

 

 1

2

3

12

Reading Current Issues 

In class practice reading comprehension for Assessment task 9: Read and Write About A Current Issue (Part 1) 

Handout and deconstruct Assessment Task 9:Read & Write About a Current Issue
 

Research skills & taking notes

In class reading assessment Task 9 Part 1

Paraphrasing practice

Harvard reference practice
 

1

2

3

4

 1

2

3

4

1

 2

3

13

Assessment Task 9:Read & Write About a Current Issue (Part 2A & 2B) 
 

Model reference and note taking for research texts

In text referencing and summarising information

Locating grammar errors in writing
 

1

2

3

4

 

 1

2

3

 1

2

3

14

Assessment Task 9:Read & Write About a Current Issue (Part 3A & 3B)

Harvard referencing practice

Required grammar

1

3

2

4

 

 1

 2

1

2

3

15

Assessment Task 9:Read & Write About a Current Issue editing (Part 4 redraft)       

Modelling Turnitin 

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

 1

2

3

16

Assessment Task 9:Read & Write About a Current Issue (Part 4) Final submission of essay via Turnitin

Review and evaluation of cluster/course

Review & Evaluation of Skills covered during semester 

 

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.

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)

Laptop computer

 


 


Overview of Assessment

This course is delivered as part of a full time integrated 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 may be assessed by: paragraph writing, reports, oral presentations, narrative or descriptive essay, book reviews.

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 satisfactory (SA)/not yet satisfactory (NYS) 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.

Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay (Week 8)

This assessment task is an advantages/disadvantages essay showing stages of drafting, proof reading and editing of writing and correct referencing of sources used. Draft version is written in class and redraft will be submitted via Turnitin

Assessment Task 9: Read and Write About a Current Issue (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

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 by achieving satisfactory (SA) 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 the 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