Course Title: Analyse and produce straightforward texts relevant to further study

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2016

Course Code: LANG5821

Course Title: Analyse and produce straightforward texts relevant to further study

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: 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 background other than English for further study purposes. In this unit you will focus on developing reading and writing skills in English for a range of straightforward formal text types related to a range of study needs such as essay writing, case studies and short answers required in exams. It also includes the reading and writing skills needed to function effectively in the further study environment.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21502 Analyse and produce straightforward texts relevant to further study

Element:

1 Examine a range of model texts relevant to study
 

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Determine the range of model texts relevant to further study and locate samples
1.2 Analyse the purpose and audience requirements of each text
1.3 Identify the role of the writer in each text
1.4 Analyse the structure and discourse features of the text
1.5 Identify specific layout and formatting features

Element:

2 Compose a range of straightforward texts for study related purposes

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Determine the audience, purpose and topic for the written text
2.2 Confirm any formal requirements for the text
2.3 Gather required information and design an outline plan for the text
2.4 Compose draft text

Element:

3 Undertake a review of constructed texts

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Check text meets requirements of audience and purpose
3.2 Review and edit key grammatical and spelling and punctuation features
3.3 Determine clarity of information and vocabulary
3.4 Redraft text and submit final draft as required
3.5 List improvements and strategies to assist future writing


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). 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. 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 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 your knowledge of grammar, sentence structure and learn how to use different writing styles. You will:
• research and write a report
• develop a writing folio which includes a variety of written texts 
• reflect on issues in the news
• develop a writing folio which includes extended written texts
• learn to locate and record references used
• learn about research and report writing
• 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:

11 July-11 November 2016

Public Holidays:

AFL Grand Final Holiday Friday 30 September 2016

Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 1 November 2016

Mid-Semester Break:

19 September-30 September 2016

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with VU21501(LANG5819) Read and Write Straightforward Texts for Research and VU21504 (LANG5820) Use Language Learning Strategies and Study Skills.This is Cluster 2- Read and Write Straightforward Texts for Research Purposes.
The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course


Teaching schedule

 

Week VU21502 Analyse and produce straightforward texts relevant to further study

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  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 and deconstruct Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay

Excursion to visit Melbourne Historic buildings

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 Task 2: In Class essay (Part 1)

1

2

 

3

4

 1

2

 1
6

Assessment Task 2: In Class essay (Parts 1 & 2)

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 3 & 4)

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

8

Mid semester Interviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

Reading for information and evaluation of sources 

Use Assessment Task 2 to model Turnitin

Workshop Turnitin results

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 &: Read and Write About A Current Issue (Part 1) 

 

Handout and deconstruct 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 (Part 2) 
 

Model reference and note taking for research texts

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 (Part 3)

Harvard referencing practice

 Required grammar

1

3

2

4

 

 1

 2

1

2

3

15

Assessment Task 8:Read & Write About a Current Issue (Parts 4 & 5)
 

Full draft due for teacher feedback and class editing workshop
        

In class draft submission

Modelling Turnitin 

1

2

3

4

5

 1

2

3

 1

2

3

16

Assessment Task 8:Read & Write About a Current Issue
Final essay submission due via Turnitin

Review and evaluation of cluster/course

Skills covered during cluster 

 

 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:

• Dictionary/thesaurus
• Display folder with plastic sleeves
• Highlighter pens
• Notebook or loose leaf paper in folder
• Headphones 
• Laptop computer


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 completion of

an assessment folio which includes:

  • short answers
  • summaries of texts
  • informative texts  

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 (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 (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.
 


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 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