Course Title: Apply essential further study skills
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2016
Course Code: GEDU5990
Course Title: Apply essential further study skills
School: 360T Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4344 - Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study)
Course Contact: Baia Tsakouridou, Bloss Robertson
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488
Course Contact Email: baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au, bloss.robertson@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Angela Borrelli 51.2 email: angela.borrelli@rmit.edu.au
Jane Collins 51.2 email: jane.collins@rmit.edu.au
Beverley Carlton 51.2 email: beverley.carlton@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 90
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
In this unit of competency you will be introduced to skills and knowledge required to prepare to enter tertiary study . The competency will cover basic skills in research and the analysis of tasks in a tertiary study context.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU20746 Apply essential further study skills |
Element: |
1 Use a range of learning strategies |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 A range of popular views about learning are compared |
Element: |
2 Use a range of library and online sources to access information |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 The main services of a library are described |
Element: |
3 Use effective reading strategies for complex texts |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 A range of academic reading strategies are described and applied |
Element: |
4 Use academic writing skills to produce complex texts |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Main features of different academic texts are identified |
Element: |
5 Participate effectively in collaborative learning |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 The key features of collaborative learning are identified |
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 3/3+ and Writing 3/3+
and
the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 4
Details of Learning Activities
This unit is part of Certificate IV 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. An outline of your Directed Study is published each week in the Weekly Program Delivery Plan.
The competency will cover basic skills in learning strategies, analysis, critical thinking, research and academic writing for tertiary study.
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.
You will be taught research and analytical skills over a wide range of texts relevant to the study context.
You will:
• read, analyse and review complex texts for appropriateness in a further study context.
In a variety of writing activities, you will improve your academic skills and learn how to use different writing styles theat are appropriate for your study context.This will include essays, research reports, lab reports, proposals, critques. You will:
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• learn to locate and record references used
• learn about research, essay and report writing
• learn to plan, draft and proofread your work.
• construct formatted texts for study purposes
• become familiar with academic discourse
The revision of important grammatical structures will be incorporated into each activity.
Verbal communication skills necessary for Collaborative learning will be explored
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 Apri
This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with VPAU21511(LANG5801) Read and write complex texts for research purposes and VU21512 (LANG5797) Read and Write Complex Texts for Further Study. It is Cluster 1 - Analyse, Read and Write Complex Texts, Essential Further Study Skills.
| Week |
VU20746 Apply further study skills GEDU5990 |
VU20746 Elements |
VU21511 Elements |
VU21512 Elements |
| 1
|
Orientation/Administration: Skills Survey, my RMIT, Blackboard Learning lab - study Diagnostic Tasks Group work Writing Focus: Topic Sentences and structure Reading Tutorial |
1 5 |
2 |
1 2 |
| 2 |
Compulsory Excursion: Immigration Museum Preparation for essay: read & take notes from a range of texts Model essay- deconstructed Writing Focus: Paragraphs Unity and Coherence Learning Strategies and Contexts Research Reading Tutorial |
1 2 5 |
1 2 3 |
1 2 |
| 3
|
Learning Strategies and Contexts
Writing focus: Paraphrasing In text referencing Reference list Research Collaborative learning Assessment Task: Group Summary Group work Reading Tutorial |
1 5 |
1 2 3 |
1 2 3 |
| 4
|
Writing focus:
Harvard Referencing Reading Tutorial Expository Essay plan |
3 4 5 |
1
2 3 |
1 2 3 |
| 5
|
Assessment Task 3: Expository Essay Draft written in class Grammar Focus: Complex Sentences Reading Tutorial |
3
4 5 |
1 2 3
|
1 2 |
| 6
|
Reading and Writing Focus: Direct Quotes and In-text referencing
Reading Tutorial |
3
4 5 |
1 2 3
|
1 2 3 |
| 7
|
Assessment Task 3: Expository Essay due
Argumentative essay skills Essay structure Block/poin by point Model essay deconstructed Reading Tutorial Research Single sex schools Assessment task 3 |
3
4 5 |
1 2 3
5 |
3 4 |
| 8
|
Test for research & critical reading and writing skills
Argumentaive essay assessment introduced Argumentative essay structure:
Expositon Essay Submitted through Turnitin |
3
4 5 |
1
5 |
1 2 3 4 |
|
9
|
Assessment Task 7: Argumentative essay draft submitted through Turnitin
Compare Essays vs Reports: Collaborative learning Group work Content, language , structure Research Report topic focus Reading Tutorial |
1 | 1
|
1 2 3 4 |
|
10
|
Argumentative essay draft submitted through Turnitin
Compare Essays vs Reports: Collaborative learning Group work Content, language , structure Research Report topic focus Reading Tutorial |
5 | 5 | 1
3
|
11 |
*Find relevant journal & newspaper articles using databases
Find books or ebooks using the RMIT Library catalogue Record reference details Record information on summary sheets Read and Writing Focus Model Report Structure Synthesis Reading Tutorial |
5 | 5 |
1 2 3 4 |
|
12
|
Reading and Writing Focus: Paraphrasing
Introduction Research Skills Reading Tutorial Assessment Task 7: Argumentative Essay submitted through Turnitin |
5 |
1 2 |
1 2 3 |
13 |
Do research for report assessment task:
Findings Interpreting non verbal data, graphs statistics Discussion |
2 5 |
1 2 4 |
1 2 |
14 |
Reading and Writing Focus:
Abstract Undertake a review and edit research report |
2 5 |
1 2 3 4 5 |
2 5 |
15 |
Assessment Task 11: Research Report draft due
submit through Turnitin |
2 5 |
3 4 5 |
3 4 |
16 |
Assessment Task 11: Research Report due: edit & proofread & submit report through Turnit-in | 5 |
3 4 5 |
3 4 |
| 17 | Review of academic reading and writing skills |
1 3 |
2 |
1 2 3 4 |
**The teaching schedule may be subject to change. Students will be advised via Blackboard and in class should changes occur.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
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
This course is 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 notetaking, summaries,essays and research reports and groupwork.
Feedback:
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester, in both oral and written form, 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
Summative assessments:
Assessment task 1: Group Summary Week 3
You will be placed in group. Each group will write a summary on the excursion to the the Immigration Museum.
Assessment task 3: Exposition Essay Draft Week 5
Final Draft Week 7
You will research, plan and draft an expository essay. The draft will be written in class.The final draft will be submitted via Turnitin
Assessment task 7: Argumentative Essay Draft Week 10
Final draft Week 12
You will research, plan, draft an argumentative essay. The final draft will be done in class and submitted.
Draft Week 10
Final Assessment Task Week 12
Assessment task 11: Research Report
This task takes place over several weeks and involves researching a current issue. It involves group research using academic texts and writing an individual report identifying the genre, the key facts and discussing the research. The group research involves group meetings and minute taking and academic research using a variety of text types and summarising.
Draft Week 15
Final draft Week 16
Formative assessments: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work
Formative assessments: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work
Please note:
Assessments tasks will 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 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