Course Title: Conduct online research for further study

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

Course Code: GEDU6095

Course Title: Conduct online research for further study

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4386 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Course Contact: Jane Collins

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email: jane.collins@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 40

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.

Assumed knowledge: 

To successfully undertake this unit, minimum language, literacy and numeracy skills that align to level 3 of ACSF are recommended.

Course Description

 

This course will be delivered in a blended mode. This means that the delivery is both online and face to face. By studying online in this course you will develop your independent learning skills in preparation for tertiary study. You will develop research and analysis skills in a tertiary study context. This unit of competency is taught in conjunction with VU21865 Tertiary reading and Writing (GEDU6092).


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21868 Conduct online research for further study

Element:

1. Prepare for online research

Performance Criteria:

1.1

Access online web search tutorials to gather effective search techniques

1.2

Identify search engines and databasesrelevant to research needs in consultation with expert personnel

1.3

Determine method and process for collecting and recording information gathered with others if required

Element:

2. Research information

Performance Criteria:

2.1

Determine purpose and scope of the research according to requirements and clarify with others if required

2.2

Identify key words and phrases for the search according to appropriate techniques

2.3

Access a range of websites and databases using relevant search engines

Element:

3. Analyse information

Performance Criteria:

3.1

Critically examine material for relevance and suitability

3.2

Identify references from texts to follow up in further search

3.3

Gather, organise and manage information in a format suitable for analysis and interpretation


Learning Outcomes


 

On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competence of the above elements. The outcomes described in this unit relate to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) and Australian Qualities Framework (AQF).

http://www.acer.edu.au/cspa/australian-core-skills-framework

http://www.aqf.edu.au/aqf/in-detail/aqf-levels/ 

They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF/AQF indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 4.


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation program. 

This competency will help you develop skills in online research. You will develop the skills and knowledge required to gather, critically analyse, organise and present information from online research. 

You will:

Access online resources and complete online activities 

Identify search engines and databases relevant to research needs 

Critically examine material for relevance and suitability 

Gather, organise and manage information in a format suitable for analysis and interpretation 

  

   


Teaching Schedule

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is clustered with VU21865 Prepare for Tertiary Reading and Writing (GEDU6092) which is delivered face-to-face.   

The content of this course below is contextualised according to the stream: Science, Business or Legal.  

 The Engineering Stream has a separate Teaching Schedule.  

 

Course Dates:  

Semester 1: Monday 10 February – Friday 12 June 2020 

Mid-semester break: Thursday 9 April – Wednesday 15 April (inclusive) 

Public Holidays: 9 March 2020 (Labour Day); 8 June (Queens Birthday) 

 

 Business/Legal/Science Teaching Schedule 

Week 

VU21865 Prepare for tertiary reading and writing 

VU21868 Conduct online research 

VU21865 

VU21868 

  

Overview of Cluster 1: Prepare for Tertiary Reading and Writing/Conduct online research for further study 

Reading & Note-taking What are the strategies/techniques for efficient reading 

 

 RMIT Learning Lab tutorial 

 

Practice reading-scanning and comprehension using essay reading text 

 

Note taking styles 

 

E1 

E1 E2 E3 

Paragraph writing & Essay Planning 

TEEL structure and how to make paragraphs coherent by using linking words/phrases 

 

Analyse sample paragraphs – S/NYS 

 

Essay Plan 

Write thesis statement and draft body paragraph  

 

E1 

E1 E2 E3 

Paraphrasing 

What is paraphrasing? What are the steps for paraphrasing 

 

What are in text citations (references) and how do you include those in a paraphrase? 

 

Continue draft essay 

 

E1 E3 

E1 E2 

Paraphrasing practice 

Writing Introductions for an essay 

Essay Planning – record on Appendix 3 

Essay proofreading and editing 

 

E1 E3 

E 1 E2 

  Assessment Task 1: Short Essay 

Draft Essay (Part 4) - teacher feedback on draft essay 

 

Complete 2nd CRAAP table for second research text (Part 2 Appendix 2) 

 

Use editing checklist (Appendix 4) to proofread essay 

 

E1 E2 E3 E4 

  

E1 E2 E3 

Annotations & CRAAP evaluating resources  

Do topic focus/mind mapping for Annotated Bibliography topic 

Demonstrate database research on RMIT Library – Subject Guides 

 

What is an annotated bibliography? 

 

Annotated Bibliography structure  

 

Information Literacy: key concepts Micro Credential 

CRAAP evaluating resources activity 

  • Write practice annotation/s in class - teacher feedback in class 

 

E1 E3 E4 

  

E 1 E2 E3 

Annotations and Referencing 

Review RMIT Harvard referencing for journals and ebooks (texts found on databases)  

 

Complete Harvard referencing practice in pairs 

 

Write a practice annotation with Harvard reference 

 

Complete 1 x CRAAP and write 1 - 2 x draft annotation/s for your own text/s & receive teacher feedback 

 

E1 E2 E3 E4 

E 1 E2 E3 

Synthesising 

Practice synthesizing and in text citations 

 

Write practice  synthesis paragraph 

 

Academic Writing Style – RMIT Learning Lab 

 

Review reporting verbs 

 

Analyse sample annotations and full model Annotated Bibliographies 

 

E1 E2 E3 E4 

E 1 E2 E3 

9A 

Easter Break: Thu 9 April – Wed 15 April 

Report structure 

 

Use ‘Report Writing Process’ (RMIT Learning Lab) 

 

Complete quiz/pair activity 

 

View model academic reports 

 

Read through Assessment Task 3: Academic Report & check resources 

 

Teacher gives feedback on Draft Annotated Bibliography 

 

E 1 E2 E3 E4 

E1 E2 E3 

9B 

  • Report structure 

 

Use ‘Report Writing Process’ (RMIT Learning Lab) 

 

Complete quiz/pair activity 

 

View model academic reports 

 

Read through Assessment Task 3: Academic Report & check resources 

 

Teacher gives feedback on Draft Annotated Bibliography 

 

E 1 E2 E3 E4 

E1 E2 E3 

 

10 

 Assessment Task 3. Annotated Bibliography due week 10 

Report Writing 

 

Sections of a report  

 

Analyse sample Academic Reports 

 

Turn topic into a question 

 

Explain Structure & Language document 

  

Write draft Introduction/Thesis statement in class 

Assessment Task 3. Annotated Bibliography due week 10 

 

  E1 E3 

 

E1 E2 E3 

 

11 

Academic Report 

Continue to work on Assessment Task 3: Academic Report 

 

Topic focus and research 

 

Report structure and language activities 

 

Choose new relevant academic texts: use appropriate Reference Style & record in CRAAP table 

 

Review Reporting verbs 

 

Review features of report 

 

Write draft Findings in class and finish for Directed Study 

 

  E1 E 2 E3 E4 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

12 

  Interpreting Graphs 

Interpreting, describing trends and labelling graphs/diagrams 

 

Continue drafting Academic Report 

 

Review features/structure of Discussion section of report 

Start draft Discussion in class 

 

 

  E1 E 2 E3 E4 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

13 

Academic Report 

Analyse sample Academic Reports – S or NYS 

Discussion section 

 

Paraphrasing/Synthesizing 

 

E1 E 2 E3 E4 

  

E1 E 2 E3 

14 

Editing & proof reading  

Review integrating references and using reporting verbs – complete practice activities/samples 

Finalise full draft report 

Assessment Task 3 - Draft Academic Report due week 14 

 

  E1 E 2 E3 E4 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

15 

Assessment Task 3 - Academic report due week 15

  Redrafting Academic Report 

Editing and proofreading of Academic Report – use rubric to guide with proofreading and editing  report.  

Review integrate in text citations using suitable reporting verbs. 

Teacher available to give individual support with editing reports. 

 

  E1 E 2 E3 E4 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

16 

Academic Report  

Support with Academic Report re-submission (if applicable) 

 

 

  E1 E 2 E3 E4 

 

  E1 E 2 E3 

 

17 

Finalise assessments assessment and results; assessment re-sits 

 

 

 

 

   

Engineering Teaching Schedule 

 

Week 

VU21865 Prepare for tertiary reading and writing 

VU21868 Conduct online research 

VU21865 

VU21868 

  

Overview of Cluster 1: Prepare for Tertiary Reading and Writing/Conduct online research for further study 

Reading & Note-taking 

 

E1 

E1 E2 E3 

Paragraph writing & Essay Planning 

  • TEEL structure and how to make paragraphs coherent by using linking words/phrases 

  • Analyse sample paragraphs – S/NYS 

  • Essay Plan 

Write thesis statement and draft body paragraph  

 

E1 

E1 E2 E3 

Paragraph/Paraphrasing 

Paragraph structure cont. 

 

What is paraphrasing? What are the steps for paraphrasing? 

 

What are in text citations (references) and how do you include those in a paraphrase? 

 

Continue draft essay 

 

E1 E3 

E1 E2 

Paraphrasing practice 

Writing Introductions for an essay 

Essay Planning – record on Appendix 3 

Essay proofreading and editing 

 

E1 E3 

E 1 E2 

  Assessment Task 1: Short Essay 

  • Draft Essay (Part 4) - teacher feedback on draft essay 

  • Complete 2nd CRAAP table for second research text (Part 2 Appendix 2) 

  • Use editing checklist (Appendix 4) to proofread essay 

 

E1 E2 E3 E4 

  

E1 E2 E3 

Report structure 

 

  • Report structure 

  • Use ‘Report Writing Process’ (RMIT Learning Lab) 

  • Complete quiz/pair activity 

  • View model academic reports 

  • Read through Assessment Task 2: Academic Report & check resources 

Topics selected: Brainstorm 

 

E 1 E2 E3 E4 

 

E1 E2 E3 

 

Report structure 

Report Writing 

·         Sections of a report  

·         Analyse sample Academic Reports 

·         Turn topic into a question 

·         Explain Structure & Language document 

Write draft Thesis statement in class 

 

E 1 E2 E3 E4 

 

E1 E2 E3 

Continue to work on Assessment Task 2: Academic Report 

·         Topic focus and research 

·         Report structure and language activities 

·         Choose new relevant academic texts: use appropriate Reference Style & record in CRAAP table 

·         Review Reporting verbs 

·         Review features of report 

 

  E1 E3

 

E1 E2 E3 

 

9A 

Easter Break: Thu 9 April – Wed 15 April 

Findings 

Interpreting Graphs 

Interpreting, describing trends and labelling graphs/diagrams 

·         Continue drafting Academic Report 

·         Review features/structure of  Discussion section of report 

Write draft Findings in class 

 

 

E1 E 2 E3 E4 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

9B 

Findings 

Interpreting Graphs 

Interpreting, describing trends and labelling graphs/diagrams 

·         Continue drafting Academic Report 

·         Review features/structure of  Discussion section of report 

Write draft Findings in class 

 

E1 E 2 E3 E4 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

10 

   Discussion Section 

Synthesising 

Start draft Discussion in class 

    Practice synthesizing and in text citations 

·         Academic Writing Style – RMIT Learning Lab 

·         Review reporting verbs 

 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

E4 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

11 

Editing and Proofreading 

   Review integrating references and using reporting verbs – complete practice activities/samples 

·         Finalise full draft report 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

E4 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

12 

Assessment Task 2; Academic Report due  

Redrafting Academic Report 

  • Editing and proofreading of Academic Report – use rubric to guide with proofreading and editing  report.  

  • Review integrate in text citations using suitable reporting verbs. 

Teacher feedback on draft reports 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

E4 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

13 

Annotations, Mind-mapping & Keyword searches 

·      What is an annotated bibliography? 

·         Annotated Bibliography structure  

Topic focus of Annotated Bibliography comes from Group Tutorial topics in Cluster 2. 

CRAAP evaluating resources activity 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

E4 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

14 

Annotations, Mind-mapping & Keyword searches 

·      What is an annotated bibliography? 

·         Annotated Bibliography structure  

Topic focus of Annotated Bibliography comes from Group Tutorial topics in Cluster 2. 

CRAAP evaluating resources activity 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

E4 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

15 

   Annotation and Synthesis 

 

  • Practice synthesising and in text citations 

  • Write practice  synthesis paragraph 

1 - 2 x draft annotation/s for your own text/s & receive teacher feedback 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

E4 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

16 

Assessment task 3: Annotated Bibliography due 

Editing and proofreading of Annotated Bibliography – use rubric to guide with proofreading and editing report 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

E4 

 

E1 E 2 E3 

 

17 

Finalise assessments assessment and results; assessment re-sits 

 

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

This competency will have blended delivery: online using Canvas and face to face.  At the induction session in the first week of your program you will be given guidelines on using Canvas. 

Additional information about using Canvas is available in the Induction Booklet. For information technology needs and online learning tools see: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=hi8nszlw2pr  

TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT 
There are no set texts for this course however it is recommended that you have:

Laptop computer 

Headphones 

USB (Memory stick) 

binder book/writing paper

stationery


Overview of Assessment

 

This competency is part of an 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. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Assessment tasks will require you to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through practical projects and/or written tasks.

Feedback:

Both verbal and written feedback will be provided throughout the semester, as well as individual and group feedback on practical exercises.

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 competent (CA)/not yet competent (NYC) basis. 

You will be given written feedback on all assessment tasks. There will be individual and group projects completed. 
Assessment is ongoing and its purpose is to develop your skills. You will be given the opportunity of checkpoints throughout the course to develop your ability to identify and correct your own mistakes which 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 and deadlines will also be clearly explained. 

  

All assessment must be submitted through Canvas. 

Summative Assessments: Business/Legal/Science 

Assessment Task 1: Short Essay (Science, Business and Legal) (due Week 5) 

Read an academic texts and write a cohesive short essay following planning and essay structure.    

Assessment Task 2: Annotated Bibliography  (draft due Week 8 and final due Week 10) 

Research, read and critically analyse academic texts and complete an annotated bibliography or your business documents.  

Assessment Task 3: Academic Report (draft due Week 14 and final due Week 15) 

Research, read and critically analyse a topic and write a cohesive report. 

 

Summative Assessments: Engineering 

Assessment Task 1: Short Essay (Science, Engineering, Business and Legal) (due Week 5) 

Read an academic texts and write a cohesive short essay following planning and essay structure.    

Assessment Task 2: Academic Report (draft due Week 10 and final due Week 12) 

Research, read and critically analyse a topic and write a cohesive report. 

Assessment Task 3: Annotated Bibliography  (draft due Week 15 and final due Week 16) 

Research, read and critically analyse academic texts and complete an annotated bibliography or your business documents.  

 
All assessment tasks including electronically recorded student work will be kept by the University for student feedback and to meet government requirements. 

  


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 be deemed Competent in this cluster of units, you need to satisfactorily complete all of the assessment tasks.

You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or program coordinator. An assessment delivery plan will be available on Canvas. 

Other Information

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 may also be asked to attend mid-semester and end of semester interviews with relevant teachers and Program Coordinator. 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