Course Title: Engage in casual conversation and straightforward spoken transactions

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: LANG5595

Course Title: Engage in casual conversation and straightforward spoken transactions

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3231 - Certificate III in ESL (Access)

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou & 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

Angela Borrelli  94.3.16   email: angela.borrelli@rmit.edu.au
Karen Gao         94.3.16   email: karen.gao@rmit.edu.au
Tim Morris         94.3.16   email: 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 speaking and listening performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language backgrounds other than English. The focus of this unit is on listening and speaking skills in English to participate effectively in casual conversations and discussions on a range of topics, and to engage in straightforward transactions.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VPAU502 Engage in casual conversation and straightforward spoken transactions

Element:

1. Interpret a casual conversation on everyday topics.
2. Participate in casual conversation.
3. Interpret a range of straightforward transactions.
4. Participate in a range of transactions.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify context/situation and relationship between speakers.
1.2 Outline main topics, and opinions or attitudes expressed.
1.3 Locate supporting details and implied meanings, where apparent.
1.4 Identify emotional state/attitude of speakers where apparent.
1.5 Identify some conversational strategies used
1.6 Identify requests to clarify misunderstandings and ambiguous points

2.1 Initiate conversation using appropriate expressions and conventions
2.2 Contribute comments, opinions or information on a range of topics.
2.3 Give detailed responses
2.4 Use a range of conversational strategies
2.5 Clarify misunderstandings and ambiguous points where necessary.
2.6 Close converstaion using customary steps.

3.1 State the context of the straightforward transaction and speaker’s purpose/intent
3.2 Identify the main idea, details, and any implied meaning.
3.3 Identify suggestions or solutions offered.
3.4 Express an opinion on the situation.

4.1 Initiate transaction and make request or state problem clearly.
4.2 Give detailed explanation.
4.3 State desired outcome.
4.4 Respond to suggestions or solutions offered.
4.5 Clarify outcome/result or follow up action where necessary.


Learning Outcomes


This unit applies to participants using speaking and listening skills in English in a range of informal and formal situations. The situations in which these skills are applied are varied, and can be related to contexts such as social and community life, everyday commerce and recreation, workplaces, and vocational or study-related fields.

The outcome 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 ISLPR Speaking 2+ and Listening 2+
             and
  • the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). http://www.deewr.gov.au/SKILLS/PROGRAMS/LITANDNUM/ACSF/Pages/default.aspx. They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence in Oral Communication at Level 3.


Details of Learning Activities

  This unit is part of Certificate III in ESL (Access) which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with several 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 and we ask that you do 4-5 hours on your non attendance day and at least 1 hour each evening to cover all the units in the program. An outline of your Directed Study is published each week in the Weekly Program Delivery Plan.
This unit in part covers the speaking and listening macro skills addressed in the certificate.
Examples of how you will practice and study the units

LISTENING
You will:
• listen to videos and audio tapes as well as films
• take part in conversations
• listen to talks and lectures
• visit places of interest and listen to guides
• take part in Australian cinema studies

SPEAKING
You will:
• work in pairs and in small groups
• give complex reports on researched topic
• make up role plays to practice conversation appropriate to further study context
• give a formal oral presentation
• take part in formal and informal discussions
• evaluate your own work


Teaching Schedule

Program Dates: Mon 6 February – Fri 15 June 2012
Term Break:        Mon 9 April – Fri 13 April 2012
Public holidays:  Mon 12 March (Labour Day), Fri 6 April (Good Friday)Wed 25 April (ANZAC DAY) Mon 11 June 2012 (Queen’s Birthday)

Teachig Schedule: This course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the program 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
• Program Guide & Student Diary
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Explore RMIT ( an orientation to the university and its services)
• Orientation to RMIT Libraries (library tour & on line catalogue introduction)
• RMIT Online Systems Information Session

Library Orientation & an RMIT Online Systems Information Session will be scheduled during the first two weeks of your program. Information about student services, rights and responsibilities is contained in your student diary.


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 achievements of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. You may be assessed by:

  • listening tasks,
  • role play,
  • presentations.

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 coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
An assessment charter (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/kh6a31y2wi2hl.pdf) summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your courses assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, polices and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=1n1kd66y87rc


Assessment Tasks

ASSESSMENT (THAT COVER THIS COURSE ONLY)
Assessment will take place throughout the course. Your work is assessed on a competent (CA)/not yet competent (NYC) 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 tasks:

Summative assessments:
 • Excursion, class & group discussion
• Film Review
• Film Project
• Research Report

Formative assessments:
ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work

Please note:
Assessments tasks will 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 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. You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or student co-ordinator. An assessment matrix will be available on myRMIT.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview