Course Title: Read and write straight forward texts for research purposes

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2012

Course Code: LANG5623

Course Title: Read and write straight forward texts for research purposes

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3233 - Certificate III in ESL (Further Study)

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email:baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Angela Borrelli angela.borrelli@rmit.edu.au

karen Gao karen.gao@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 backgrounds other than English for research purposes. The focus of this unit is on developing reading, notetaking and research writing skills in English to produce straightforward research based
texts relevant to study needs.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VPAU525 Read and write straight forward texts for research purposes

Element:

1.  Read information from texts for a range of research purposes

 

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish reasons or purpose for reading a text
1.2 Locate and access relevant online and paper based texts
1.3 Scan text and select information relevant to research purpose
1.4 Use reading strategies to identify main ideas, some details
and opinions in the relevant sections of the texts
1.5 Assess the usefulness of the text for the research purpose

Element:

2. Record specific information from texts for a study task

Performance Criteria:

2.1Review the study task and identify the information required to
complete the task for a study task
2.2 Source appropriate texts and evaluate relevance of each for
the study task
2.3 Read and review what has been read
2.4 Use a range of commonly recognised methods to record
relevant information clearly
2.5 Organise the information gained from reading to fit the
research purpose
2.6 Review notes for accuracy and clarity

Element:

3. Write a text based on research

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Determine the audience an Write a text based on d purpose for the written text research
3.2 Establish any formal requirements for the text
3.3 Locate, select and record research information
3.4 Develop an outline plan for the text using researched material
3.5 Sequence key points and supporting information into required format using sequenced paragraphs

Element:

4. Reference resources used in research based text

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Confirm the required format and content for references according to the study task
4.2 Produce a list of references using the required referencing format
4.3 Check accuracy of references

Element:

5. Undertake a review of written texts

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Use proofreading and editing processes to review text
written texts
5.2 Review text for clarity of content, expression, structure and
sequence of ideas
5.3 Check text meets requirements
5.4 Seek feedback on the text from a support person
5.5 Review feedback and edit text accordingly
5.6 Submit final draft as required


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
  • 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 ESL (Further Study) 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:
 

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 sentence structure and learn how to use different writing styles. This will include formal letters, course applications, essays, and short reports. You will:
• do a research project
• write formal letters
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• develop a writing folio which includes extended written texts
• learn to locate and record references used
• reflect on issues and your own learning
• learn about research 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.


Teaching Schedule


Program Dates: Mon 16 July – Fri 30 November 2012

Term Break: Mon 24 September – Sun 7 October 2012

Public holidays: Tue 6 November (Melbourne Cup Day)

Teaching Schedule: This course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the program delivery plans which are updated each week.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

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

  • Individual & group reports
  • Online research
  • Completion of research grids
  • 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 coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more. An assessment charter (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/kh6a3ly2wi2h1.pdf)  summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.

Your courses assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ln1kd66y87rc


Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks:

Summative assessments:

write a report based on a survey

reading comprehension

writing reviews and summaries and reflective texts

 


.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

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