Course Title: Use language learning strategies and study skills

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: LANG5626

Course Title: Use language learning strategies and study skills

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.goa@rmit.edu.au

Jane Saunders jane.saunders@rmit.edu.au

Marcelle Damicoucas marcelle.damicoucas@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 50

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 course is delivered as part of a full time integrated program.

This unit of competency describes language analysis skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language backgrounds other than English. The focus of this unit is on language analysis and application of these skills to the completion of study tasks.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VPAU528 Use language learning strategies and study skills

Element:

1.  Use key language terminology in discussions related to language learning

Performance Criteria:

1.1 List key grammatical terms used to describe language structure and use
1.2 Locate examples of language items in oral, aural and written texts
1.3 Follow instructions relating to grammatical structure and forms to complete study tasks
1.4 Ask and respond to questions about aspects of language structure
1.5 Identify grammatical errors and discuss alternatives

Element:

2.  Use language reference texts for study purposes

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Locate relevant language reference texts
2.2 Determine type of information required
2.3 Locate relevant sections of the text
2.4 Identify key grammatical terms and abbreviations used
2.5 Apply information as appropriate

Element:

3.  Read and analyse instructional and / or advisory study texts

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Locate instructional and/or advisory language items in a range of texts
3.2 Identify the requirements of the instructions or advice
3.3 Identify language items used to qualify requirements
3.4 Assess the significance of the instructions or advice for task completion

Element:

4.  Interpret and use a range of formatted texts for study purposes

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify a range of formatted texts
4.2 Locate a range of information in formatted texts
4.3 Indicate the ways in which meaning is conveyed to the reader
4.4 Identify the purpose and possible uses of the information in the formatted texts
4.5 Use selected information in prose texts for a study task


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 and
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 22 July – Fri 6 December, 2013

Term Break: Mon 23 September – Sun 6 October 2012

Public holidays: Tue 5 November (Melbourne Cup Day)

 


Teaching schedule

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with VPAU526. The assessment tasks have been put in bold to match the unit of competency. The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course
 

 

WEEK VPAU528 Language Learning Strategies

1

22 July

 Orientation/Admin

Welcome lunch

Diagnostic Test

2

29 July

 Introduce paragraph and analyse Grammatical features

3

5 August

 Paragraph writing/topic sentences

Analysing/writing correct paragraphs

Correct paragraphs

Verb tenses passive

4

12 August

 Grammar presentation activities- students in pairs will present a grammar lesson/activity

Modal Verbs

Should

Could

Must

(opinion vs fact)

Topic sentences

5

19 August

 Grammar presentation activities

Students in pairs will present a grammar lesson/activity

Paragraph writing skills

6

26 August

 Analyse text for language analysis

BTN: law Youth Detention centres

Self

7

2 September

 Analyse texts/online and paper based on Ronald Ryan

Comprehension

8

9 September

 Collection of folio

9

16 September

 Mid-Semester Interview

10

23 September

 Grammar presentation activities-students in pairs will present a grammar lession/activity

11

10 October

 Grammar presentation activities-students in pairs will present a grammar lession/activity

12

17 October

 Discourse markers

Cohesive devices

13

24 October

 Compare/Constrast language

Discourse markers

Cohesive devices

14

7 November

 

15

14 November

 Grammar presentation activities-students in pairs will present a grammar lession/activity

16

21 November

 

17

28 November

 

18

6 December

 Volunteer and resume workshop

 

**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Blackboard and in class should changes occur.

 

 

 

 


 


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

 

This course is delivered as 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: paragraph writing, reports, oral presentations, narrative or descriptive essay, 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:

  • complete a portfolio containing evidence of language analysis of texts
  • complete a learning journal
  • self assessment activities
  • verbal or written feedback from teachers and peers
  • Demonstrate critical understanding of extended oral presentations

Assessment 7 Magistrates’ Court research project Due: Weeks 11 & 12
This task involves researching skills, discussion and report writing. Students will start the task by reading and doing online research of the court system in Australia and exploring the virtual tour. They then listen and take notes at the court room through an excursion to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. The task will culminate in report writing about the research, excursion and case study. The task involves computer skills assisting online research, reading, analysing, note taking, vocabulary development, grammar development and referencing.


Assessment 8 Australian Law guest speaker research project Due: Week 13
This is a task which focuses on summary writing. It involves preparing for writing a report by listening to the guest speaker, taking notes, and planning and writing up a report. It involves listening, note taking, summarising, vocabulary and grammar development and paragraph writing. Students will take notes whilst listening to the guest speaker and participate in small group discussion and expressing opinions with evidence and examples. Students will also evaluate their participation in the discussion and identify areas for improvement.
 

Assessment 9       Reading comprehension tasks       Due: Weeks 5, 8 & 15
This task involves the assessment of students’ reading comprehension skills. It focuses on reading and analysing texts ranging from graphs, pie charts, interviews, documentaries, and statistics and writing a short report. This is an on-going assessment task. It assesses students’ progress in reading and analysing throughout the semester, namely, beginning, mid-semester and end of semester.
 

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