Course Title: Critically read, write and edit complex descriptive texts in a professional context
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2013
Course Code: LANG5621
Course Title: Critically read, write and edit complex descriptive texts in a professional context
School: 360T Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4244 - Certificate IV in ESL (Employment / Professional)
Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254488
Course Contact Email:baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Dianne Dell’Oro-Morgan 94.3.22 Dianne.Dell’Oro-Morgan@rmit.edu.au
Wendy Joseph 94.3.22 Wendy.Joseph@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 is part of a program that focuses solely on the preparation for the OET for health professionals.
This unit of competency describes reading and writing performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language backgrounds other than English. The focus of this unit is on reading and writing skills in English to participate effectively in a professional context.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VPAU522 Critically read, write and edit complex descriptive texts in a professional context |
Element: |
1. Critically read complex descriptive texts related to the profession |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify the key topic of the text |
Element: |
2. Write complex descriptive texts in a professional context |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify the purposes and conventions descriptive texts in a |
Element: |
3. Apply knowledge of discourse and language use in relation to written and spoken texts |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Identify specific language terms in written and oral texts |
Element: |
4. Edit a written text |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Select relevant sections to be rewritten |
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 competence in Reading and Writing at Level 4.
Details of Learning Activities
This unit is part of Certificate IV in ESL (Employment/Professional) 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 covers in part the reading and writing macro skills addressed in the whole certificate.
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 professional purposes
• critically read and analyse language/information in complex texts
• read opinion and descriptive texts
• read newspaper and journal articles and fact sheets
• 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 (e.g.complex structures) and learn how to use different writing styles. This will include formal letters, essays, short reports and summary writing. You will:
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• write summary reports based on informative texts
• write an essay (in the context of health)
• learn to plan, draft and proofread your work.
• construct formatted texts for professional purposes
• become familiar with academic/professional discourse
• become familiar with register specific/formal vocabulary and expressions
The revision of important grammatical structures will be incorporated into each activity.
Teaching Schedule
Program Dates: Mon 29 July– Fri 22 Nov 2013
Term Break: Mon 23 September -– Sun 6 Oct 2013
Public holiday: Tuesday 5 November
Teaching Schedule: This course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the program delivery plans
which are updated each week.
This unit is part of Certificate IV in ESL (Employment) which is an integrated program, assessments often cover more than one unit of competency. The units assessment tasks have been highlighted in bold as seen in the grid.
| Week | VPAU522 Critically read, write and edit complex descriptive texts in a professional context |
|
1 29 July |
reading from context exercises Lanuage of newspapers - reading the headlines Newspaper articles - vocab extension.Identifying key points. Directed study - reading comprehension |
|
2 5 August |
reading from context exercises Lanuage of newspapers - reading the headlines Newspaper articles - vocab extension.Identifying key points. Skimming and scanning - looking for key words Directed study - reading comprehension |
|
3 12 August |
reading from context exercises Newspaper articles - vocab extension.Identifying key points. Skimming and scanning - looking for key words. Finding information fast - looking for clues.
|
|
4 19 August |
reading from context exercises News round-up Finding information fast - looking for clues.How to skim, scan effectively. Directed study - reading comprehension
|
|
5 26 August |
reading from context exercises Newspaper opinion piece - looking at tone, vocab, register. Analysis - what is the writer really saying? Directed study - reading comprehension |
|
6 2 September |
reading from context exercises Skimming and scanning using visual clues, graphs, maps etc Directed study - reading comprehension
|
|
7 9 September |
reading from context exercises Skimming and scanning using visual clues, graphs, maps etc Vocab extension Directed study - reading comprehension
|
|
8 16 September |
reading from context exercises Skimming and scanning using visual clues, graphs, maps etc OET mini- test, Reading Part A- skimming and scanning - plus Part B Directed study - reading comprehension
|
|
9 7 October |
reading from context exercises Skimming and scanning using visual clues, graphs, maps etc Directed study - reading comprehension
|
|
10 14 October |
reading from context exercises Skimming and scanning using visual clues, graphs, maps etc Dealing with multiple choice questions - looking for clues Directed study - reading comprehension
|
|
11 21 October |
reading from context exercises Dealing with multiple choice questions - looking for clues Directed study - reading comprehension
|
|
12 28 October |
reading from context exercises Newspaper round up Directed study - reading comprehension
|
|
13 4 November |
reading from context exercises Newspaper round up Directed study - reading comprehension
|
|
14 11 November |
reading from context exercises Newspaper round up Directed study - reading comprehension
|
|
15 18 November |
reading from context exercises Prac OET test - OET Reading Part A and Part B |
**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Blackboard and in class should changes occur.
Your program is made up of:
• Orientation
• Learning activities
• Mid semester review
• Guest speakers
• 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 achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. You may be assessed by oral or written questioning and written assignments.
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 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:
Assessment Task 1:Read, Write and Edit Texts. Week 3
- Students are required to read a complex descriptive text and answer a range of comprehension questions related to the text. Students are also required to write a text response and edit using a variety of resources.
• 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