Course Title: Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2015

Course Code: GEDU5949

Course Title: Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4327 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou, Bloss Robertson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email:baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au, bloss.robertson@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Tim Morris 51.2.0 tim.morris@rmit.edu.au

Melanie Kyle 51.2.0 melanie.kyle@rmit.edu.au

Melanie Reynolds 51.2.0 melanie.reynolds@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 will be delivered online.  By studying this course online you will develop your independent learning skills in preparation for tertiary study. The competency will cover skills in analysis, critical thinking, research and academic writing for tertiary study. This competency will be delivered in conjunction with  VU20764: Conduct online research for further study (GEDU5955).


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU20761 Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

Element:

2. Synthesise information from a variety of sources for academic purposes

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Determine information needs

2.2 Access resources from a variety of sources

2.3 Evaluate and sort sources

2.4 Summarise and record relevant information

2.5 Record sources of information according to reliability and relevance

Element:

4. Reference sources effectively using appropriate

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Select appropriate system of referencing

4.2 Accurately record reference information for each citation

4.3 Use conventions and word processing formatting appropriately

4.4 Proof read for accuracy

Element:

1. Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to responding to study tasks

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Determine the purpose and audience for the task

1.2 Identify key terms and concepts

1.3 Determine types of input needed to complete the task

1.4 Analyse concepts using critical thinking skills

1.5 Consider advice from others in determining response to the task

Element:

3. Produce written responses to academic tasks

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Analyse task requirements and assessment criteria and plan response

3.2 Identify the features and language of academic writing style required

3.3 Construct coherent response integrating sources effectively to meet task requirements

3.4 Review writng with others and adjust accordingly

3.5 Revise final draft for logic, relevance, structure and effective use of sources according to assessment criteria

3.6 Proofread and edit final draft to meet task requirements


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).

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

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

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


Details of Learning Activities

 

This competency will be delivered online

It will cover academic skills in analysis, critical thinking, research and academic writing for tertiary study.
 

Reading

You will be taught research and analytical skills over a wide range of texts relevant to the study context.

You will:
• read, analyse and review complex texts for research purposes
 

WRITING
 

In a variety of writing activities, you will improve your academic skills and learn how to use different writing styles that are appropriate for your study context.This will include  producing an annotated bibliography and an academic research report.

You will:
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• learn to locate and record references used 
• learn about research,  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

Course Dates: 6 July - 30 October

 

Mid Semester Break: Monday 31 August – Friday 4 September

Melbourne Cup public holiday: Tuesday 3 November

 


 
Teaching schedule

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with  VU20764 (GEDU5955) Conduct online research for further study which is also delivered online.  

 

Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Elements

 VU20761
E1


 

VU20761
E1
VU20764
E1 E2
 
VU20761
E1
VU20764
E1 E2
 
VU20761
E1 E4
VU20764
E 1 E2 E3
 
VU20761
E1 E4
VU20764
E 1 E2 E3
 
VU20761
E1 E 2 E4
VU20764
E 1 E2 E3
 
VU20761
E1 E2 E3 E4
VU20764
E 1 E2 E3
 
 
Activities  Welcome Announcement

Teacher Introduction

Student Introduction

Unit Information and Assessment Guide

Privacy and Social Media Guidelines (Induction Booklet & Quiz)

Efficient reading strategies- skim & scan (Learning Lab)

Reading, scanning and comprehension
- text with questions and writing a paragraph

Diagnostic listening task – energy drinks and note taking – Catalyst http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories

 iSearch Library Research Skills – Search

Skills Focus – Reading, Note taking (Cornell and Nuclear/visual) skills
& summarise -paragraph length
(Learning Lab)

CAPOW Website Evaluation using criteria sheet

 iSearch Library Orientation (Find)

Skills Focus - Paragraph Writing- topic sentences and linking words(Learning Lab)
http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/paragraphs

Skills Focus – reading, note taking and summarising (longer text)

Turnitin demo (turnitin.com) & RMIT guidelines
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/it/blackboard/turnitin

 iSearch Library Orientation (Evaluate)

Determine Reliability of Information (Energy Drinks text 2)

Skills Focus –Paraphrasing - Learning Lab Tutorial

 iSearch Library Orientation (Use)

Skills Focus – Harvard Referencing
Learning Lab Tutorial Referencing

Set up Assessment Task 2 Annotated bibliography

Checkpoint 1 - Annotated Bibliography Part 1
Annotated bibliography models & structure (descriptive and evaluative writing).

Task – Write practise Annotation with reference eg. Monkey Hearts or toxic sugar

 
Checkpoint 2:
Annotated bibliography topic focus and research.

Skills Focus - Mind mapping tutorial
http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/mind-mapping

Topic focus and research
Skills Focus – using Databases (review RMIT Library iSearch)

CAPOW note taking template

 Checkpoint 3:
List Relevant academic texts in Harvard Reference Style

Learning Lab Tutorial - Academic Writing Style
http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/academic-style

Draft two annotations for Annotated Bibliography

 No class this week for this cluster
Assessments                
 Week  9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Elements    VU20761
E1 E 2 E3 E4
VU20764
E1 E 2 E3
VU20761
E1 E 2 E3 E4
VU20764
E1 E 2 E3
 
  VU20761
E1 E 2 E3 E4
VU20764
E1 E 2 E3
 VU20761
E1 E 2 E3 E4
VU20764
E1 E 2 E3
 VU20761
E1 E 2 E3 E4
VU20764
E1 E 2 E3
 VU20762
E1 E 2 E3 E4
VU20763
E1 E 2 E3
 
   
Compare text types (essays/reports/reflective writing)

Report structure
Set up and analyse

Assessment Task 6
Identify topic for academic report

Skill review: reporting verbs, integrating references, paraphrasing & synthesizing
 

Assessment Academic Report

Checkpoint 2:
Research Report topic focus and research

Learning Lab Tutorial Report Writing

Skills Focus – Academic Reading and synthesising ( longer texts)

Research Report structure and models
 

Skills Focus - Academic Language/reading and interpreting graphs, charts and tables

Checkpoint
List: 3 Relevant academic texts in Harvard Reference Style
Record method and process for collecting and recording information (Reference Manager) (CAPOW)

Checkpoint 4– Write Introduction
 

Write Findings section, Discussion and Interpretation of Graph

Graph Tutorial
 

Abstract Unscramble activity

Checkpoint 5: Draft ready for Self editing and peer editing.
Checkpoint
List:
 

Model Report find errors, fill in blanks,

Research Report editing checklist
 

Teacher to give feedback through Turnitin

 
Assessment Assessment Task 3 Annotated Bibliography due – submit via Turnitin             Academic Report Assessment Task due


 

 
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

 This course is delivered online using Blackboard. you can access this through your My RMIT, My Studies. At the induction session on the frist day of your program you will be given guidelines on using the system

 

Information technology needs see link and online learning tools also available at:

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=hi8nszlw2pr

TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT

There are no set texts in this course, but it is recommended that you have

· Headphones  and microphone capability on your device

· USB (Memory stick)


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 coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more
 

An assessment policy 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 see http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment


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.
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 & deadlines will also be clearly explained.

All assessment must be submitted through Turnitin via myRMIT, My studies (Blackboard).

Assessment Tasks

 Assessment Task 3 Annotated Bibliography due – submit via Turnitin due week 9

Assessment Task 6 Academic Report Assessment  - submit via Turnitin due week 16

 

 

 

 

 


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. 


You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or the Program co-ordinator. An assessment matrix will be available on myRMIT, My studies (Blackboard)
 

Other Information

  Cover sheet for Submissions

You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of work submitted in hardcopy. For every piece of work submitted online you will complete an e-Declaration. The signed cover sheet or e-Declaration acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications

Attendance
It is strongly advised that you atten all sessions in order to engage in the required leaning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain competency.

Student Progress

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 will be asked to attend mid-semester and end of semester interviews with relevant teachers and Program Co-ordinator. 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