Course Title: Research current issues

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: HUSO5208

Course Title: Research current issues

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4345 - Certificate IV in EAL (Employment / Professional)

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

 
Wendy Joseph 94.3.23  wendy.joseph@rmit.edu.au
 Dianne Dell’Oro-Morgan 94.3.23 Dianne.Dell’Oro-Morgan@rmit.edu.au
Karen Gao 94.3.16 karen.gao@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 55

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 develops skills of learners to investigate current issues. The unit also provides the learner with the skills and knowledge necessary to access and use computers for language learning.

This unit is part of a full time integrated academic preparation program. It aims to provide you with the cultural understanding, advanced English language and study skills to participate in further study contexts.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21482 Research current issues

Element:

1 Select a current issue of significance in Australia

 

 

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Scan informational texts and identify current issues of interest
1.2 Identify a current issue for further research
1.3 Note terminology and language used when the issue is discussed
1.4 Identify conventions of informational texts

 

Element:

2 Research a current issue of significance in Australia

 

 

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Source appropriate texts
2.2 Use reading strategies to identify main facts, some details and opinions related to the issue
2.3 Locate supporting information or examples
2.4 Analyse and evaluate different viewpoints and relevant evidence
2.5 Take notes of your opinion and reasons
 

Element:

3 Discuss the current issue

 

 

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Participate in a discussion using terminology appropriate to the current issue being discussed
3.2 Use a range of conversational strategies
3.3 Contribute your opinion, reasons or information
3.4 Clarify misunderstandings and ambiguous points where necessary.
 

Element:

4 Write an informational text

 

 

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Plan to write an opinion piece comprising several cohesively linked paragraphs on a current issue
4.2 Gather facts, opinions and evidence
4.3 Select and order information, using appropriate layout
4.4 Use appropriate terminology and language
4.5 Proofread and correct final draft, with guidance

 

Learning Outcomes


The outcomes described in this unit relate to:
 

the Performance Criteria from the four Elements
the ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Reading and Writing. They contribute directly to the achievement of ISLPR Listening 3/3+ and Speaking 3/3+
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 Listening and Speaking competence at Level 4
 


Details of Learning Activities

 

This unit is part of Certificate IV in EAL (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 in part covers the all of the macro skills addressed in the certificate.

Examples of how you will practice and study the units:

SPEAKING
You will:
• work in pairs and in small groups
• take part in formal and informal discussions to discuss the current issues of your interest

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 current issues texts
• study items in the news every week

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 and short reports and/or articles. You will:
• do a research project
• reflect on issues 
• learn to plan, draft and proofread your work.
• construct formatted texts for study and/or professional purposes
• become familiar with academic discourse
The revision of important grammatical structures will be incorporated into each activity.


Teaching Schedule

 

 Program dates

29th July-14th November, 2014

Public Holiday
Melbourne Cup Day 4th November, 2014

Mid Semester break
29th September - 3rd October, 2014


Teaching Schedule: .  The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course.

Week                VU21482  Research current issues VU21482
1

Lanuage of newspapers - reading the headlines

 1

3
2

Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Newspaper articles - vocab extension.Identifying key points.

Skimming and scanning - looking for key words

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically

Group reading and analysis and group writing.

 1

3
 
3  Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

Group reading and analysis and group writing. 

1

2

3
4  Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

News round-up

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 
 Group reading and analysis and group writing. 

Assessment task: Read and analyse current affairs texts for health professionals (logbook)

 1

2

3
 
5

 Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Newspaper opinion piece - looking at tone, vocab, register. Analysis - what is the writer really saying?

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

 Group reading and analysis and group writing. 

 1

2

3
 
6  Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

Group reading and analysis and individual writing. 

 

 1

2

3
 
7  Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

Group reading and analysis and individual writing.

 1

2

3
 

4
8

 Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

Group reading and analysis and individual writing.

Assessment task: Read and analyse current affairs texts for health professionals (logbook)
 

 1
2

3


4
9  Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

Group reading and analysis and individual writing.

 1
2

3


4
10  Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

Group reading and analysis and individual writing.

1

2

3
11  Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

Individual reading and analysis and individual writing

1

2

3
12

 Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Newspaper round up

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

Individual reading and analysis and individual writing

In-class reading and writing within stringent time framework

1

2

3
13

 Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Newspaper round up

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

Individual reading and analysis and individual writing

In-class reading and writing within stringent time framework

1

2

3
14

 Select, research and discuss currrent issues.

Newspaper round up

Write prose texts for professional purposes

review and revise vocabulary and grammar critically 

Individual reading and analysis and individual writing

In-class reading and writing within stringent time framework

 

1

3
15

Feedback workshop. Group review on writing with teacher’s support.

  


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

participation in group discussion related to current issues,

selection and research on current issues,

writing informational text,

verbal questioning to confirm linguistic, sociolinguistic and cultural knowledge,

and

a portfolio of evidence.


Feedback will be provided throughout the semester, in both oral and written form, 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

Summative assessments:Summative assessments:

Assessment Task 1 : Current Issues Week 4Read and analyse current affairs texts for health professionals (logbook)
 

You will be asked to read and take notes from an article that is health related. You will write a summary from notes then write your opion about the information presented.

Assessment Task 2: Current Issues Week 8
Read and analyse current affairs texts for health professionals (logbook)
 

You will be asked to read and take notes from an article that is health related. You will write a summary from notes then write your opion about the information presented

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. To sucessfully complete this unit you will need to demonstrate that you are competent in each element of the unit/subject on at least two occasions.


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