Course Title: Analyse and participate in complex conversations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: LANG5804

Course Title: Analyse and participate in complex conversations

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4346 - Certificate IV in EAL (Access)

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou / Bloss Robertson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email:baia.tsakouriduou@rmit.edu.au / bloss.robertson@rmit.edu au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Jennifer Chamberlain 51.2.002 Email: jennifer.chamberlain@rmit.edu.au

Wendy Joseph 51.2.002  Email: 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 of competency describes speaking and listening performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language backgrounds other than English. The focus of this unit is on listening and speaking skills in English to participate effectively in a range of conversations and discussions.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21474 Analyse and participate in complex conversations

Element:

1 Critically analyse casual exchanges in English

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify a variety of verbal expressions and other conversational strategies to initiate and manage conversations
1.2 Identify the tone used by the speaker(s)
1.3 Determine the relationship between the speakers
1.4 Identify the topics, specific details and explicit and inferred meaning
1.5 Explain any colloquial and idiomatic expressions

Element:

2 Participate in sustained casual conversations on a range of topics

Performance Criteria:


2.1 Initiate and manage casual conversation
2.2 Express and elaborate viewpoints on a range of topics
2.3 Give detailed responses and elicit responses from others
2.4 Use a variety of strategies to keep the conversation going
2.5 Close the conversation successfully

Element:


4 Participate in formal conversations in English

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Initiate formal conversation to achieve a particular purpose, specifying reasons
4.2 Respond appropriately to questions as they arise
4.3 Use a variety of strategies to keep the conversation going
4.4 Use verbal expressions and other conversational strategies appropriate to the context

Element:


3 Critically analyse formal exchanges in English

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify a range of contexts and purposes for formal exchanges
3.2 Examine register and tone used in formal exchanges
3.3 List a range of interactional strategies to participate
3.4 Identify any implicit meanings, irony, nuance and idioms as appropriate

Learning Outcomes


Learning 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 ISLPR Speaking 3/3+ and Listening 3/3+
and

the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 4
 

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


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate IV in EAL (Access) which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with 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
LISTENING
You will:
• listen to videos and audio tapes as well as films
• take part in conversations
• visit places of interest and listen to guides


SPEAKING
You will:
• work in pairs and in small groups
• make up role plays to practice casual & formal conversation
• take part in formal and informal conversation
 


Teaching Schedule

This program is of 17 weeks duration. Week one is induction week.

Program Dates: 9 February - 5 June, 2015
Public Holiday
Labour Day 9 March,2015
Good Friday 18 April, 2015

 

Mid Semester Break
2 April - 10 April, 2015

 

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is clustered with VU21482 Research current issues(HUSO5208). The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course 


 

Week VU21474 Analyse and participate in complex conversations    elements      

 VU21482

Elements    

 Assessment
1 Discuss learning plan and pathways

 1

2

4

  1

 
2 Discuss learning plan and pathways

3

4

 1

2

3

4

  Assessment Task 1: Current Issues Journal Due week 2-8
3 Model Newspaper logbook discussion task

 2

4

 1

2

3

  
4  Participate in Current Issues Journal assessment task in groups – students bring record sheet & explain a recent news story, including main ideas & key vocabulary.
 

 4

 1

2

3

4

  
5  Participate in Current Issues Journal assessment task in groups – students bring record sheet & explain a recent news story, including main ideas & key vocabulary.
 

 12

4

 

 1

2

3

  
6  Participate in Current Issues Journal assessment task in groups – students bring record sheet & explain a recent news story, including main ideas & key vocabulary.
 

2

4 

 1

2

3

4

  
7  Participate in Current Issues Journal assessment task in groups – students bring record sheet & explain a recent news story, including main ideas & key vocabulary.
 

 2

4

 1

2

3

  
8 .
Participate in Current Issues Journal assessment task in groups – students bring record sheet & explain a recent news story, including main ideas & key vocabulary  Mid semester interviews

 1

2

4

 1

2

4

 Assessment Task 1: Current Issues Journal Due week 2-8

Assessment 7: Mid semester Progress interview Week 9
9

  Participate in Current Issues Journal assessment task in groups – students bring record sheet & explain a recent news story, including main ideas & key vocabulary

 E1234

  

 

E1234

  
10

Participate in Current Issues Journal assessment task in groups – students bring record sheet & explain a recent news story, including main ideas & key vocabulary.
 

 1

2

3

1

2

3

  
11  Current issues- Media texts Audio visual

 2

3

4

 1

2

3

 Assessment 6: Film Project Due Week 11

 
12  Current issues- Media texts Audio visual

Analyse & participate in casual conversations for a purpose (charity afternoon tea)
 

 2

4

 1

2

3

  Assessment 11: Analyse & participate in casual conversations for a purpose- Charity Morning Tea

 

 
13  Current issues- Media texts Audio visual
Analyse & participate in casual conversations for a purpose (charity afternoon tea)

 

 2

4

 1

2

3

 Assessment 8: Research pathways and produce a learning plan and portfolio

 Assessment 11: Analyse & participate in casual conversations for a purpose- Charity Morning Tea

 

 

 

 
14  Current issues- Media texts Audio visual
Analyse & participate in casual conversations for a purpose (charity afternoon tea)

 

 2

4

 1

2

3

  Assessment 11: Analyse & participate in casual conversations for a purpose- Charity Morning Tea

 

 
15  Analyse and participate in complex conversations Assessment (Media texts)
 

 1

3

 1

2

3

4

  Assessment Task 10: Analyse & Participate in Complex Conversations to analyse audio-visual texts Due: Week 15

 
16  Group meetings for Oral Presentation

 1

2

3

4

 1

2

3

4

  
17

 Oral presentation

Self/peer review

workshops

 2

4

 3

  

Note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availabiltiy of speakers and resources.
 

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 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

This course is 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 will be assessed by role plays, presenting and analysing oral presentations and formal exchanges.

Feedback:

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class both oral and written, 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 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 – 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.

Summative

Assessment Task 1: Read, analyse & Discuss Current affairs Texts  Due week 2-8

  • This is a task which focuses on reading current issues in the Australian media of both Australian and international significance. It is a fortnightly task which involves reading, note taking, summarising, vocabulary and grammar development. The task also involves regular participation in small group and class discussions on the issues presented. 

Assessment 6: Film Project Due Weeks 11&12

Research Current issues and Group Oral presentation

This project focuses on developing skills while studying an Australian feature film. Students will need the following skills to be able to complete this project:

  • Note taking
  • Giving oral presentations
  • Group work & discussion skills

Assessment Task 10: Analyse & Participate in Complex Conversations Due: Week 15

Analysis of a complex formal converastion using an audio/visual media text
Formative assessments: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work

Assessment 11: Analyse & participate in casual conversations for a purpose- Charity Morning Tea Weeks 12-14

Group A Week 12

Group B Week 13

Group C Week 14

 

Formative assessments:
• Ongoing observations, review & feedback of performance in sustained casual & formal conversations
 

Please note:
Assessments tasks will include other courses (Units of competency) from the program.
All Assessment tasks should be submitted by the deadline.

Cover Sheets
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of work submitted in hardcopy. The signed cover sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications

 


All assessment tasks including electronically recorded student work will be kept by the University for student feedback and to meet government requirements.

Application for Extension

How to apply

If you are seeking an extension of seven calendar days or less (from the original due date) you must apply at least one working day before the assessment deadline.

  • Complete an Application for extension of time for submission of assessable work form www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension (PDF 41kb 2p) and lodge it with the school that offers the course.
  • Lodgment arrangements can vary according to individual school procedures. It is your responsibility to check whether the form should be lodged with the EAL Co-ordinator Monday-Thursday office hours.
  • Except in exceptional circumstances the application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official 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.
 

Other Information

Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend 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.

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