Course Title: Promote and respond to workplace diversity

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: EMPL9781C

Course Title: Promote and respond to workplace diversity

School: 360T Education

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C5290 - Diploma of Education Support

Course Contact : Robyn Blaikie

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4838

Course Contact Email:robyn.blaikie@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Soosan Kian soosan.kian@rmit.edu.au  9925 9183

Nominal Hours: 45

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

No specific pre-requisite and co-requisite.

Course Description

This course describes the knowledge and skills required to value, promote and respond to diversity in the workplace. It enables the worker to identify and understand the role, benefits and challenges of diversity in their workplace, and to contribute to organisation diversity policies and processes
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCCS506A Promote and respond to workplace diversity

Element:

4. Contribute to workplace diversity policies and procedures

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Develop diversity strategies in consultation with stakeholders including people from key target groups
4.2 Advocate for diversity strategies to be implemented in accordance with workplace policies and procedures
4.3 Develop measures of effectiveness to evaluate the outcomes of workplace strategies, policies and procedures for diversity
4.4 Report upon workplace diversity strategies within appropriate context
 

Element:

1. Research diversity in the workplace

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative workplace diversity data
1.2 Identify and analyse potential benefits of diversity in relation to the workplace objectives
1.3 Share research outcomes with colleagues and include them in practice where appropriate
 

Element:

2. Promote an appreciation for diversity workplace

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Integrate principles of diversity into work duties in the workplace
2.2 Identify and adapt professional development opportunities to address the needs of a diverse workforce in accordance with diversity objectives and resource constraints
2.3 Generate a supportive workplace by valuing and promoting the benefits of a diverse workforce to those working in the workplace according to relevant policy
2.4 Identify and use diversity factors associated with clients and colleagues to address diversity objectives of the workplace
2.5 Value and encourage the experience of working with diverse clients and colleagues
 

Element:

3. Communicate within a diverse workplace

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Manage barriers to inclusivity to facilitate full participation of all members of the workplace and client group
3.2 Use a range of communication strategies to meet the diverse needs of individuals within the workplace
3.3 Implement tailored communication strategies for targeted individual and group needs
3.4 Identify and/or develop and use resources that facilitate effective communication in the workplace
3.5 Reflect upon use of communication strategies with regard to workplace diversity
 


Learning Outcomes


Develop the knowledge and skills required to value, promote and respond to diversity in the workplace. It enables the worker to identify and understand the role, benefits and challenges of diversity in their workplace, and to contribute to organisation diversity policies and processes
 


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Diploma of Education Support program. You will study this unit with several other units on the same day. Your program consists of face to face teaching, Directed Study and you are expected to participate in professional placement. It is highly recommended that students attend at least 85% of class time as crucial learning activities, assessment task preparation some assessment tasks are completed in class. 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. Directed Study is a very important part of your program. An outline of your Directed Study will be given by your teacher and is published in the Weekly Program Delivery Plan.

The student learning experience will be facilitated through participation in a range of activities: 

Group discussion 

Research assignments

Guest speakers

Oral and/or written questions on "What if?" scenarios

Realistic simulations and role play
Practical demonstrations and direct observation of actual work and simulated work practice
Oral Presentations
Individual and group projects - Completing the projects will include negotiated independent study time and practical work relevant to the unit of competency. 

Work placement
 


Teaching Schedule

Program Dates: Monday 10th February – Friday 28th November 2014
Term Breaks: Monday 21st April – Sunday 27th April 2014; Monday 23rd June – Sunday 13th July; Monday 22nd September – Sunday 5th October.
Public holidays: Monday 10th March (Labour Day), Friday 18th April (Good Friday), Monday 9th June (Queen’s Birthday), Monday 3rd November (RMIT Holiday), Tuesday 4th November (Melbourne Cup Day)
 

This unit will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the program delivery plans which are updated each week.
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources. Should the teaching schedule change students will be advised via blackboard.
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.
 

Semester 1

Week 1-4

Definitions of diversity within legislation
Anti-discrimination legislation and its requirements
Diversity in the workplace
Direct and indirect discrimination

Discussion, Q&A activities, online activities

Week 5-8
Equal Opportunity, equity and diversity principles
Principles and practices of cultural awareness and cross cultural communication
Cultural assumptions and their effects on behaviour and work practices

Discussion, Q&A activities, Excursion
Assignment/project1 – Research/Q&A

Week 9-12
Ways to ensure effective and equitable activities to diverse clients
Barriers to inclusivity
Analysing workplace diversity information
Responding to workplace diversity in accordance with workplace objectives
Accessing and referencing workplace information relating to diversity

Discussion, Q&A activities
Research/Q&A

Week 13-16
Promoting diversity in the workplace
Integrating principles of diversity and inclusivity into work duties in the workplace
Integrating diversity and inclusivity into planned activities
Contributing to diversity planning in the workplace

Discussion, Q&A activities
Scenarios/ Q&A

Week 17-18
Integrating diversity and inclusivity into planned activities
Contributing to diversity planning in the workplace
Reflecting on own experiences of diversity and inclusivity in workplacement

Discussion, Q&A activities
Progress interview – Assignment 1, Evidence of practical experience promoting and responding to workplace diversity; e.g Observation/Demonstration, Third party

Semester 2


Week 1-4
Identifying and adapting professional development opportunities to promote diversity principles
Generating a supportive workplace by valuing and promoting the benefits of diversity
Applying own experiences of diversity to workplace
Discussion, Q&A activities

Week 5-8
Communicating within a diverse workplace
Responding to workplace diversity in accordance with workplace objectives
Responding to workplace diversity barriers to inclusivity in the workplace
Promoting diversity in the workplace
Discussion, Q&A activities

Assignment/project 2 – Research/Scenarios

Week 9-12
Reflecting on own practice
Use of communication strategies meeting the diverse needs of individuals within the workplace
Reflecting and reviewing use of communication strategies with regard to workplace diversity
Developing diversity strategies in consultation with workplace representatives

Discussion, Q&A activities
Report back from workplacement (oral and written)

Week 13-16
Reviewing and reflecting application of anti-discrimination, equity and diversity principles in the workplace
Issues and challenges promoting diversity in the workplace
Barriers to inclusivity
Benefits of workplace diversity
Discussion, Q&A activities

Week 17-18
Barriers to inclusivity
Benefits of workplace diversity
Reflecting own experiences of diversity and inclusivity in workplacement

Assessment interview – review folio of final assessments e.g :
Q&A, Assignment/Project1 and 2, Evidence of practical experience promoting and responding to workplace diversity; e.g. Observation/Demonstration, Third party
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT

There are no set texts in this course. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through handouts, our online systems and access to facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources. It is recommended that you bring:

• Display folder with plastic sleeves
• Highlighter pens
• Notebook or loose leaf paper
• Headphones (use your own or they can be purchased from the Brunswick 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:
• Direct observation of actual and simulated work practice
• Oral or written questioning
• Assignments and projects
• Presentation of a portfolio of evidence which may comprise documents, and/or photographs and/or video and audio files
• Review of products produced through work-based or course activities
• Third-party feedback from a work supervisor/employer
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.

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 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:
 

Assignment/project1 – Research/Q&A Week 4
 

Assignment/project 2 – Research/Scenarios Week 8

Folio - Presentation of folio (oral and written) Week 16
 

Assessment interview – review folio of final assessments e.g :
Evidence Guide, Assignment/Project1 and 2, Evidence of practical experience promoting and responding to workplace diversity; e.g. Observation/Demonstration, Third party, Folio – Presentation (oral and written) Week 18
 

Semester 2

Assignment/project 3 – Research/Scenarios Week 4

Folio - Presentation of folio (oral and written) Week 16
 

Assessment interview – review folio of final assessments e.g :
Evidence Guide, Assignment/Project1 and 2, Evidence of practical experience promoting and responding to workplace diversity; e.g. Observation/Demonstration, Third party, Folio – Presentation (oral and written) Week 18

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.
Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assessment tasks in this unit are assessed using the following competency based results:
CC – Competency credit
CA – Competency achieved
NYC – Not Yet Competent
Please note:
Assessments tasks may include other 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

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency.
These are available from the course contact person (stated above).
 

Other Information

You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Attendance - The major learning experience involves participating in face to face classes. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency. www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academicprogress

Feedback - Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Students will be asked to attend mid semester interviews with relevant teachers and Program Coordinator.

Special Consideration - 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. Please see the RMIT website for further information. www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism - RMIT University has a strict policy on plagarism and and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Course Overview: Access Course Overview