Course Title: Read and write simple personal letters and formatted texts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: LANG5640

Course Title: Read and write simple personal letters and formatted texts

School: 360T Education

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C2180 - Certificate II in ESL (Access)

Course Contact : Bloss Robertson, Soosan Kian

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488 + 61399259494

Course Contact Email:bloss.robertson@rmit.edu.au, soosan.kian@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

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 reading and writing performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language background other than English. The focus of this unit is on reading and writing skills in English for simple personal letters or emails and understanding and completing formatted texts directly related to everyday social and transactional needs.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VPAU499 Read and write simple personal letters and formatted texts

Element:

Element 1  Read simple personal letters or email messages

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify the context and purpose of the text.
1.2 Identify the main idea or topic referred to.
1.3 Locate any important details or actions required

Element:

Element 2  Write simple personal letters or email messages

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Plan and draft simple personal letters or emails
2.2 Use layout conventions and staging appropriate to the context and purpose
2.3 Convey information or an explanation
2.4 Proofread and correct final draft

Element:

Element 3  Read a range of everyday formatted texts

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify the context and purpose of the formatted text
3.2 Locate specific information, using organisational
(navigational) features of the text
3.3 Identify key instructions or advice, where relevant

Element:

Element 4  Complete formatted texts for a range of purposes

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Use formatted texts to meet personal or social needs
4.2 Complete sections as required
4.3 Use appropriate format for words, abbreviations and numbers
4.4 Proofread and correct all sections


Learning Outcomes


The outcomes described in this unit relate to:

  • Performance criteria of all four elements
  • The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Reading and Writing. They contribute directly to the achievement of ISLPR Reading 2  and Writing 2

  and

the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 2. 


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate II in ESL (Access) 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 applies to participants using reading and writing skills in English to satisfy basic social requirements and needs as a consumer of goods or services. The situations in which these skills are applied
are varied, and can be related to study, community, recreation or workplace contexts. The contexts of the conversations and transactions will generally be familiar, such as shopping, bills and banking, transport, work, recreation, community and school/college, but will start to involve communication with people outside of their own immediate circle.


Teaching Schedule

This is an 18 week program:


Program Dates: Mon 6 February – Fri 15 June 2012
Term Break: Mon 9 April – Fri 13 April 2012
Public holidays: Mon 12 March (Labour Day), Fri 6 April (Good Friday)Wed 25 April (ANZAC DAY) Mon 11 June 2012 (Queen’s Birthday)
Your program is made up of:
• Orientation 
• Learning activities
• Mid semester review
• Guest speakers
• Excursions
• Exit review


Orientation is part of the integrated program of language acquisition, this is the initial
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

There are no prescribed texts but it is recommended that students avail themselves of the many ESL resources available in the RMIT Library.


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

This course is part of a full-time integrated program. You must demonstrate an understanding of all the 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 reading and writing simple letters, email messages, everyday formatted texts ( e.g maps, forms), and mid-semester interviews.

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 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 oral and or 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.

The tasks will include:
• read and write personal letters
• read and write email messages
• individual assignments, projects and oral presentations
• class participation including group and pair work.

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 occassions. 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.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview