Course Title: Read and write a range of informational, instructional and other texts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: LANG5598

Course Title: Read and write a range of informational, instructional and other texts

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3231 - Certificate III in ESL (Access)

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou & Bloss Roberson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254488

Course Contact Email:Baia.Tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au & Bloss.robertson@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Angela Borrelli  94.3.16   email: angela.borrelli@rmit.edu.au 
Karen Gao         94.3.16   email: karen.gao@rmit.edu.au 
Jane Saunders 94.3.16  email: jane.saunders@rmit.edu.au
Marcelle Damicoucas 94.3.16  email: marcelle.damicoucas@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 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 formal and informal written communication related to information, instructions, and other written texts.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VPAU505 Read and write a range of informational, instructional and other texts

Element:

1.Analyse a range of informational texts.

2.Write an informational text.

3.Follow a set of written instructions on a familiar process

4.  Write a descriptive or narrative text

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Scan informational text and identify the context and topic
1.2 Identify the main ideas or issues.
1.3 Locate supporting information or examples.
1.4 Identify conventions of informational texts.
1.5 Analyse the structure and discourse features of the texts.
1.6 Respond to the text, outlining any opinions expressed, and state own opinion about the topic.

2.1 Plan and draft an informational text for a specific purpose.
2.2 Locate relevant information.
2.3 Select and order information, using appropriate layout and formatting
2.4 Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to convey meaning.
2.5 Proofread and correct final draft.

3.1 Identify the context and purpose of the process or procedure.
3.2 Locate specific information.
3.3 Identify main requirements, warning or advice given.
3.4 Identify conventions of instructional texts.
3.5 Analyse the structure and discourse features of the texts.

4.1 Plan a descriptive or narrative text.
4.2 Identify conventions of descritive and narrative texts.
4.3 Analyse the structure and discourse features of the texts.
4.4 Sequence the text into cohesive paragraphs.4.5 Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to convey meaning.
4.6 Use language to express ideas, opinions and feelings.
4.7 Proofread and correct final draft.

 


Learning Outcomes


The outcomes described in this unit relate to:
· 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 competence in Reading and Writing at Level 3


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate III 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 covers in part the reading and writing macro skills addressed in the whole certificate.

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 personal and imaginative texts
  • read straightforward informational and instructional texts
  • analyse news articles in newspapers and  television.


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. You will:

  • do a film review
  • descriptive text
  • write an informative text
  • write reflective text
  • follow instructional texts


 


Teaching Schedule

Program Dates: Mon 11 February – Fri 21 June 2013

Term Break: Fri 29 March – Fri 5 April 2013

Public holidays: Mon 11 March (Labour Day), Fri 29 March (Good Friday),Thur 25 April (ANZAC Day), Mon 10 June 2013 (Queen’s Birthday)


This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. The assessment tasks have been put in bold to match the unit of competency. The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course.
 

Teaching Schedule

Cert III in ESL (Access) Semester 1 2013.

WEEK TOPICS ASSESSMENT
COSC5971C
Operate a personal computer (BSBCMN107A)
 
ASSESSMENT
GEDU5936
Develop and document a learning plan and portfolio (VBQU130)
 
ASSESSMENT
HUSO5151
Use services in the local community (VPAU557)
 
ASSESSMENT
HUSO5158
Australian Art and Culture (VPAM547)
 
ASSESSMENT
LANG5595
Engage in casual conversation and straightforward spoken transactions (VPAU502)
 
ASSESSMENT
LANG5596
Read and write a range of straightforward letters and formatted texts (VPAU504)
 
ASSESSMENT
LANG5597
Give and respond to a range of straightforward instructions and informational texts (VPAU503)
 
ASSESSMENT
LANG5598
Read and write a range of informational, instructional and other texts (VPAU505)
1                  
2 In class reading assessment – Guardian Weekly
(Elementary)
 
            In class reading assessment – Guardian Weekly
(Elementary)
 
In class reading assessment – Guardian Weekly
(Elementary)
 
3 Informal letter to teacher


Casual Conversation about Australian Art and Culture/Film
 

Informal letter to teacher Informal letter to teacher   Casual Conversation about Australian Art and Culture/Film   Informal letter to teacher Informal letter to teacher Casual Conversation about Australian Art and Culture/Film
4 Peer instructions on how to navigate aspects of a computer and RMIT website including email and blackboard

 

 


Guest Speaker:
Baia’s pathway talk

 

Film Review
 

Peer instructions on how to navigate aspects of a computer and RMIT website including email and blackboard

 

Guest Speaker:
Baia’s pathway talk
 

Guest Speaker:
Baia’s pathway talk
 
  Film Review     Peer instructions on how to navigate aspects of a computer and RMIT website including email and blackboard

 


Guest Speaker:
Baia’s pathway talk
 

Guest Speaker:
Baia’s pathway talk

 

Film Review 
 

5 Guest Speaker: Police talk Guest Speaker: Police talk Guest Speaker: Police talk         Guest Speaker: Police talk Guest Speaker: Police talk
6 Excursion to North Carlton Neighbourhood House


Casual Conversation about Australian Art and Culture/Film
 

    Excursion to North Carlton Neighbourhood House Casual Conversation about Australian Art and Culture/Film Excursion to North Carlton Neighbourhood House Excursion to North Carlton Neighbourhood House Excursion to North Carlton Neighbourhood House Excursion to North Carlton Neighbourhood House


Casual Conversation about Australian Art and Culture/Film
 

7 Formal letter

 

Pathways Talk Part 2 – Write and Present a Career Report based on Research

 

Film Review
 

Formal letter Formal letter

 

Pathways Talk Part 2 – Write and Present a Career Report based on Research
 

Formal letter   Film Review Formal letter Pathways Talk Part 2 – Write and Present a Career Report based on Research Pathways Talk Part 2 – Write and Present a Career Report based on Research

 

Film Review 
 

8 Mid Semester Interview   Mid Semester Interview            
9                  
10                  
11 Form Filling – Online Registration


Casual Conversation about Australian Art and Culture
 

Form Filling – Online Registration       Casual Conversation about Australian Art and Culture Form Filling – Online Registration   Form Filling – Online Registration
12 Film Review         Film Review     Film Review
13 In class reading assessment – Guardian Weekly


Guest Speaker:
Julie Collins’ talk
 

      Guest Speaker:
Julie Collins’ talk
 
    In class reading assessment – Guardian Weekly


Guest Speaker:
Julie Collins’ talk
 

In class reading assessment – Guardian Weekly


Guest Speaker:
Julie Collins’ talk
 

14 Sculpture Walk     Sculpture Walk Sculpture Walk Sculpture Walk     Sculpture Walk
15 Excursion to the State Library of Victoria Excursion to the State Library of Victoria   Excursion to the State Library of Victoria Excursion to the State Library of Victoria Excursion to the State Library of Victoria   Excursion to the State Library of Victoria Excursion to the State Library of Victoria
16 Oral Presentation on Australian Artist       Oral Presentation on Australian Artist     Oral Presentation on Australian Artist Oral Presentation on Australian Artist
17                  
18                  

**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Blackboard and in class should changes occur.

Guest speaker: Julie Collins.

Teaching Schedule: This course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the program delivery plans which are updated each week.

Your program is made up of:
• Orientation
• Learning activities
• Mid semester review
• Guest speakers
• 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:

  • book reports
  • film reviews
  • narrative essays
  • group projects


Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions, through individual and group feed back on practical exercise 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 more. A

An assessment charter (http://mamsrimit.edu.au/kh6a31y2wi2h1.pdf) summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT students 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=1n1kd66y87rc





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.
Assessment tasks:

Summative Assessments

  • Write informational Texts
  • 2 film reviews
  •  research report/project
  • descriptive and narrative texts

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

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.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview