Course Title: Read and write straight forward texts for research purposes
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2013
Course Code: LANG5623
Course Title: Read and write straight forward texts for research purposes
School: 360T Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C3233 - Certificate III in ESL (Further Study)
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
Angela Borrelli angela.borrelli@rmit.edu.au
karen Gao karen.gao@rmit.edu.au
Marcelle Damicoucas marcelle.damicoucas@rmit.edu.au
Jane Saunders jane.saunders@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 backgrounds other than English for research purposes. The focus of this unit is on developing reading, notetaking and research writing skills in English to produce straightforward research based
texts relevant to study needs.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VPAU525 Read and write straight forward texts for research purposes |
Element: |
1. Read information from texts for a range of research purposes
|
Performance Criteria: |
1.2 Locate and access relevant online and paper based texts |
Element: |
2. Record specific information from texts for a study task |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Review the study task and identify the information required to |
Element: |
3. Write a text based on research |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Determine the audience an Write a text based on d purpose for the written text |
Element: |
4. Reference resources used in research based text |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Confirm the required format and content for references |
Element: |
5. Undertake a review of written texts |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Use proofreading and editing processes to review text |
Learning Outcomes
The 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 Reading 2+ / 3 and Writing 2+ / 3
- The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 3.
Details of Learning Activities
This unit is part of Certificate III in ESL (Further Study) 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 speaking and listening macro skills addressed in the certificate.
Examples of how you will practice and study the units:
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 extended personal and imaginative texts
- read opinion texts
- study items in the news every week and compare television and newspaper news.
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, course applications, essays, and short reports. You will:
- do a research project
- write formal letters
- take notes from a range of complex texts
- develop a writing folio which includes extended written texts
- learn to locate and record references used
- reflect on issues and your own learning
- learn about research and report writing
- learn to plan, draft and proofread your work.
- construct formatted texts for study purposes
- become familiar with academic discourse
The revision of important grammatical structures will be incorporated into each activity.
Teaching Schedule
Program Dates: Mon 22 July – Fri 6 December, 2013
Term Break: Mon 23 September – Sun 5 October 2013
Public holidays: Tue 5 November (Melbourne Cup Day)
Teaching schedule
This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with VPAU555 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
| WEEK | VPAU525 Read and Write texts for Research |
|
1 22 July |
Orientation/Admin
welcome lunch Diagnostic test |
|
2 29 July |
Minor & major offences
Read newspaper reports on crimes and answer questions |
|
3 5 Aug |
Assessment task Write a letter as a tenant/landlord Teacher to collect |
|
4 12 Aug |
Read information text online & paper based (police) identify main ideas Write a report/short text using references correctly |
|
5 19 Aug |
Assessment task- write a short report of the police talk 1st draft to be completed in class and taken up by teacher |
|
6 26 Aug |
Documentary (DVD) punishment in Australia. Informit/ABC/SBS/ Listen and take notes and short answer questions |
|
7 2 Sept |
Students will read text related to punishment/including statistics/students collect information and write a short compare and contrast essay on punishments Folio piece (Not necessarily assess task) Law vocab quiz |
|
8 9 Sept |
Collection of folio Complete 2nd drafts of assessment tasks Reading |
|
9 16 Sept |
Mid-Semester Interview |
|
10 23 Sept |
Read texts about magistrates court of Melb and features of the court system/answer questions/research introduce court vocab spelling test Law vocab quiz |
|
11 10 Oct |
Students will write a report based on their magistrates court excursion |
|
12 17 Oct |
|
|
13 24 Oct |
Assess task: Students read texts and analyse texts 9graphs/pie charts/interviews/Reports/documentries on types of crimes in Australia/Statistics/Location Analyse texts write a short report. |
|
14 7 Nov |
Students read text and analyse texts (graphs/pie charts/interviews/Reports/documentaries on types of crimes in Australia/Statistics/Locations Analyse texts write a short report **Check 1st draft |
|
15 14 Nov |
Assessment task on students read texts and analyse texts (graphs/pie charts/interviews/Reports/documentaries on types of crimes in Australia/Statistics/Locations Analyse texts write a short report. ***Report Due |
|
16 21 Nov |
|
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17 28 Nov |
|
|
18 6 Dec |
Volunteer and resume workshop |
**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Blackboard and in class should changes occur.
Teaching Schedule: This course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the program delivery plans which are updated each week.
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:
- Individual & group reports
- Online research
- Completion of research grids
- Book Reviews
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.
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 tasks:
Summative assessments:
Assessment 7 Magistrates’ Court research project Due: Weeks 11 & 12
This task involves researching skills, discussion and report writing. Students will start the task by reading and doing online research of the court system in Australia and exploring the virtual tour. They then listen and take notes at the court room through an excursion to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. The task will culminate in report writing about the research, excursion and case study. The task involves computer skills assisting online research, reading, analysing, note taking, vocabulary development, grammar development and referencing.
Assessment 8 Australian Law guest speaker research project Due: Week 13
This is a task which focuses on summary writing. It involves preparing for writing a report by listening to the guest speaker, taking notes, and planning and writing up a report. It involves listening, note taking, summarising, vocabulary and grammar development and paragraph writing. Students will take notes whilst listening to the guest speaker and participate in small group discussion and expressing opinions with evidence and examples. Students will also evaluate their participation in the discussion and identify areas for improvement.
Assessment 10 Research report: Group oral presentations Due: Weeks 16 & 17
This task utilises the research from the report and involves planning and presenting a formal group oral presentation using PowerPoint of 15-20 minutes. The task also provides opportunities for peer assessment and self evaluation.
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