Course Title: Analyse and produce a range of straightforward texts relevant to further study

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: LANG5624

Course Title: Analyse and produce a range of straightforward texts relevant to further study

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3233 - Certificate III in ESL (Further Study)

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254488

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.goa@rmit.edu.au

Jane Saunders jane.saunders@rmit.edu.au

Marcelle Damicoucas 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 for further study purposes. The focus of this unit is on developing reading and writing skills in English for a range of straightforward formal text types related to a range of study needs such as essay writing, case studies and short answers required in exams. It also includes the reading and writing skills needed to function effectively in the further study environment.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VPAU526 Analyse and produce a range of straightforward texts relevant to further study

Element:

1. Examine a range of model texts relevant to study.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Determine the range of model texts required and locate samples
1.2 Analyse the purpose and audience requirements of each text
1.3 Identify the role of the writer in each text
1.4 Analyse the structure and discourse features of the texts
1.5 Identify specific layout and formatting features

Element:

2. Compose a range of texts for study related purposes based on models.

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Determine the audience, purpose and topic for the written text
2.2 Confirm any formal requirements for the text
2.2 Gather required information and design an outline plan for the text
2.4 Compose draft text and sequence in a series of connected paragraphs
2.5 Proof read the text prior to submission

Element:

3. Undertake a review of constructed texts.

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Check text meets requirements of audience and purpose
3.2 Review and edit key grammatical and spelling and punctuation features
3.3 Determine clarity of information and vocabulary
3.4 Redraft text and submit final draft as required
3.5 List improvements and strategies to assist future writing


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
and


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 6 October 2012

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 VPAU528.  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 VPAU526 Anaylse Texts for Further Study

1

22 July

 Orientation/Admin

Welcome lunch

Diagnostic Test

 

2

29 July

 Analyse texts

Listen & read Health related text

Take notes & answer questions

Write summary

3

5 August

 Read health related and answer questions

*Writing: good eating/sports habits for fitness/present simple/abverbs of frequency

4

12 August

 Reading comprehension text/analyse text

Folio task: Indigenous Australia. Students listen to documentary/take notes/Discuss/Write a short diary as an indigenous.

Completed in class/taken up by tearcher/corrected

Possible issues: health?

5

19 August

 

6

26 August

 Analyse a newspaper report/text on several criminals in Australia and write short answer questions

7

2 September

 Analyse texts/online and paper based on Ronald Ryan comprehension

8

9 September

 Collection of folio

Assess task:

Reading comprehension task/short answer questions/response/opinion

TOPICS:

Health/Indigenous/police/Punishment

9

16 September

 Mid-Semester Interview

10

23 September

 

11

10 October

 

12

17 October

 

13

24 October

 Assessment 8 Australian Law guest speaker research project Due: Week 13

14

7 November

 

15

14 November

 Assessment 9 Reading comprehension tasks Due: Weeks 5, 8 & 15

16

21 November

 

17

28 November

 

18

6 December

 Volunteer and resume workshop


 

 


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


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 completion of

an assessment folio which includes:

  •  short answers,
  • summaries of texts
  • informative texts

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 9 Reading comprehension tasks Due: Weeks 5, 8 & 15
This task involves the assessment of students’ reading comprehension skills. It focuses on reading and analysing texts ranging from graphs, pie charts, interviews, documentaries, and statistics and writing a short report. This is an on-going assessment task. It assesses students’ progress in reading and analysing throughout the semester, namely, beginning, mid-semester and end of semester: short answers, summaries, reflective journal, research questionnaires, discussion essay,

Formative assessments: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work

Please note:
Assessments tasks will include other courses (Units of competency) from the program.
 


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

Other Information

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview