Course Title: Engage with a range of highly complex texts for learning purposes

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2016

Course Code: GEDU5985

Course Title: Engage with a range of highly complex texts for learning purposes

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3308 - Certificate III in General Education for Adults

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

Tim Morris 51.2.02 email: tim.morris@rmit.edu.au


Jacqueline Cheng 51.2.02  email:  jacqueline.cheng@rmit.edu.au
 

Nominal Hours: 30

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 is delivered as part of an integrated program.   This unit develops the skills and knowledge to interpret and critically analyse highly complex texts. The focus is on interpreting and critically analysing a variety of highly complex paper based and digital texts for learning purposes. These include intricate, dense and extended texts across a broad range of contexts including specialised contexts.It is delivered in conjunction with VU21381 Create a range of highly complex texts for learning purposes.

The required outcomes described in this unit relate directly to the Australian Core Skills Frame Works (ACSF) and Australian Qualities Framework (AQF).

They contribute directly to the achievement of ACF indicators of competence at Level Five (Reading).


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21377 Engage with a range of highly complex texts for learning purposes

Element:

1 Select a range of complex print based and digital texts for learning purposes

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Clarify own purposes for engaging with texts
1.2 Locate and access a range of highly complex texts
1.3 Assess and select texts relevant to own learning purposes

Element:

2 Review selected print based and digital texts for learning purposes

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Interpret the purpose of the texts
2.2 Define features of texts
2.3 Apply reading strategies to interpret key ideas and supporting information
2.4 Identify and analyse main arguments and supporting evidence
2.5 Evaluate texts for relevance and credibility

Element:

3 Critically interpret a range of print based and digital texts for learning purposes

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Analyse a range of texts for learning purposes
3.2 Analyse devices used to present information
3.3 Discuss similarities and / or differences between texts
3.4 Discuss and support judgements about the effectiveness of the texts


Learning Outcomes


The learning outcomes in this course.  The focus is on interpreting and critically analysing a variety of highly complex paper based and digital texts for learning purposes. These include intricate, dense and extended texts across a broad range of contexts including specialised contexts.This includes both digital and paper based texts.
 

 

The required outcomes described in this unit relate directly to the Australian Core Skills Frame Works (ACSF)
and Australian Qualities Framework (AQF).
 

http://www.acer.edu.au/cspa/australian-core-skills-framework
http://www.aqf.edu.au/aqf/in-detail/aqf-levels/

They contribute directly to the achievement of ACF indicators of competence at Level Five (Reading).


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate III in General Education for Adults which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with another unit 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

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 literature and the media


Teaching Schedule

 


This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. It is taught with VU21377 (GEDU5985) Engage with a Range of Highly Complex Texts for Learning Purposes . This is Cluster 4 - Read and Write Complex for Learning. The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course.

Course dates:

8th February – 3rd June, 2016

Labour Day holiday: Monday 14 March
Easter Break: Friday 25 March – Friday 1 April
Anzac Day holiday: Monday 25 April

 

Week VU21377 Engage with a range of highly complex texts for learning purposes VU21377 VU21381
Week 1

Introduction

Weekly Plans

Induction Booklet

RMIT Orientation to campus and online resources (myRMIT, email, Blackboard)

Course Presentations - requirements, student expectations

Reading and note taking skills


 Reading/writing comprehension activity (newspaper)

 1

2

3

 

2

3

 Week 2

 

 Online resources- MyRMIT/Learning Lab.            

Research a charity

Prepare an academic poster

Taking notes from a presentation
             

 1

2

3
 

 1

2

3

 Week 3

Charity Morning Tea

Working on Academic Poster

Writing a paragraph- topic sentences

Persuasive language of advertising

 1

2

3
 

 1

2

3
 

 Week 4

 

Present Academic Poster; Charity Morning Tea

Essay planning, writing and editing presentation

Good essays

essay planning grids

persuasive techniques in  advertising

 1

2

3
 

 1

2

 Week 5

bibliographies and reference lists (Harvard/ RMIT)

Essay writing.
Introductions and thesis statements.

Select advertisements

Research advertising articles
 

Online resources about advertising.

Assessment Task 2 - Research and Presentation; Charity due

 1

2

3
 

 1

2

 Week 6

Editing essay drafts

Intext citations (Harvard style)           

 2

3

 1

2

3
 

 Week 7

Assessment task 4 - Analytical  essay due

How to write a report

Different types of reports

1

2

3
 

2

3

 Week 8

 Mid semester interviews

Reading and interpreting graphs of Melbourne populations

1

2

3

 

1

2

3
 

 Week 9

Prepare report
                         

            

 

3
 

 1

2

3           

 


 

 Week 10 Edit and proof read report  3

2

3

 Week 11. Assessment task 9-Melbourne report due

 

2

3

2

3

 Week 12 Reading comprehension current affairs articles (groups)

2

 

2

3

 Week 13

 

Introducing Oral presentations

Great public speaking
 

 1  1

2

3
 

 Week 14

 Working in groups successfully
 

Synthesising information from several sources

 Harvard citations.

 2

 2

3

Week 15            

Assessment task 8 - Research and Presentations Task due

Oral Presentations in class
           

 2

3

 2

3

 Week 16 reflective writing  2

 2

3

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

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

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

All students will be inducted. The induction includes:
• Induction Booklet & Student Diary
  Explore RMIT ( an orientation to the university and its services)
• Orientation to RMIT Libraries (library tour & on line catalogue introduction)

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

• 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

This course is delivered as part of an integrated program.
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. Assessment is ongoing and its purpose is to develop your skills. It is important that you read the specific elements each assessment task addressed on the cover sheet for each task. At the time of setting assessments you will be given clear guideline 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.

  

Feedback:


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 manager or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

The Student Charter www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/supporting-learning-and-teaching/student-charter/ summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT University student as well as the responsibilities of the university.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which can be found on the RMIT University website at: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qwxbqbg739rl1


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.
 

Summative Assessment tasks

Assessment Task 2 - Research and Presentation; Charity  Group project  (Weeks 2- 5; Due: Week 5)
This purpose of this task is to develop individual research skills and to foster key skills for successful group work. It requires individual research, group participation, planning & decision making, conducting charity morning tea, collecting and donating money and giving a 10 minute group oral presentation.
 

Assessment Task 4 - Analytical Essay (Due: Week 7)
This task involves researching using academic texts, note-taking, summarising, synthesising paraphrasing, planning and preparing references using the Harvard system. It requires writing an analytical essay on the topic of advertising in Australia with a 300-500 word range.
 

Assessment Task 8  - Research & Presentation Task (Due: Week 15)

This task takes place over several weeks and involves research, drafting writing and conducting a survey to find out who comes to Melbourne CBD and why people come to Melbourne CBD.
Students in groups of 3-4 conduct the survey at particular locations across the CBD. Survey results are then collated in maths class using Excel spread sheets and students generate results in graph form. Finally students use the graphs and write a short report of 300-500 words addressing the topic of who and why people come to Melbourne CBD.
 

Assessment Task 9 - Report (Due: Week 11)
 

Group Research and Write and Individual Report investigating who and why people come to Melbourne CBD. This task takes place over several weeks. It involves group research using published texts as well as data collected first hand by students. Surveys are collated, results summarised in graph form and each student writes an individual report identifying the issue, the key facts and discussing the research. The group research involves group meetings and minute taking and academic research using a variety of text types and summarising.
 

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.

Cover Sheets
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of work submitted in hardcopy. The signed cover sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications

 


All assessment tasks including electronically recorded student work will be kept by the University for student feedback and to meet government requirements.


 


Assessment Matrix

Assessment Matrix
Each assessment cover sheet clearly outlines the competencies being addressed in the task in relation to the required skills and knowledge. 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. To sucessfully complete this unit you will need to demonstrate that you are competent in each element of the unit/subject on at least three occasions.

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

Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required leaning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain competency.

Student Progress

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.

Student program policy www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academicprogress
 

You will be asked to attend mid-semester and end of semester interviews with relevant teachers and Program Co-ordinator. The interviews are an important part of giving you feedback and supporting you through your program by monitoring your academic progress
 

Special consideration policy (Late submissions)
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.Extension www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension

Special consideration is an assessment adjustment for unexpected circumstances that are outside your control, which:
• have a significant adverse impact on your performance in assessment or
• prevent you from attempting or submitting the assessment. Special Consideration www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy
www.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Course Overview: Access Course Overview