Course Title: Investigate issues in the Australian environment
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2018
Course Code: GEDU6076C
Course Title: Investigate issues in the Australian environment
School: 360T Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C3310 - Certificate III in EAL (Further Study)
Course Contact: Baia Tsakouridou and Melanie Reynolds
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488
Course Contact Email: baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au; melanie.reynolds@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Jacqui Cheng 51.2.02
Jane Saunders 51.2.02 jane.saunders@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
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 describes the skills and knowledge for learners of English as an additional language to research the key aspects of the physical Australian environment, and to identify and investigate environmental issues.
The unit provides you with an introduction to terminology related to Australian physical features and environmental issues, and the skills and knowledge to research and present information in an oral presentation and a written report.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU21470 Investigate issues in the Australian environment |
Element: |
1 Discuss Australia’s physical features and climate |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Note terminology and language used to describe key physical features on maps 1.2 Locate the key physical features of Australia on a map 1.3 Describe the key features of different climate zones |
Element: |
2 Investigate an environmental issue of significance in Australia |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify an environmental issue of significance in Australia 2.2 Scan informational texts and note the main features of the environmental issue 2.3 Analyse the impact of the environmental issue |
Element: |
3 Present your research findings in a talk to the group |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Outline one environmental issue and its impact on the community 3.2 Describe possible solutions 3.3. Use simple cohesive devices to give explanation and express opinion 3.4 Use strategies to deliver talk clearly demonstrating awareness of audience |
Element: |
4 Write a report on your research |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Plan to write a report of a paragraph in length on an environmental issue and possible solutions 4.3 Select and order information, using appropriate layout 4.4 Use appropriate terminology and language 4.5 Proofread and correct final draft, with guidance |
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 Speaking 2+ / 3,Listening 2+ / 3, Reading 2+/3, Writing 2+/3 and
the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence in Oral Communication, Reading and Writing at Level 3.
Details of Learning Activities
This unit is part of Certificate III in EAL (Further Study) which is an integrated program. This means that this unit will be studied with one other unit on the same day. The program consists of Face to Face teaching and Directed Study. The program will have a minimum of 8 hours Directed Study per week. Students are not required to attend to complete Directed Study, however students 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. An outline of Directed Study is published each week on Canvas.
The Weekly Program Delivery Plan is a detailed outline of what activities will be undertaken in each session on a weekly basis. You can access this via Canvas on the first day of each teaching week.
This unit will focus on the Australian environment and is clustered with Design and Produce Text Documents. Students will be required to produce work within this cluster that is centred around the Australian environment using computer based skills. In order to pass this program two assessment tasks will need to be achieved.
Teaching Schedule
This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is clustered with BSBITU303A (OFFC5305C) Design and Produce Text Documents. This is Cluster 3 - Interactions for Further Study.
Teaching Schedule:
Week |
VU21470 Investigate issues in the Australian environment BSBITU303A Design and Produce Text Documents |
VU21470 ELEMENTS |
BSBITU303A ELEMENTS
|
1 |
Introduction to course Canvas, Email, Induction Booklet, Map reading, Printing at RMIT, Student card photos, invoice payments Computer Diagnostic Test |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
E1 |
2 |
Research using Google, deciphering information, paraphrasing and note taking Intro to OH&S and Google Search Students will be given Assessment Task 4: Group Research Project into Sustainable Living within the Australian Environment Students will begin to work through self-paced online quizzes on Word, PowerPoint and Excel as part of this course. These are for practice purposes. There will be a Quiz as part of the Assessment made available on Canvas in Week 7. |
E1, E2 |
E1 |
3 |
Australian Environmental Issues Key Features of the Australian environment:
Students will continue to work through self-paced online quizzes on Word, PowerPoint and Excel as part of this course. These are for practice purposes. There will be a Quiz as part of the Assessment made available on Canvas in Week 7. |
E1, E2 |
E2, E4 |
4 |
Australian Environmental Issues continued:
Designing a text document on the recycling using Excel |
E1, E2 |
E2, E4 |
5 |
Begin a report/practice making flyers using the MS Word software Formatting a text document and researching information for Group Project. |
E4 |
E2, E3, E4 |
6 |
Report Writing using research information into the Australian environment - students to practice summary writing on the information researched online.
|
E4 |
E1, E3, E2 |
7 |
Students to be put in groups of two and three and to be given a topic on sustainable housing/living in the climate of Australia (Melbourne) to be presented to the class. Part 1 of Assessment Task 4 to be made available to students to begin on Canvas in the Quiz section. |
E1, E2 |
E1, E3, E4 |
8 |
MID SEMESTER INTERVIEWS |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
9 |
Assessment Task 4 Due: Group Research Project on Sustainable Living in the Australian Environment Presenting an environmental issue Students present their information using PowerPoint to the class Formatting and finalising documents for group research task. |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
E1, E2, E3,E4 |
10 |
Review assessment task |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
11 |
Note taking Practice using YouTube videos |
E2, E3, E4 |
E1, E4 |
12 |
Begin class research for individual presentation on an Australian Environmental Issue - Assessment Task 7. This will be worked on in conjunction with the online quizzes (Canvas) - of Word, PowerPoint and Excel. |
E1, E2, E4 |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
13 |
Continue class research using Internet research skills Continue class research into an Australian environmental issue, using Canvas (self-paced quizzes on Word, PowerPoint and Excel and notes) |
E1, E2, E4 |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
14 |
Complete research on environmental issue Preparation for presenting assessment task to class Continue class research into an Australian environmental issue. |
E1, E2, E4 |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
15 |
Assessment Task 7 - (begin presentations) Individual Research Project on an Australian Environmental Issue |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
16 |
Assessment Task 7 - (complete presentations) Individual Research Project on an Australian Environmental Issue |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
17 |
Review of second assessment task and complete supplementary task given if needed |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
E1, E2, E3, E4 |
|
**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via CANVAS and in class should changes occur.
Your program is made up of:
All students will be inducted. The induction includes:
Course Dates: Monday 16 July - Friday 23 November Public Holidays: Monday and Tuesday 5 and 6 November Mid-Semester Break: Monday 24 September – Friday 5 October |
**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Canvas and in class should changes occur.
The course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in Canvas under modules and will be updated 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 and presentation
- Explore RMIT activity
- Orientation to RMIT Libraries
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT
There are no set texts in this course, but it is recommended to 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)
• BYOD - Laptop and USB (Memory stick)
Teacher will provide handouts and resources during class time. You can locate these resources on Canvas (LMS)and Facebook.
Overview of Assessment
This course is delivered as part of a full time intergrated 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. You will be assessed through the following:
Group research project into sustainable living within the Australian environment.
Individual research project on an Australian environmental issue.
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. Assessments are assessed on a Competent (C) Not Yet Competent (NYC) basis – They are not graded. Written feedback will be given 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 skills. Assistance will be given in redrafting and editing written assessment tasks as developing abilities/skills and identifying and correcting mistakes is an important part of the learning process. It is important to read the specific elements each assessment task addresses on the cover sheet for each task. At the time of setting assessments there will be clear guidelines about which course, elements and performance criteria is needed to meet in order to successfully complete the task. Submission dates & deadlines will also be clearly explained.
This program consists of two Assessment Tasks.
Assessment Task 4: Group Research Project on Sustainable Living in the Australian Environment (Week 9)
This task will involve group work, researching topics and writing up a report on the findings as well as preparing a PowerPoint presentation to accompany the group presentation.
Assessment Task 7: Individual Research Project on an Australian Environmental Issue (Week 15)
This task will involve preparing and planning an a PowerPoint Presentation (with a report) for the class on a researched topic on the Australian environment using a variety of text documents.
A supplementary assessment task will be provided if necessary.
The tasks will be based on The Australian Environment and use of computer based skills.
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. There will be opportunities to demonstrate competency in a variety of ways throughout the program. To successfully complete this unit students will need to demonstrate that competency in each element of the unit/subject on at least two occasions.
Students are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with the class teacher or student coordinator. An assessment matrix will be available on myRMIT
Other Information
Attendance:
The course involves participating in face to face classes. It is strongly advised to attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to successfully complete this course.
Student Progress:
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist in achieving the learning potential.
Student program policy www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academicprogress
There is a compulsory mid-semester interview and end of semester interview to attend with relevant teachers and Program Coordinator. The interviews are an important part of giving feedback and supporting students through the program by monitoring academic progress
Special consideration policy (Late submissions):
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, an application for extension is needed.
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