Course Title: Read and write straightforward texts for research purposes

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2017

Course Code: LANG5819

Course Title: Read and write straightforward texts for research purposes

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3310 - Certificate III in EAL (Further Study)

Course Contact: Baia Tsakouridis and Bloss Robertson

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

 

Caroline McEnroe

caroline.mcenroe@rmit.edu.au

 

Tim Morris

tim.morris@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. In this unit, you will focus on developing reading, notetaking, research and writing skills to produce texts relevant to study needs.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21501 Read and write straightforward texts for research purposes

Element:

1 Read information from straightforward texts for a range of research purposes

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish reasons or purpose for reading a text
1.2 Locate and access relevant paper based and online texts
1.3 Scan text and select information relevant to research purpose
1.4 Use reading strategies to identify main ideas, some details and opinions in the relevant sections of the texts
1.5 Assess the usefulness of the text for the research purpose

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 complete the task
2.2 Source appropriate texts and evaluate relevance of each for the study task
2.3 Use a range of commonly recognised methods to record relevant information clearly
2.4 Organise the information gained from reading to fit the research purpose
2.5 Review notes for accuracy and clarity

Element:

3 Write a straightforward text based on research

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Determine the audience and purpose for the text based on research
3.2 Establish any formal requirements for the text
3.3 Locate, select and record research information
3.4 Develop an outline plan for the text using researched material
3.5 Sequence key points and supporting information into a paragraph using required format

Element:

4 Reference resources used in research based text

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Confirm the required format and content for references according to the study task
4.2 Check accuracy of references
4.3 Include references using the required referencing format

Element:

5 Review written text

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Check text meets requirements
5.2 Use proofreading and editing processes to review text
5.3 Review feedback and edit text accordingly
5.4 Submit final draft as required


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+
/ 3 and Writing 2+ / 3

and

• the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence for Reading and Writing at Level 3

 


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate III in EAL (Further Study). This means that you will study this unit with two other units on the same day; VU21502 (LANG5821) Analyse and produce straightforward texts relevant to further study & VU21504 (LANG5820) Use language learning strategies and study skils. 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. An outline of your Directed Study is published each week in the Weekly Program Delivery Plan.

The Weekly Program Delivery Plan is a detailed outline of what activities you will be undertaking in each session on a weekly basis. You can access this via Blackboard (Mystudies) or Canvas on the first day of each teaching week.

This unit in part covers the reading and writing  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 opinion texts
  • study items in the news

WRITING
In a variety of writing activities, you will improve knowledge of grammar,  the structure of sentences and paragraphs and organizing writing. You will:

  • research and write an essay
  • keep a writing folio which includes a variety of written texts
  • reflect on issues in the news
  • learn about formal writing styles and referencing
  • learn to plan, draft and proof read work
  • construct formal text for study purposes

 

The revision of important grammatical structures will be incorporated into each activity.
 


Teaching Schedule

Course dates:

17 July -24 November 2017

Public Holidays:

Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 7 November 2017

Mid-Semester Break:

Monday Monday 25 September - Friday 6 October 2017 

 

Teaching schedule

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. It is taught with VU21502 (LANG5820) Analyse and Produce Straightforward Texts Relevant to Further Study and VU21504 (LANG5821) Use Language Learning Strategies and Study Skills. This is Cluster 2 - Read, Research and Write for Research Purposes.
The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course.
 

 

Week VU21501 Read and write straightforward texts for research purposes

VU21501

Elements

VU21502

Elements

VU21504

Elements

1

Reading skills: skimming & scanning

Looking at the structure of a text, grammar used and identifying main ideas

Writing a short text

Paragraph structure

Grammar terminology

& resources


 

 1  1
2

Reading skills: skimming & scanning Main ideas, some details and opinions

Reading text to look at tenses used locate information

Summarising

Writing paragraph by sequencing information and selecting topic sentence


 

1

2

3

4

1

2

 

 

3

3

Reading & writing paragraphs and topic sentences
 

Plagiarism and paraphrase activity

Introduce Harvard reference practice

Introduce essay structure

Grammar terminology & resources

 3

 4

 

 1

2

 

2

3

4

Research skills & taking notes

Summarising

Plagiarism and paraphrase activity

Harvard reference practice

Essay structure

Grammar terminology

In class writing composition

 1

2

 4

1

2

 3
5

Handout and deconstruct Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay

Assessment Task 2 In Class Essay Part 1 Practice reading

Research selected topic. Analysis of essay topic and review how to research appropriate texts using key words

         
Researching information and citing texts using Harvard system, in text referencing

Plagiarism and paraphrase activity   

Harvard reference practice                 

Discussing grammar terminology

Library orientation and key word searches to support 

Assessment Task 2: In Class essay (Parts 1)  

1

2

 

3

4

 1

2

 1
6

Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay (Parts 2A & 2B)

Analysing features of an essay

Researching information and citing texts using Harvard system, in text referencing

1

2

 

4

 2

 

2

3

7

Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay (Parts 3A, 3B & 4) 

Draft written in class

Student edits essay in class 

Harvard referencing

Required grammar for editing work

Model Turnitin

1

3

4

5

1

2

8

Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay (Part 4 cont) & submit via Turnitin

Mid semester Interviews

 

 

 5

 

 

 3

 

 

1

9

Reading for information and evaluation of sources

Workshop Turnitin results

Required grammar

1

2

4

5

 

2

3

 

3

10

Reading skills. Understanding text types

Reading for fact and opinion

Evaluation of various Current Issue texts

            
      

1

2

 

 1

 

 3
11

In class practice essay

Reading skills Fact and opinion

Required grammar 

Paraphrasing practice

Harvard referencing practice

1

2

3

4

5

 

 1

2

3

 

 1

2

3

12

Reading Current Issues

In class practice reading comprehension for Assessment Task 9: Read and Write About A Current Issue (Part 1)

 

Handout and deconstruct Assessment Task 9:Read & Write About a Current Issue
 

Research skills & taking notes

In class reading assessment Task 9 Part 1

Paraphrasing practice

Harvard reference practice
 

1

2

3

4

 1

2

3

4

1

 2

3

13

Assessment Task 9:Read & Write About a Current Issue (Part 2A & 2B) 
 

Model reference and note taking for research texts

In text referencing and summarizing information

Locating grammar errors in writing
 

1

2

3

4

 

 1

2

3

 1

2

3

14

Assessment Task 9:Read & Write About a Current Issue (Parts 3A & 3B)

Harvard referencing practice

Required grammar

1

3

2

4

 

 1

 2

1

2

3

15

Assessment Task 9:Read & Write About a Current Issue editing (Part 4 redrafts) 
 

In class edited draft submission         

Modelling Turnitin 

 1

2

3

4

5

 1

2

3

 1

2

3

16

Assessment Task 9:Read & Write About a Current Issue: Final essay submission due via Turnitin

Review and evaluation of cluster/course & Skills covered during cluster

 

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

 1

 2

3

17 Reflective writing addressing skills covered during program

 

1

2

3

4

 

 1

2

3

 1

2

3

 

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

The course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the weekly delivery plans which are 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 that you bring:

  • Dictionary/thesaurus
  • Display folder with plastic sleeves
  • Highlighter pens
  • Notebook or loose leaf paper in folder
  • Headphones
  • Laptop computer
     


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 and group reports 
  • Online research 
  • Completion of research
  • essays

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 tasks:

Assessment Task 2: In Class Essay  (Week 8)

This assessment task is an advantages/disadvantages essay showing the stages of drafting, proof reading and editing of writing and correct referencing of references used. Draft version will be written in class and redraft will be submitted via Turnitin. 

Assessment Task 9: Read and Write About a Current Issue (Week 16)

This task involves reading a number of news articles from different sources in class , researching one of the topics analysed and planning and writing an extended text. The writing must show evidence of reviewing and editing work and sources of information have to be referenced.  This task will be submitted via Turnitin.

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

Please note:
Assessments tasks may  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


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 two 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
Your course involves participating in face to face classes. It is strongly advised that you 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 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 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