Course Title: Use language learning strategies and study skills

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: LANG5820

Course Title: Use language learning strategies and study skills

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

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

Course Contact: Baia Tsakouridou 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

Angela Borrelli angela.borrelli@rmit.edu.au

Jane Saunders jane.saunders@rmit.edu.au

Jennifer Chamberlain jennifer.chamberlain@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 45

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 course is delivered as part of a full time integrated program.

This unit of competency describes language analysis skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language backgrounds other than English. In this unit you will focus on language analysis and application of these skills to the completion of study tasks.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21504 Use language learning strategies and study skills

Element:

1 Discuss key language terminology related to language learning

Performance Criteria:

1.1 List key grammatical terms used to describe language structure and use
1.2 Locate examples of language items in oral, aural and written texts
1.3 Ask and respond to questions about aspects of language structure
1.4 Identify grammatical errors and discuss alternatives
 

Element:

2 Use language reference texts for study purposes

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Locate relevant language reference texts
2.2 Determine type of information required
2.3 Locate relevant sections of the text
2.4 Identify key grammatical terms and abbreviations used
2.5 Apply information as appropriate to edit and refine language use in a range of written and spoken texts

 

Element:

3 Read and analyse study texts
 

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Locate language items in a range of study texts
3.2 Identify language items used to qualify requirements
3.3 Assess the significance of the requirements for task completion
3.4 Follow instructions to complete study tasks
 


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
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 EAL (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

14th July - 18th July, 2014 Induction Week

14th July - 14th November, 2014
Public Holiday
Melbourne Cup Day 4th November, 2014

Mid Semester break
29th September - 3rd October, 2014

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with VU21501 Read and write complex texts for research purposes ( LANG5819) and VU21502 Read and write complex texts for further study (LANG5821).
 

 

Week VU21504 Use language learning strategies and study skills VU2104 VU21501 VU21502
1  Orientation
Introduce
Learning
Strategies
Needs Analysis
1  1
2  Reading texts
Learning plan
Writing skills
Preparing an outline
Sentence s,
Topic sentences

1

3

 1

2

3

 2

3

3  Current affairs
Vocabulary
Self-editing writing. Grammar overview

2

3

 1

2

5

 2

3

4  Research skills
Reading skills
Understanding modals and reported speech
3

 1

2

3

 1

2

5   Researching a study topic
Evaluating resources
Taking notes and linking ideas
1

 1

2

3

4

 1

2

6  Referencing in a text
Writing an Introduction
Tense forms

2

3

 2

3

4

 2
7  Writing Paragraphs
Integrating Ideas
Summarising
 
3

 1

3

 3
8  Draft report and editing

1

2

 3

4

5

 1

2

9  Writing a report based on Research and Reading 2

 3

4

5

 2
10   Reading for information
Analysing references
Planning a report
2

 1

2

 2
11  Mid Semester Interviews      
12   Reading for meaning, Looking at different text types
Features of text organization
2

 1

2

3

 1

2

13  Referencing skills
Editing skills for writing

1

2

 3

4

5

 1

2

14  Writing an Information report

1

2

 3

4

5

 1

2

15  Review of learning goals
Reading information texts
Analysing grammatical structures
 

1

2

3

 5

 1

2

3

16  Writing review
Vocabulary revision
Discussing pathways

1

2

3

 1

2

 1

2

3

17  Revision of writing structures
Analysis of learning
 
1  5  1

 

**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

This course is delivered as part of a full time 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. You may be assessed by: paragraph writing, reports, oral presentations, narrative or descriptive essay, 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 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.

Assessment tasks:

Assessment task 3:Current Affairs: This task involves reading a number of newsarticles from the Guardian Weekly in class , researching one of the topics analysed and plan and write a report. The writing must show evidence of reviewing and editing work and sources of information have to be referenced.

Assessment task 7: Research Report on Melbourne: This assessment task is a researched report on a building in Melbourne showing the stages of drafting, proof reading and editing of writing and correct referencing of references used.

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. 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