Course Title: Read and write straightforward communications and transactional texts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: LANG5814

Course Title: Read and write straightforward communications and transactional texts

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3311 - Certificate III in EAL (Access)

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou / 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 Fourtounis  51.2.02 angela.fortounis@rmit.edu.au

Jane Saunders 51.2.02  jane.saunders@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

The focus of this unit is on reading and writing skills in English for formal and informal written communication. It is related to information, instructions, and other written texts.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21467 Read and write straightforward communications and transactional texts

Element:

1 Read a range of straightforward communications
 

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify the context and purpose of the straightforward communications
1.2 Identify the main ideas referred to
1.3 Locate specific details
1.4 Note conventions and discourse features of the texts

Element:

2 Write straightforward communications

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Plan and draft straightforward communications using conventions appropriate to the context and purpose
2.2 Convey message using appropriate language and register
2.3 Sequence content using appropriate staging and paragraph structure
2.4 Proofread and correct final draft

Element:

3 Read a range of straightforward transactional forms

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Determine the purposes, requirements and conventions of straightforward transactional forms
3.2 Locate specific information, using organisational features of the text
3.3 Identify key instructions or specific advice

Element:

4 Complete straightforward transactional forms which require some detailed information

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Scan straightforward transactional forms and identify purpose
4.2 Follow conventions required for detailed information
4.3 Use language and register appropriate to the context
4.4 Proofread all sections and note any additional requirements


Learning Outcomes


This unit applies to participants using reading and writing skills in English in a wide range of formal and informal contexts. The situations in which these skills are applied are varied, and can be related to contexts such as social and community life, everyday commerce and recreation, workplaces and vocational or study-related fields.

The outcomes described in this unit relates to:

 

  • The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Reading and Writing. They contribute directly to the achievement of ISLPR Reading 2+ and Writing 2+

              and


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate III in EAL (Access) which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with 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 covers in part the reading and writing macro skills addressed in the whole certificate.

READING
You are encouraged to read a wide range of texts relevant to the study context. You will:

  • read a range of personal communications on straightforward topics
  • read and complete transactional forms requiring detail according to requirements



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:
 

  • write a range of personal communications on straightforward topics using paragraph structure
  • write formal and informal letters
  • take notes from a range of complex texts
  • learn to locate and record references used
  • learn to plan, draft and proofread your work.
  • construct formatted texts


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


Teaching Schedule

Program Dates: 9 February - 5 June, 2015
Public Holiday
Labour Day 9 March,2015
 

Mid Semester Break
2 April - 8 April, 2015

This unit is clustered with - CULINL301A Develop and use information literacy skills (LIBR5019C).  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.

Teaching Schedule

Cert III in EAL (Access) Semester 1 2015. 

Week VU21467 Read and write straightforward communications and transactional texts                        VU21467 CULIN301A             
1

Diagnostic Reading and Writing skills assessment

Orientation

 1, 2  
2 Writing Discourse Markers - Layout and Formatting  1, 2, 3  1
3  Assessment Task 1: Read and write Informal Email 2, 3, 4  1
4

Paragraph Structures - topic sentence, supporting details and linking devices

 1, 2  3
5 Definite and Indefinite articles, adjectives and adverbs, phrases and prepositions  1, 2, 4  1
6

 

Tenses and aspect forms

Reported speech and transactional texts

 1  2
7

Assessment Task 5: Filling in Forms.

1, 4  1, 3, 4
8

Mid Term Student Interviews

   
9 Cover Letter Reading strategies - skilling, proof reading and self correcting  2, 4  3, 4
10

 Assessment Task 7: Read and write formal Cover Letter

Formal Texts

 1, 2, 3   3
11

unknown words, selecting vocab, expressions and forms to modify writing

Sociolinguistic and cultural knowledge and skills

 1, 2, 3, 4  4
12 Idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms  1, 2, 3  3
13 register and tone  1, 4  1
14 Assessment 10: Develop and use information literacy skills  1, 3  4
15 appropriate use of social communication, modelling texts to guide production of personal communications and transactional forms  2, 4  3
16 Assessment Task 14: Searching and using information Services  1, 2, 3, 4  1, 2, 3, 4
17 inferred meaning in texts detect and express opinions and attitudes  1, 2, 4  

 
Note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availabiltiy of speakers and resources.
 

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

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

All students will be inducted. The induction includes
• Program Guide & Student Diary
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Explore RMIT ( an orientation to the university and its services)
• Orientation to RMIT Libraries (library tour & on line catalogue introduction)
• RMIT Online Systems Information Session

Library Orientation & an RMIT Online Systems Information Session will be scheduled during the first two weeks of your program. 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 (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 part of a full-time integrated program. You must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of the competencies in order to be deemed competent.
You will be assessed by notetaking, summaries and formal and informal  letters and emails.
 

Feedback:

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class both oral and written, 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 policy 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 see http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment
 


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:

Summative assessments:

Assessment Task 1: Read and write Informal Email.  Due Week 3 

  • This task requires the student to write and send an informal email about themselves.

Assessment Task 5: Filling in Forms.  Due Week 7

  • Students are to fill in an online form and email it.

Assessment Task 7: Read and write formal Cover Letter. Due Week 10

  • Students to write a formal letter to a prospective employer.

Assessment 10: Develop and use information literacy skills Due Week 14

  • Search, locate and review information on the internet

Assessment Task 14: Searching and using information Services  Week 16

  • Students to research a website and information source and present their findings to the class as an oral presentation and a written document. 


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

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

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.

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