Course Title: Read and write straightforward descriptive and narrative texts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: LANG5815

Course Title: Read and write straightforward descriptive and narrative 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 Borrelli  51.2.002   email: angela.borrelli@rmit.edu.au 
Jane Saunders 51.2.002  email: jane.saunders@rmit.edu.au

Tim Morris 51.2 .002 email: 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 covers reading and writing skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language background other than English. The focus of this unit is on reading and writing straightforward digital and/or print descriptive and narrative texts.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21469 Read and write straightforward descriptive and narrative texts

Element:

3 Read a range of straightforward narrative texts

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Scan straightforward narrative and identify the context and topic
3.2 Note the structure and discourse features of the texts
3.3 Identify conventions of narrative texts
3.4 Scan text to locate specific details

Element:

1 Read a straightforward descriptive text

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify the topic of the straightforward descriptive text
1.2 Analyse the conventions and discourse features of descriptive text
1.3 Scan text to locate specific details

Element:

2 Write a straightforward descriptive text

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Plan and draft a written description
2.2 Produce written description using suitable vocabulary and grammar with appropriate register
2.3 Sequence description using paragraph structure
2.4 Proofread and correct final draft

Element:


4 Write a straightforward narrative text

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Plan and draft a narrative text
4.2 Select and order text using appropriate paragraph structure
4.3 Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to convey meaning
4.4 Proofread and correct final draft


Learning Outcomes


 

Students will develop English reading and writing skills in a range of formal and informal situations. Areas such as culture, social interaction and vocational or study-related fields will be explored.

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+ and Writing 2+
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


http://www.acer.edu.au/cspa/australian-core-skills-framework
 


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, analyse and review complex texts for research purposes

  • read personal and imaginative texts
  • read and write straightforward informational and instructional texts
  • analyse news articles in newspapers and  television.


WRITING     

In a variety of writing activities, you will improve your sentence structure and learn how to use different writing styles. This will include descriptive and narrative texts  and short reports. You will:

  • do a film review
  • descriptive text
  • write an informative/narrative  text
  • write reflective text


 


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 of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is clustered with VU21481 Research events in Australian History, post 1770 (HUSO5210).  The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course
 

Teaching Schedule

Cert III in EAL (Access) Semester 1 2015.

Week     VU21469 Read and Write straightforward descriptive and narrative texts VU21469                       VU21481
1 Diagnostic Reading and Wrting Test , Sentence structure:simple and compound sentence structure,  Subject, verb Object  1, 2  1
2 Paragraph Structure:topic sentences . Verb tenses-siimple present and agreements  1, 2, 3, 4
3 Language development:adjectives, adverbs, vocabulary extension-synonyms and antonyms, Conventions of descriptive text  2, 3, 4 1, 2 
4

Reading comprehension skills: narrative text,  Scan texts to locate information,reported speech

Assessment Task 3 : Read and Write a personal informational/descriptive text

 1, 2, 3
5 Reading skills: , Scan texts to locate information.Conventions of a narrative text  1, 2, 3
6

Read a descriptive text and locate information

Assessment Task 3 : Read and Write a personal informational/descriptive text

 1, 3
7 Assessment Task 6: Reflective narrative text early explorers pre 1778  1, 2 1, 4 
8 Mid Semester Individual Progress Interviews  2, 4
9 Cohesive devices    
10 Scan text to locate specific details  1, 2, 3
11 Analyse structure and  features of discourse features of texts  1, 3
12 Analysing texts and proofreading texts skills  2, 4
13 Writing skills, vocabulary  2, 4
14 Conventions of descriptive texts  1, 2, 3, 4 2, 3 
15 Assessment task 12: Oral presentation and written report.  2, 4
16 Proof reading and editing  2, 4
17 Revision of language skills  1, 2, 3, 4 1, 2, 3, 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
• 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

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.

Students will be assessed orally and  through a portfolio of comprehension exercises, essays, notetaking and research.

 

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 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 3 : Read and Write a personal informational/descriptive text.  Due Week 4 & 6

This is a task which focuses on reading descriptive texts and  developing skills of descriptive writing skills. Read and write a descriptive text  following conventions and discourse features of descriptive writing.

Assessment Task 6: Reflective narrative text early explorers pre 1778: Due Week 7

This task focuses on reading narrative texts, analysing conventions of descriptive writing skills. Read and Write a Narrative text about early Australian Explorers

Assessment task 12:  Oral presentation and written report. Due Week 15

This task focuses on reading texts and locating information and then using the information to write a  report. the report is presented in class.

 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 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 Considerationwww.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