Course Title: Critically read, write and edit complex descriptive texts in a professional context

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: LANG5621

Course Title: Critically read, write and edit complex descriptive texts in a professional context

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4244 - Certificate IV in ESL (Employment / Professional)

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254488

Course Contact Email:baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Dianne Dell’Oro-Morgan 94.3.22 Dianne.Dell’Oro-Morgan@rmit.edu.au
Wendy Joseph 94.3.22 Wendy.Joseph@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 is part of a program that focuses solely on the preparation for the OET for health professionals.

This unit of competency describes reading and writing performance outcomes, skills and knowledge  required by adult learners with language backgrounds other  than English. The focus of this unit is on reading and writing skills in English to participate effectively in a professional context.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VPAU522 Critically read, write and edit complex descriptive texts in a professional context

Element:

1. Critically read complex descriptive texts related to the profession

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify the key topic of the text
1.2 Identify the key details described
1.3 Relate specific information from the text as required
1.4 Critically evaluate the quality of information given

Element:

2. Write complex descriptive texts in a professional context

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify the purposes and conventions descriptive texts in a
professional context
2.2 Use planning and drafting to sequence information effectively
2.3 Include required details and explanations
2.4 Use a range of vocabulary appropriate to the document and
the context, with appropriate nuance and connotations
2.5 Proofread and edit final draft
 

Element:

3. Apply knowledge of discourse and language use in relation to written and spoken texts

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify specific language terms in written and oral texts
3.2 Use terminology for describing language structure and use texts
3.3 Select and use grammar and discourse items as appropriate
3.4 Critically read language and discourse analysis of written and
spoken texts

Element:

4. Edit a written text

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Select relevant sections to be rewritten
4.2 Identify key elements which need to be corrected
4.3 Use a variety of sources to determine alternative words, expressions, structures or phrasing
4.4 Proofread final draft


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 3 /3+ and Writing 3 /3+ and
  • the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence in Reading and Writing at Level 4.


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate IV in ESL (Employment/Professional) 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 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 professional purposes
• critically read and analyse language/information in complex texts
• read opinion and descriptive texts
• read newspaper and journal articles and fact sheets
• 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 (e.g.complex structures) and learn how to use different writing styles. This will include formal letters, essays, short reports and summary writing. You will:
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• write summary reports based on informative texts
• write an essay (in the context of health)
• learn to plan, draft and proofread your work.
• construct formatted texts for professional purposes
• become familiar with academic/professional discourse
• become familiar with register specific/formal vocabulary and expressions

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


Teaching Schedule

Program Dates: Mon 4 March – Fri 21 June 2013

Term Break: Fri March – Fri 5 April 2013

Public holidays: Mon 11 March (Labour Day), Fri 29 March (Good Friday),Thur 25 April (ANZAC Day), Mon 10 June 2013
(Queen’s Birthday)

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

This unit is part of Certificate IV in ESL (Employment) which is an integrated program, assessments often cover more than one unit of competency. The units assessment tasks have been highlighted in bold as seen in the grid.

WEEK ASSESSMENT EMPL5707
Work Effectively in an Australian workplace (VPAU516)

 
ASSESSMENT
HUSO5153
Investigate current issues (VPAU560)
 
ASSESSMENT
HUSO5152
Locate health and medical information (VPAU559)
 
ASSESSMENT
LANG5616
Analyse and participate in complex conversations (VPAU506)
 
ASSESSMENT
LANG5617
Present and listen to complex oral presentations in an employment or professional context (VPAU518)
 
ASSESSMENT
LANG5620
Critically read and write formal letters and complex prose texts for professional purposes (VPAU521)
 
ASSESSMENT
LANG5621
Critically read, write and edit complex descriptive texts in a professional context VPAU522)
 
ASSESSMENT
LANG5625
Listen and take notes for research (VPAU527)
 
1 Library orientation.
Program Overview pt B
Intro to writing
 
     Explore RMIT        
2 Formative assessment: Read multiple complex prose on current health issues              
3 Formative assessment: Read multiple complex prose on current health issues          Assessment: Reading & writing letters E1+2  VPAU 522Critically read,write and edit complex descriptive texts in a prof context E 1234
Changes to OET
 
 
4 Formative assessment: Read multiple complex prose on current health issues  The Health Industry
Task 9
 
   The Health Industry
Task 9
 
     Possible Medical Museum
Visit
(tbc)
 
 
5 Formative assessment: Read multiple complex prose on current health issues              
6      
Asthma Task 10
 
 
Asthma Task 10
 
   Assessment: Read complex prose    
7 Formative assessment: Read multiple complex prose on current health issues     Excursion to RMH or week 10 (tbc)  Assessment task VPAU 518
E1 Demonstrate critical understanding of a range of info from an oral presentation
 
     
8       Diagnostic OET ‘Taster’: Speaking    Diagnostic OET ‘Taster’: writing    
9

     Mid Semester Progress Interviews

                                                         Diabetes Task 11

 Feedback OET ‘Taster’    
10            Assessment: Write complex prose    
11 Formative assessment: Read multiple complex prose on current health issues  Cultural Misunderstanding
Task 12
 
   Cultural Misunderstanding
Task 12
 
       
12 Formative assessment: Read multiple complex prose on current health issues              
13 Formative assessment: Read multiple complex prose on current health issues              
14                                                                        OET Practice Test: Listening, Reading & Writing am
                                                                                          Speaking interviews pm
 
15            Practice test feedback & analysis. Final tips for sitting the exam    

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

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

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 oral or written questioning and written assignments.

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 charter(http://mams.rmit.edu.au/kh6a3ly2wi2h1.pdf) 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 which are described and referenced in a single document: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ln1kd66y87rc


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:


• Critically read a text/elicit key/factual information
• Critically read a health related text, take notes and write a summary report
• 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

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.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview