Course Title: Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: GEDU5949

Course Title: Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4327 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou, Bloss Robertson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email:baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au, bloss.robertson@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Tim Morris 94.3.16 tim.morris@rmit.edu.au

Melanie Kyle 94.3.16 melanie.kyle@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 will be delivered online.  By studying this course online you will develop your independent learning skills in preparation for tertiary study. The competency will cover skills in analysis, critical thinking, research and academic writing for tertiary study. This competency will be delivered in conjunction with  VU20764: Conduct online research for further study (GEDU5955).


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU20761 Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

Element:

1. Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to responding to study tasks

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Determine the purpose and audience for the task

1.2 Identify key terms and concepts

1.3 Determine types of input needed to complete the task

1.4 Analyse concepts using critical thinking skills

1.5 Consider advice from others in determining response to the task
 

Element:

2. Synthesise information from a variety of sources for academic purposes

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Determine information needs

2.2 Access resources from a variety of sources

2.3 Evaluate and sort sources

2.4 Summarise and record relevant information

2.5 Record sources of information according to reliability and relevance
 

Element:

3. Produce written responses to academic tasks

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Analyse task requirements and assessment criteria and plan response

3.2 Identify the features and language of academic writing style required

3.3 Construct coherent response integrating sources effectively to meet task requirements

3.4 Review writng with others and adjust accordingly

3.5 Revise final draft for logic, relevance, structure and effective use of sources according to assessment criteria

3.6 Proofread and edit final draft to meet task requirements
 

Element:

4. Reference sources effectively using appropriate

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Select appropriate system of referencing

4.2 Accurately record reference information for each citation

4.3 Use conventions and word processing formatting appropriately

4.4 Proof read for accuracy
 


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competence of the above elements. The outcomes described in this unit relate to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) and Australian Qualities Framework (AQF).

They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF/AQF indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 4:

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

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


Details of Learning Activities

The competency will cover basic skills in analysis, critical thinking, research and academic writing for tertiary study.

Reading

You will be taught research and analytical skills over a wide range of texts relevant to the study context.

You will:
• read, analyse and review complex texts for research purposes
 

WRITING
 

In a variety of writing activities, you will improve youracademic skills and learn how to use different writing styles theat are appropriate for your study context.This will include essays, research reports,  lab reports, proposals, critques. You will:
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• learn to locate and record references used 
• learn about research, essay 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:

15th July, 2013 -29 November, 2013

Term Break: Mon 23 September – Sun 5 October 2013

Public holidays: Tue 5 November (Melbourne Cup Day)

 


Teaching schedule

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with  VU20764 Conduct online research for further study (GEDU5955).
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. 
 

Week

VU20761 Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

GEDU5949

 1

 Reading skills refelection
Diagnostic reading
Library orientation. Database

 2

 Critical reading
reading for bias, fact & opinion
Harvard reference skills
 

 3

 

 Tutorial
Synthesis skills
Harvard reference skills

 4

 

 Effective note taking skills
Research report topics

 5

 

 Research report structure
Reading skills Referents.
 

 6

 

 tutorial
note taking & synthesis
report research - science topics
Referencing

 7

 

 tutorial
report writing

 8

 

 Editing and proof reading skills
report drafting
 9  Refective learning skills
Report submission
 
 10  Individual progreess interviews
 11  Reflective writing
Preparing group oral presentation
 12  Refective writing
Group oral presentation research & planning
 13  Group oral presentation
Reflective
 14  Essay writing
Database
 15  Essay writing
Database
 16  Database
Note taking skills
Referencing
 17  Employability skills


 

18
 
Feedback

 

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

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 competency is part of an 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. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Assessment tasks will require you to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through practical projects and/or written tasks.

Feedback:
Both verbal and written feedback will be provided throughout the semester, as well as individual and group feedback on practical exercises.
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 – and is graded following the criteria below.

CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

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:

These dates may be changed depending on students’ needs and learning abilities
 1. Research Report – Science topics 
Tues 10 September

4. Mid Semester Progress Interview 
Tues 8 & Wed 9 October

6. Literature Review 
Weeks 15 - 16

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

Note: For information about grade average and articulation into other RMIT courses see ’Other Information’.


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

 This course will contribute to your grade average result in the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Science) qualification. Please note that you must achieve a CREDIT average across the program to be granted a guaranteed pathway in the following programs.
Diploma of Nursing (subject to passing the VETASSESS)
Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology)
Diploma of Technology (Pathology Testing)
Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
Diploma of Dental Technology
.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview