Course Title: Research pathways and produce a learning plan and portfolio

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: GEDU6041

Course Title: Research pathways and produce a learning plan and portfolio

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4344 - Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study)

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 email: tim.morris@rmit.edu.au

Melanie Reynolds 94.3.16 email: melanie.reynolds@rmit.edu.au


Jacqueline Rumble 94.3.16 email: jacqueline.rumble@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 20

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 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 review own texts for further study purposes.

This unit is part of a full time integrated academic preparation program. It aims to provide you with the cultural understanding, advanced English language and study skills to participate in further study contexts.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21353 Research pathways and produce a learning plan and portfolio

Element:

1 Identify potential pathways
 

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Discuss a range of options with an appropriate adviser
1.2 Access and note information about possible options

Element:

2 Clarify learning goals
 

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify learning goals in relation to identified options
2.2 Explore any additional skills requirements
2.3 Identify any gaps in current skills and knowledge
2.4 Discuss preferred learning styles
2.5 Discuss previous experiences in relation to achieving identified goals

Element:

3 Design and implement an individual learning plan

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Discuss the purposes of an individual learning plan
3.2 Clarify the features and components of an individual learning plan
3.3 Determine the processes for developing an individual learning plan
3.4 Document the individual learning plan and seek approval from relevant parties

Element:

4 Prepare portfolio of completed work samples

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify possible audiences and uses for the portfolio are identified
4.2 Identify requirements of the portfolio
4.3 Discuss types of evidence selected
4.4 Assemble examples of evidence for portfolio

Element:

5 Monitor and update the individual learning plan

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Regularly review progress towards end-of-course goals and objectives
5.2 Determine factors which contributed to success in meeting goals
5.3 Identify barriers to success and propose potential solutions
5.4 Identify learning strategies which can be applied to other contexts
5.5 Evaluate individual learning plan and revise as necessary
 


Learning Outcomes


This unit develops the skills and knowledge to investigate pathway options and plan skills development, in discussion with an appropriate support person. You will develop and maintain a portfolio of evidence over time.


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate IV 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.

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

You will:
• read, analyse and review tertiary education websites and brochures
• identify potential pathways

WRITING

You will:
• design and implement an individual learning plan
• prepare a portfolio of completed work samples
 


Teaching Schedule

Program dates

11th August -26th September, 2014

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. . The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course.
 

 

Week

VU21353 Research pathways and produce a learning plan and portfolio Elements

 

 1

Begin Employability Skills Project

Pathways Presentation

 1

2

2

 

Employability Skills Project

Pathways: study/career advice, course research, preparing VTAC applications & writing Pi Forms
 

 1

2

3

 3

Employability Skills Project
Pathways: study/career advice, course research, preparing VTAC applications & writing Pi Forms
 

 1

2

3

5

4

 

1. Careers Employment Study Project Employability Skills Project
 

Pathways: study/career advice, course research, preparing VTAC applications & writing Pi Forms

 1

2

3

4

5

5

 

Pathways
Study/career advice, course research, preparing VTAC applications & writing Pi Forms

 2

3

4

5

6

 

Pathways
Study/career advice, course research, preparing VTAC applications & writing Pi Forms
 2

 

4

5
 

7

 

Pathways
Study/career advice, course research, preparing VTAC applications & writing Pi Forms

 1

2

4

5
 

8

 

Pathways
Study/career advice, course research, preparing VTAC applications & writing Pi Forms
 1

2

4

5

 

9

 

Assessment Task 4 Produce a Learning Plan and Portfolio Due: Week 9

Pathways
Study/career advice, course research, preparing VTAC applications & writing Pi Forms

Direct applications

 1

2

4

5

 

10

 

Pathways
Study/career advice, course research, preparing VTAC applications & writing Pi Forms

Direct applications
 

 1

2

4

5

 

11

 

Assessment Task 6 Mid-Semester Interview and Portfolio of Evidence Week 11

Mid semester progress interviews
Bring interview questionnaire
Research pathways and produce a learning plan and portfolio:
Identify potential pathways & clarify learning goals
Monitor and update the individual learning plan
Present portfolio of completed work samples

 1

2

3

4

5

 **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
Excursions
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.

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester, in both oral and written form, 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:

Summative assessment: Research pathways and produce a learning plan and portfolio

Assessment Task 1 Careers, Employment and Study  Project Due: Weeks 4

  • This task involves focusing on employability skills and involves researching future career prospects with online guides such as TAFE or university websites or the Job Guide. It involves preparing and planning an individual oral presentation of 5 minutes outlining why an individual should be selected. The task will also encourage reflection with opportunities for peer and self-evaluation after the presentation.

Assessment Task 4 Produce a Learning Plan and Portfolio Due: Week 9

  • This is an ongoing task for students to investigate pathways for further study. It encourages self-reflection by analysing learning styles, SWOT analysis and identifying opportunities for skills development and setting and maintaining study goals and the writing of a personal history statement for further study pathways including VTAC. The evidence should be collected and presented in a portfolio.

Assessment Task 6 Mid-Semester Interview and Portfolio of Evidence Week 11

  • A formal interview between teacher and student to discuss a variety of matters such as attendance, assessment tasks, further study options, progress and other issues including presentation of a portfolio of evidence.

 

 

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

Please note:
Assessments tasks will include other courses (Units of competency) from the program.


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 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