Course Title: Critically read and write formal letters and complex prose texts for professional purposes

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: LANG5806

Course Title: Critically read and write formal letters and complex prose texts for professional purposes

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4345 - Certificate IV in EAL (Employment / Professional)

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

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


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Karen Gao

+61 3 99254488

karen.gao@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 langauge 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:

VU21495 Critically read and write formal letters and complex prose texts for professional purposes

Element:

1 Critically read formal letters in a professional context

Performance Criteria:


1.1 Describe the structure and conventions of a formal letter used by the profession
1.2 Outline the purpose of the message or letter
1.3 Identify the register and explain the writer's tone, intention and attitude
1.4 Identify the main points, supporting details and expected outcomes
1.5 Identify specialised vocabulary related to the profession

Element:

2 Write formal letters for professional purposes

 

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify the purpose and conventions of a formal letter
2.2 Use planning and drafting processes
2.3 Apply the conventions of formal letters appropriate to the audience
2.4 Use a range of vocabulary with suitable nuance, and cohesive devices appropriate to the task
2.5 Use jargon and professional terminology as appropriate
2.6 Review draft and make amendments as required

Element:

3 Critically read complex documents related to the profession

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify distinguishing linguistic structures and features of complex documents relevant to the profession
3.2 Scan text for main ideas or contentions
3.3 Identify key vocabulary items and their meaning
3.4 Identify the key information and supporting details accurately
3.5 Identify any inferred meaning

Element:

4 Write complex prose based on a detailed text

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify distinguishing linguistic structures and features of required text
4.2 Identify the purposes of reproducing information from texts
4.3 Locate, record, paraphrase and synthesise complex information
4.4 Sequence information into cohesive paragraphs
4.5 Review draft and make amendments as required
4.6 Evaluate effectiveness of writing


Learning Outcomes


The outcomes described in this unit relate to the ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Speaking and Listening. They contribute directly to the achievement of ISLPR Speaking 3 /3+ and Listening 3 /3+  and the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence in Oral Communication at Level 4.


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is taught with some other units on the same day such as VU21482 Research current issues. 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. Examples of how you will practice and study the units

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
• read formal letters (in a health/professional context)
• read opinion and informative 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,  short reports and/or articles and summary writing. You will:
• write formal letters (in a health/professional context)
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• 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: 11 - 14 February Induction Week
11 February - 30May, 2014
 

Public Holiday
Good Friday 18 April, 2014
ANZAC Day 25 April, 2014

Mid Semester Break
18 April - 25 April, 2014

This unit is part of Certificate IV in EAL (Employment) which is an integrated program, assessments often cover more than one unit of competency. This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. The assessment tasks will also cover other units within the course VU21482 Research current issues.

Week VU21495 Critically read and write formal letters and complex prose texts for professional purposes
 1 Writing component of Cert IV Prof & analysis of content, method, assessment etc explained Library orientation & catalogue search + MyRmit access.
 
 2

 Vocab & grammar. Current Issues in Health reading & discussion. Letter writing with OET test focus (ie. wks 1-7 group analysis of case notes & task requirements, group production of response & analysis.

Assessment task No. 4 (Formative): Analysing and Writing Referral Letters
 

 3

 Vocab & grammar. Current Issues in Health reading & discussion. Letter writing with OET test focus (ie. wks 1-7 group analysis of case notes & task requirements, group production of response & analysis.

Assessment task No. 4 (Formative): Analysing and Writing Referral Letters

 

 4  Vocab & grammar. Current Issues in Health reading & discussion. Letter writing with OET test focus (ie. wks 1-7 group analysis of case notes & task requirements, group production of response & analysis.
 Assessment task No. 4 (Formative): Analysing and Writing Referral Letters
 
 5  Vocab & grammar. Current Issues in Health reading & discussion. Letter writing with OET test focus (ie. wks 1-7 group analysis of case notes & task requirements, group production of response & analysis.
 Assessment task No. 4 (Formative): Analysing and Writing Referral Letters
 6

 Vocab & grammar. Current Issues in Health reading & discussion. Letter writing with OET test focus (ie. wks 1-7 group analysis of case notes & task requirements, group production of response & analysis.


 Assessment task No. 4 (Formative): Analysing and Writing Referral Letters
 

Assessment Task 5
Critically read complex texts for professional purposes “How to prevent Osteoporosis"

 7

 Vocab & grammar. Current Issues in Health reading & discussion. Letter writing with OET test focus (ie. wks 1-7 group analysis of case notes & task requirements, group production of response & analysis.

Assessment task No. 4 (Formative): Analysing and Writing Referral Letters
 

 8

 individual analysis of case notes, task & response

 9

 individual analysis of case notes, task & response

Assessment Task 8 Weeks 9-13
Critically read a range of complex texts for professional purposes

 10

 individual analysis of case notes, task & response

Assessment Task 8 Weeks 9-13
Critically read a range of complex texts for professional purposes

 11

 individual analysis of case notes, task & response


Assessment Task 8 Weeks 9-13
Critically read a range of complex texts for professional purposes

 12

 individual analysis of case notes, task & response

Assessment Task 8 Weeks 9-13
Critically read a range of complex texts for professional purposes

 13

 Individual analysis of case notes, task & response
Test conditions & practise OET test). Writing editing workshops. Pathways advice session

Assessment Task 7
Critically write complex prose texts for professional purposes

Assessment Task 8 Weeks 9-13
Critically read a range of complex texts for professional purposes

 14

 Individual analysis of case notes, task & response
Test conditions & practise OET test). Writing editing workshops. Pathways advice session

Assessment Task 6
Analysing & writing a referral letter

 15  Feedback

**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. Assessments may include written assessment tasks such as writing an essay and referral letters and written questioning.

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.

Summative assessments:

Assessment Task 5
Critically read complex texts for professional purposes “How to prevent Osteoporosis”

You will be asked to read and analyse critically a complex text for professional purposes and demonstrate your competencies in identifying distinguish linguistic structures and features, scanning text for main ideas or conventions, identifying key information and supporting details accurately as well as key vocabulary items and their meaning, and commenting on the information presented in the text.

Assessment Task 6
Analysing & writing a referral letter

You will be asked to write a referral letter in OET format, demonstrating your competencies in planning, drafting, proofreading and editing a formatted text, using a range of vocabulary and cohesive devices appropriate to the task, using jargon and professional terminology as appropriate and applying the conventions of formal letters appropriate to the audience.

Assessment Task 7
Critically write complex prose texts for professional purposes 

 You are expected to research a health related topic that you personally are interested in & write a 500 word (approx.) article or report for your teacher on the subject. Remember to demonstrate; appropriate use of linguistic features such as, linkers, headings & sub-headings; appropriate paragraphing & layout; awareness of audience.
 

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

Assessment Task 4 weeks 1-7 Analysing & writing referral letters
 

You will be observed, assessed and given feedback on the writing of referral letters in OET format, demonstrating your competencies in planning, drafting, proofreading and editing a formatted text, using a range of vocabulary and cohesive devices appropriate to the task, using jargon and professional terminology as appropriate and applying the conventions of formal letters appropriate to the audience.

Assessment Task 8 Weeks 9-13
Critically read a range of complex texts for professional purposes

You will be observed and assessed on reading and analysing critically a complex text for professional purposes, especially a health related topic of current signifance in Australia or overseas, and demonstrate your competencies in identifying/distinguishing linguistic structures and features, scanning text for main ideas or conventions, identifying key information and supporting details accurately as well as key vocabulary items and their meaning, and commenting on the information presented in the text. 

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