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

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: LANG5807

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

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4345 - Certificate IV in EAL (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 94.3.23 dianne.dell’oro-Morgan@rmit.edu.au
Wendy Joseph 94.3.23 wendy.joseph@rmit.edu.au 
 Karen Gao 94.3.16 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 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:

VU21496 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 complex descriptive text
1.2 Identify the key details described
1.3 Note 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:

2.1Identify the purposes and conventions of complex descriptive texts
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
 

Element:

3 Apply knowledge of discourse and language use to complex descriptive texts

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Select specific language items in written texts for analysis
3.2 Use language terminology to describe language structure and use
3.3 Comment on the effectiveness of language use in complex descriptive texts
 

Element:

4 Edit a complex descriptive 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 Review draft and make amendments as required
 


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 EAL (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

29th July-14th November, 2014

Public Holiday
Melbourne Cup Day 4th November, 2014

Mid Semester break
29th September - 3rd October, 2014
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 EAL (Employment) which is an integrated program.

Assessments often cover more than one unit of competency. This unit is taught with VU21492 Present and listen to complex oral presentations in an employment or professional context

Week VU21496 Critically read, write and edit complex descriptive texts in a professional context VU21496  VU21492

1

 

 reading from context exercises

 Language of newspapers - reading the headlines

Newspaper articles - vocab extension.Identifying key points.

Directed study - reading comprehension

1

3

1

2

 

reading from context exercises

Lanuage of newspapers - reading the headlines

Newspaper articles - vocab extension.Identifying key points.

Skimming and scanning - looking for key words

 Directed study - reading comprehension
 

1

3

 1

3

 

reading from context exercises

Newspaper articles - vocab extension.Identifying key points.

Skimming and scanning - looking for key words.

 Finding information fast - looking for clues.


Directed study - reading comprehension

 

1

3

 1

4

 

reading from context exercises

News round-up

Finding information fast - looking for clues.How to skim, scan  effectively.

Directed study - reading comprehension

 

1

3

 1

5

reading from context exercises

Newspaper opinion piece - looking at tone, vocab, register. Analysis - what is the writer really saying?

Directed study - reading comprehension
 

1

2

3

4

 1

6

reading from context exercises

Skimming and scanning using visual clues, graphs, maps etc

Directed study - reading comprehension

 

1

2

3

4

 1

7

reading from context exercises

Skimming and scanning using visual clues, graphs, maps etc

Vocab extension

Directed study - reading comprehension

 Assessment tasks: SummativeTask 9 Informal and formal presentation in a health related context 1. (Week 7)

 

 

 

1

2

3

4

 1

2

8

 

reading from context exercises

Skimming and scanning using visual clues, graphs, maps etc

OET mini- test, Reading Part A- skimming and scanning  - plus Part B

Directed study - reading comprehension

Assessment task 2
 

1

2

3

4

 1

2

9

 

reading from context exercises

Skimming and scanning using visual clues, graphs, maps etc

Directed study - reading comprehension


 

1

2

3

4

 1

10

reading from context exercises

Skimming and scanning using visual clues, graphs, maps etc

Dealing with multiple choice questions - looking for clues

Directed study - reading comprehension


 

1

2

3

 1

2

11

reading from context exercises

Dealing with multiple choice questions - looking for clues

Directed study - reading comprehension


 

1

2

3

 1

2

12

 

reading from context exercises

Newspaper round up

Directed study - reading comprehension


 

1

2

3

4

 1

13

 

reading from context exercises

Newspaper round up

Directed study - reading comprehension


 

1

3

 1

 

14

 

reading from context exercises

Newspaper round up

Directed study - reading comprehension


 

1

3

 1

15

reading from context exercises

Prac OET test - and test feedback

   1

 
**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
• 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 will be assessed by oral and/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:

Summative assessments:

Assessment Task 2 :Read, Write and Edit Texts. Week 7 Students are required to read a complex descriptive text and answer a range of Assessment

Assessment Task 5 Current Issues
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 7 Current Issues
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.

comprehension questions related to the text. Students are also required to write a text response and edit using a variety of resources.

 

• 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. 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
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview