Course Title: Read and write complex communications and transactional texts
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2015
Course Code: LANG5811
Course Title: Read and write complex communications and transactional texts
School: 360T Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4346 - Certificate IV in EAL (Access)
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
Wendy Joseph 51.2 99254384 wendy.joseph@rmit.edu.au
Jennifer Chamberlain 9925 9476 51.2 Jennifer.chamberlain@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 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 understand and construct complex written documents.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU21476 Read and write complex communications and transactional texts |
Element: |
1 Critically read complex communications |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Critically read complex communications |
Element: |
2 Write complex communications |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Determine the purpose of the communication to be written and select supporting resources |
Element: |
3 Critically read a range of complex or extended transactional texts |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Identify the purpose, genre and intended audience of a range of complex or extended transactional texts |
Element: |
4 Write a complex or extended transactional text |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Determine the audience, purpose and register required in the text
|
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes described in this unit relate to:
Performance criteria of all four elements
- 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+
- the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 4
http://www.acer.edu.au/cspa/australian-core-skills-framework
Details of Learning Activities
This unit is part of Certificate IV in EAL (Access) which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with 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 in part covers the reading and writing macro skills addressed in the certificate.
READING
You are encouraged to read a wide range of texts relevant to the study context. You will:
- critically read, analyse and review complex communications eg. letters, applications, medical reports
- critically read a range of complex or extended transactional texts eg. responses to reports, newsletters, journal articles, blogs
WRITING
In a variety of writing activities, you will improve your sentence structure and learn how to use different writing styles. This will include formal communications eg. letters, course applications, medical reports; digital communication eg. email; responses, newsletter, essays, and short reports. You will:
- do a research project
- write formal letters
- learn to locate and record references used
- reflect on issues and your own learning
- learn about research 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: 9 February - 5 June, 2015
Public Holiday
Labour Day 9 March,2015
Mid Semester Break
2 April - 8 April, 2015
This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is clustered with VU21353 Research pathways and produce a lerning plan and portfolio (GEDU6041)
Teaching Schedule
Cert IV in EAL Access
| Week | VU21476 Read & Write Complex communications & transactional texts | Elements | Elements VU21353 |
| 1 | Identifying contexts & occasions for a range of communication. Vocabulary & expressions. Verb tenses. Related to Tertiary Life, information booklets | 1,3 | 1, 2 |
| 2 | Conventions, layout & formatting. Collocations. Responding to questionaire "Explore RMIT" :Writing about learning experiences | 1, 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Course information guides- eliciting specific information. Investigating writing a learning plan, conventions and vocabulary | 1,3 | 1, 2, 3 |
| 4 | Previewing, making predictions, Reading skills to evaluate communications and transactional texts writing a letter | 1, 2, 3 | 2, 1 |
| 5 | Looking at a range of complex transactional texts in relation to study and pathways | 3, 1 | 2, 4 |
| 6 | Personal statements, paragraphing, organisational conventions: Contextual grammar | 2, 3 | 1, 2 |
| 7 | Personal statements, paragraphing, organisational conventions: Contextual grammar. Looking at a complex communication and summarizing main idea. Assessment 6: Film Porject: Lucky Miles | 2,3 | 1, 2 |
| 8 | Personal statements, paragraphing, organisational conventions: Contextual grammar. Looking at a complex communication and summarizing main idea | 1,3, | 1,2,3,4 |
| 9 |
Research pathways and develop learning plan mid semester progress interviews |
3, 1 | 1 |
| 10 |
Assessment Task 5: Read & Write Complex Communications and transactional texts Writing emails in response to learning plans, looking at conventions and organization of emails |
1,2, 4, 3 | 1, 5, 2, |
| 11 | Research Pathways and produce a learning plan and portfolio | 1, 2,3 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| 12 | Reading and evaluating transactional texts regarding future study and job options | 1, 2 | 1, 2 |
| 13 |
Assessment Task 8: Research pathways & produce a learning plan and portfolio Using resources to write complex transactions, grammar and functions |
1,2, 4, 3 | 4,5 |
| 14 | Reading and writing complex transactional texts using appropriate grammar and language |
1,2,3,4 | 1.2,3, 4,5 |
| 15 | Notetaking, summarising information in complex communications for further study and vocational pathways: Contextual grammar | 1, 3 | 1, 2, |
| 16 | Reading information on further study and pathways to evaluate and modify learning plans | 1, 3 | 2, 3, 4 |
| 17 | Update learning plans through researching course and employment options through reading complex communications | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 1, 2,3, 5 |
Note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availabiltiy of speakers and resources.
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
There are no prescribed texts but it is recommended that students avail themselves of the many ESL resources available in the RMIT Library. |
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 course is part of a full-time 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. You will be assessed by portfolio showing development of drafts, proof reading &editing, analysis of responses to reading activities, questioning to confirm linguistic, socio-linguistic & cultural knowledge used to read & write complex or extended texts..
Feedback:
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class both oral and written, 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 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
ASSESSMENT
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 Task 5: Read & Write Complex Communications and transactional texts. Due: week 10
Assessment Task 8: Research pathways & produce a learning plan and portfolio. Due: Week 13
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.
Formative Assessment: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work application for Extension
Please note:
Assessment tasks will include other courses (Units of competency) from the program.
All Assessment tasks should be submitted by the deadline.
Cover Sheets
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of work submitted in hardcopy. The signed cover sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications
All assessment tasks including electronically recorded student work will be kept by the University for student feedback and to meet government requirements.
Extensions
How to apply
If you are seeking an extension of seven calendar days or less (from the original due date) you must apply at least one working day before the assessment deadline.
Complete an Application for extension of time for submission of assessable work form www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension (PDF 41kb 2p) and lodge it with the school that offers the course.
Lodgement arrangements can vary according to individual school procedures. It is your responsibility to check whether the form should be lodged with the EAL Co-coordinator Monday-Thursday office hours.
Except in exceptional circumstances the application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official 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.
Other Information
Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required leaning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain competency.
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