Course Title: Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2016

Course Code: GEDU6092

Course Title: Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4386 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Course Contact: Melanie Kyle

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4052

Course Contact Email: melanie.kyle@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Melanie Kyle 51.2.0 melanie.kyle@rmit.edu.au

Tim Morris 51.2.0 tim.morris@rmit.edu.au

Melanie Reynolds 51.2.0 melanie.reynolds@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.

Assumed knowledge: 

To successfully undertake this unit, minimum language, literacy and numeracy skills that align to level 3 of ACSF are recommended.

Course Description

This course will be delivered in a blended mode. This means that the delivery is both online and face to face. By studying online in this course you will develop your independent learning skills in preparation for tertiary study. You will develop research and analysis skills in a tertiary study context. This unit of competency is taught in conjunction with VU21868 (GEDU6095).


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21865 Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

Element:

1. Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to respond 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

1.6

Research academic support servicesavailable to students

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 taking into account reliability and relevance

2.4

Summarise and record relevant information

2.5

Record sources of information

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 writing with others and adjust accordingly

3.5

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

Element:

4. Reference sources effectively using appropriate conventions

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).

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

http://www.aqf.edu.au/aqf/in-detail/aqf-levels/ 

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


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation program. This competency will have blended delivery: online and face to face.

It will cover academic 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 your academic skills and learn how to use different writing styles that are appropriate for your study context.This will include  producing an annotated bibliography and an academic research report.

You will:
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• learn to locate and record references used 
• learn about research,  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.

 

Course Dates: 
4 July –  28 October 2016

Public Holidays:
AFL Grand Final Holiday – Friday 30 September 2016
Melbourne Cup – Tuesday 1 November 2016

Mid‐Semester Break:

Monday 29 August - Friday 2 September


 


Teaching Schedule

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with  VU21868(GEDU6095) Conduct Online Research for further study which is also delivered using blended mode (online and face to face).  

 

Week

VU21865 Prepare for Tertiary Reading and Writing

VU21865

VU21868

1

Online:

Welcome Announcement

Teacher Introduction

Post Student Introduction on Discussion board

Course Overview and Assessment Guide

Privacy and Social Media Guidelines (Induction Booklet)

Efficient reading strategies- skim & scan (Learning Lab)

Reading, scanning and comprehension

- text with questions and writing a paragraph

Face to face:

Explanation of and modelling blended delivery

Induction: Blackboard & accessing online courses, Turnitin and My Provisional Grades, invoices & RMIT email

E1

 

2

Online:

iSearch Library Research Skills (Get Started)

Skills Focus – Reading, Note taking:

Learning Lab and YouTube video

Face to face:

Listening & notetaking from AV and written text

E1

E1 E2

3

Online:

iSearch Library (Search)

Skills Focus - Paragraph Writing- topic sentences and linking words(Learning Lab)

Skills Focus – reading, note taking and summarising

Write practice paragraph & submit on Turnitin

Face to face:

Topic sentence & paragraph scramble activities

Using databases for online research

Turnitin – how to use, access GradeMark feedback and check Originality report RMIT guidelines & instructions

E1

E1 E2

4

Online:

iSearch Library (Evaluate)

Assessment Task: Paragraph Writing

Submit Sunday 31 July

Determine Reliability of Information

Skills Focus –Paraphrasing

Write practice paraphrase  & submit on Turnitin

Video (The Chasers/What is an expert-YouTube)

Face to face:

Paraphrasing and critical thinking – do CAPOW activity

E1 E3

E 1 E2 E3

5

Online:

iSearch Library (Reference)

Skills Focus –Referencing

Read Assessment Task : Annotated bibliography

Annotated bibliography models & structure

Task – Write practise Annotation with citation eg. Monkey Hearts text

Face to face:

Referencing &  writing annotations

E1 E2 E4

 

E 1 E2 E3

6

Online:

Assessment Task: Annotated bibliography topic focus and research.

Skills Focus - Mind mapping tutorial

Academic Writing and Harvard Referencing activities

Face to face:

Topic focus & mind mapping

Demonstrate & produce academic writing and Harvard Referencing

E1 E2 E4

 

E 1 E2 E3

7

Online:

Annotated bibliography draft due Sunday 28 Aug -submit via Turnitin

Annotated bibliography: List Relevant academic texts in Harvard Reference Style

Skills focus - Academic Writing Style

Reading, note taking and synthesising

Write practice synthesis

Face to face: 

Demonstrate & produce Synthesizing and in text citations

E1 E2 E3 E4

E 1 E2 E3

8

Online:

Read teacher feedback on draft in Turnitin for Annotated Bibliography and redraft/edit as required

Complete reference list quiz

Face to face:

Review synthesizing  and analyse samples Annotated Bibliographies

E1 E2 E3 E4

 

E 1 E2 E3

9

Online:

Assessment Task  Annotated Bibliography due  Sunday  11 Sept -submit via Turnitin

Annotated Bibliography: Use editing checklist

 

E1 E2 E3 E4

 

E 1 E2 E3

10

Online:

Compare text types (essays/reports/reflective writing)

Report structure

Begin Assessment Task  Academic Report

Face to face:

Report structure and language

Reporting verbs activity

E1 E2 E3 E4

 

E 1 E2 E3

11

Online:

Assessment  Academic Report:  

  • Topic focus and research
  • Report structure and language
  • Choose 3 relevant academic texts: use Harvard Reference Style & record in CAPOW table

Face to face:

Databases and topic focus activity

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

12

Online:

Skills Focus - reading and interpreting graphs and diagrams

Assessment Task Academic Report: write Introduction  & Findings sections

Face to face:

Interpreting, describing trends and labelling graphs/diagrams.

Analyse sample reports

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

13

Online:

Academic Report: write Discussion section

Skills focus: reporting verbs

Face to face:

Language and purpose of Discussion section of academic report emphasis on synthesizing

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

14

Online:

Academic Report

Draft due Sunday 16 Oct– submit via Turnitin

Face to face:

Peer and self- edit draft academic report using editing checklist

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

15

Online:

Academic Report check teacher feedback in Turnitin and edit using checklist

Face to face:

Support students with redrafting and editing final academic report

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

16

Online:

Academic Report Assessment Task due Monday 24 October submit via Turnitin

Face to face:

Exam technique and skills

Support with any Academic Report resubmission

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

 

 


 

 
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

This competency will have blended delivery: online using Blackboard and face to face. You can access Blackboard through myRMIT/My Studies. At the induction session in the first week of your program you will be given guidelines on using the system.

Additional information about using Blackboard is available in the Induction Booklet. For information technology needs and online learning tools see: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=hi8nszlw2pr 

TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT
There are no set texts for this course however it is recommended that you have:

  • Headphones and microphone capability on your device
  • USB (Memory stick)
  • Laptop computer

 


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 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.

You will be given written feedback on all assessment tasks.


Assessment is ongoing and its purpose is to develop your skills.You will be given the opportunity of checkpoints throughout the course to develop your ability to identify and correct your own mistakes which 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.

All assessment must be submitted through Turnitin via myRMIT, My Studies (Blackboard).

Summative Assessments:

Assessment Task: Paragraph Writing 

Assessment Task: Annotated Bibliography 

Assessment Task: Academic Report 


All assessment tasks including electronically recorded student work will be kept by the University for student feedback and to meet government requirements.


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 Program Coordinator. An assessment delivery plan will be available on Blackboard (myRMIT).
 

Other Information

For every piece of work submitted online you will complete an e-Declaration. The signed cover sheet or e-Declaration acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

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