Course Title: Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2019

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: Jane Collins

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email: jane.collins@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Jane Collins jane.collins@rmit.edu.au

Melanie Kyle melanie.kyle@rmit.edu.au

Tim Morris time.morris@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 services available 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

3.6          Proof read and edit final draft to meet task requirements

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. 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 database research and academic 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: 

Course Dates: Monday 8 July-Friday 8 November 2019

Mid semester break:  Monday 2 September-Friday 6 September 2019

Public Holidays:  Friday 27 September 2019


 


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).  

The content of this course will be contextualised according to the stream: Science, Engineering, Business or Legal. 

 

Week

VU21865 Prepare for Tertiary Reading and Writing

VU21868 Conduct Online Research

VU21865

VU21868

1

  

Overview of Cluster 1: Prepare for Tertiary Reading and Writing/Conduct online research for further study

Reading & Note-taking

E1

E1 E2 E3

2

Paragraph writing & Essay Planning

  • TEEL structure and how to make paragraphs coherent by using linking words/phrases
  • Analyse sample paragraphs – S/NYS
  • Essay Plan
Write thesis statement and draft body paragraph 

E1

E1 E2 E3

3

  Paraphrasing

  • What is paraphrasing? What are the steps for paraphrasing
  • What are in text citations (references) and how do you include those in a paraphrase?
  • Continue draft essay

 

E1 E3

E1 E2

4

 Essay proofreading & editing

  • Finalise draft essay

Essay proofreading and editing

Assessment 1 -  Short Essay due

E1 E3

E 1 E2

5

  Topic focus & research skills

  • Do topic focus/mind mapping for Annotated Bibliography topic
  • Demonstrate database research on RMIT Library – Subject Guides
  • Micro credential Information Literacy 
  • What is an annotated bibliography?

 

Annotated Bibliography structure 

 

E1 E2 E3 E4

 

E1 E2 E3

6

  Annotations & CAPOW evaluating resources 

  • CAPOW evaluating resources activity
  • Write practice annotation/s in class - teacher feedback in class

E1 E3 E4

 

E1 E2 E3

7

  Synthesizing writing

  • Synthesising – RMIT Learning Lab
  • Practice synthesizing and in text citations
  • Write practice  synthesis paragraph

 

E1 E2 E3 E4

E 1 E2 E3

8

  Academic Writing 

  • Academic Writing Style – RMIT Learning Lab
  • Complete academic Writing and Referencing
  • Review Academic writing style
  • Review reporting verbs
  • Analyse sample annotations and full model Annotated Bibliographies

Task 2 - Draft Annotated Bibliography due week 8

 

E1 E2 E3 E4

E 1 E2 E3

9

  Report structure

  • Report structure
  • Use ‘Report Writing Process’ (RMIT Learning Lab)
  • Complete quiz/pair activity
  • View model academic reports
  • Read through Assessment Task 3: Academic Report & check resources

E 1 E2 E3 E4

E1 E2 E3

10

  Report Writing

  • Report Writing
  • Sections of a report 
  • Analyse sample Academic Reports
  • Turn topic into a question
  • Explain Structure & Language document

 

Write draft Introduction/Thesis statement in class

Assessment Task 3. Annotated Bibliography due week 10

 

 

E1 E3

E1 E2 E3

11

  Academic Report

  • Continue to work on Assessment Task 3: Academic Report
  • Topic focus and research
  • Report structure and language activities
  • Choose new relevant academic texts: use appropriate Reference Style & record in CAPOW table
  • Review Reporting verbs

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

12

  Interpreting Graphs

  • Interpreting, describing trends and labelling graphs/diagrams
  • Continue drafting Academic Report
  • Review features/structure of  Discussion section of report

Start draft Discussion in class

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

13

Academic Report

Analyse sample Academic Reports – S or NYS

  • Discussion section
  • Paraphrasing/Synthesizing

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

14

  Editing & proof reading 

  • Review integrating references and using reporting verbs – complete practice activities/samples

Finalise full draft report

Assessment Task 3 - Draft Academic Report due week 14

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

15

  Redrafting Academic Report

  • Editing and proofreading of Academic Report – use rubric to guide with proofreading and editing  report. 
  • Review integrate in text citations using suitable reporting verbs.

Teacher available to give individual support with editing reports.

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

16

Academic Report 

Support with Academic Report re-submission (if applicable)

Assessment Task 3 - Academic report due week 16

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

17

Assessment resubmissions; finalise assessment

    

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

This competency will have blended delivery: online using Canvas and face to face. At the induction session in the first week of your program you will be given guidelines on using the Canvas system.

Additional information about using CANVAS 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:

  • Laptop computer
  • Headphones 
  • USB (Memory stick)

 


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 and deadlines will also be clearly explained.

All assessment must be submitted through Canvas.

Summative Assessments:

Assessment Task 1: Short Essay (Science, Engineering, Business and Legal) (due Week 4)

Read an academic texts and write a cohesive short essay following planning and essay structure.   

Assessment Task 2: Annotated Bibliography  (draft due Week 8 and final due Week 10)

Research, read and critically analyse academic texts and complete an annotated bibliography or your business documents. 

Assessment Task 3: Academic Report (draft due Week 14 and final due Week 16)

Research, read and critically analyse a topic and write a cohesive 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 Canvas (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
  

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