Course Title: Read and write complex texts for study purposes

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

Course Code: GEDU6184

Course Title: Read and write complex texts for study purposes

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4399 - Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study)

Course Contact: Baia Tsakouridou, Melanie Reynolds

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email: baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au, melanie.reynolds@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Angela Borrelli 51.2.02

angela.borrelli@rmit.edu.au

 

Jacqui Cheng 51.2.02

jacqueline.cheng@rmit.edu.au 
  

Melanie Kyle 51.2.02

melanie.kyle@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 120

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 for further study purposes. In this unit you will be focusing on analysing a wide range of complex texts as models for own writing and creating a wide range of texts for further study purposes.

This unit is part of a full time integrated academic preparation program. It aims to provide you with the cultural understanding, advanced English language and study skills to participate in further study contexts.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU22648 Read and write complex texts for study purposes

Element:

1. Read and analyse a range of complex texts for study purposes

Performance Criteria:

1.1

Identify and access a range of complex texts relevant to own study purposes

1.2

Identify the context and purpose of complex written texts and the register used

1.3

Use a wide variety of reading strategies to analyse the texts

1.4

Analyse the discourse structure of the text

1.5

Identify main contentions or positions / stances of writers of texts

1.6

Identify and analyse evidence provided to support writer’s position / stance

1.7

Identify language and other devices used to convey writer’s stance

1.8

Evaluate the usefulness of the information within complex texts in relation to own study purposes

Element:

2. Take notes from a range of complex written texts for study purposes

Performance Criteria:

2.1

Confirm purpose of note-taking

2.2

Use text layout to locate relevant information in complex texts.

2.3

Use a range of strategies to record and synthesise information suited to study purpose

Element:

3. Produce an extended written text for study purposes

Performance Criteria:

3.1

Confirm formalrequirements and purpose of an extended written text

3.2

Locate and synthesise complex information and ideas from a range of sources

3.3

Design an outline plan for the text using researched material

3.4

Support point of view with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples

3.5

Link ideas in clear connected text, using a range of cohesive devices

3.6

Develop cohesive text according to plan using coherently linked paragraphs with language appropriate to register

Element:

4. Reference resources used in research based text according to specified referencing conventions

Performance Criteria:

4.1

Identify the purposes and conventions of referencingin formal study contexts and in own specific study field

4.2

Locate and record references used

4.3

Organise and insert references according to specified referencing conventions for the specific field of study

4.4

Word process reference list using appropriate formatting

Element:

5. Review own written texts

Performance Criteria:

5.1

Use proofreading and editingprocesses to review text

5.2

Review text for clarity of content, expression, structure and sequence of ideas

5.3

Check the text meets the requirements of the task

5.4

Seek feedback on the text from a support person

5.5

Review feedback and edit text accordingly

5.6

Submit final draft as required


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 Reading 3/3+ and Writing 3/3+
and
· the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) http://www.deewr.gov.au/SKILLS/PROGRAMS/LITANDNUM/ACSF/Pages/default.aspx . They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence in Oral Communication at Level 4.
 


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study) which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with one other unit on the same day. Your program consists of Face to Face teaching, Online via Canvas 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.  An outline of your Directed Study is published each week in the Modules section on Canvas.

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is taught with VU21881 (GEDU6187) Apply essential further study skills.

Examples of how you will practise and study the units:

READING
You are encouraged to read a wide range of texts relevant to the study context. You will:

  • read academic texts 
  • study current issues 

WRITING
In a variety of writing activities, you will improve your sentence structure and learn how to use different writing styles. This will include extended written responses such as academic essays and research reports. You will:

  • learn to locate and record references used
  • learn about research for essay 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.

All students will be have an induction into RMIT. The induction includes:

  • Induction Booklet available on Canvas and Induction presentation
  • Orientation to RMIT Libraries

 

 


Teaching Schedule

Course Dates:  Monday 10 February – Friday 12 June 2020 

Mid-semester break: Thursday 9 April – Wednesday 15 April (inclusive) 

Public Holidays: 9 March 2020 (Labour Day); 8 June (Queens Birthday) 

  This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is taught with VU21881 (GEDU6187) Apply essential further study skills. 

   

Week 

Topic 

Activities 

  

Elements 

Week 1 

Induction 

Introduction to RMIT online/CANVAS 

Reading (Myung Sook) and predicting 

Reading and comprehension (Myung Sook) 

  

Orientation/Administration: Skills Survey, my RMIT, Canvas 
Learning lab - study 

Diagnostic Tasks 
 Collaborative learning: skills/Group work 

Introduce Assessment Task 1: Group work task and short written response  

Topic Sentences and sentence structure 

 

VU22648- E1,2,3 

  

VU21881- E 1,3,4,5 

Week 2 

Paragraph writing 

Unity and cohesion of paragraphs 

Taking notes 

  

Harvard referencing 

  

Paragraph structure 

Paragraph Unity and Coherence 

Learning Strategies and Contexts 

Research-reading and taking notes 

Introduce Assessment Task 2 Extended Written Response 1 

  

VU22648- E 1,2,3,4 

  

VU21881-E 1,3,4, 5 

Week 3 

 Reading and Taking notes 

Unity and coherence 

Group work practice 

  

  

  

Learning Strategies and Contexts 

Research/ Reading and Paraphrasing 

In text referencing 

Collaborative learning/Group work 

Finish Assessment Task 1: Group Work Task  & Short Written Response 

Introduce Assessment Rubric 

VU22648- E 1,2,3,5 

VU21881-E1,2,5 

Week 4 

Reading 

Referencing 

Paraphrasing 

Introduce extended response structure -exposition/informative 

Essay structure 

Brainstorm essay topic 

Essay structure 

Model essay- deconstructed 

Harvard Referencing/reference lists 

essay question/context brainstorm 

  

VU22648- E 1,2,3 

  

VU21881 –E 1,3,4,5 

Week 5 

  

Intext citations/reporting verbs 

Essay structure- Essay planning/brainstorming 

Synthesizing 

Essay Writing 

Essay writing/peer editing 

Reference List 

Essay planning 

Direct Quotes and In-text referencing 

Complex Sentences 

  

VU22648- E 2,3,4,5 

  

VU21881-E1,3,4 

Week 6 

Synthesizing 

Essay writing session 

Watching and taking notes 

Reading comprehension 

Essay writing/self-editing 

Draft essay feedback sessions 

  

Paraphrasing and in text citations 

synthesising and summarising 

Peer editing using rubric 

DRAFT Essay writing 

Assessment Task 2 Extended Written Response 1 DRAFT to be submitted to CANVAS and check Turnitin similarity report due; Friday Week 6 

VU22648- E2,3,4,5 

  

VU21881 -E1,3,4 

Week 7 

Research techniques 

CAPOW 

Website anatomy 

Introduce Assessment Task 3: Extended Written Response 2 

Proof reading, editing and re writing an essay 

Research techniques 

submitted to CANVAS 

Introduce Assessment Task 3: Extended Written Response 2  

  

Assessment Task 2: Extended Written Response 2 Final Due Friday Week 7 

VU22648-E1,2,3,4 

VU21881-E 2,3,4,5 

Week 8 

  

Assessment Task 3 -Break down the question/ Brainstorm the topic 

Activity: New vocabulary essay topic  

 

Academic English 

Reporting verbs 

  

VU22648-E1,2 

VU21881-E 1,2,3,5 

Week 9A & 9B 

Easter Break: Thu 9 April – Wed 15 April 

Reading academic articles 

Note taking 

Paraphrasing 

Fact and opinion 

Research 

Fact and opinion 

Extended written response/Essay review 

Library research session 

Reading academic articles 

Research-fact and opinion 

Discussion essay structure 

Library Research session 

  

VU22648-E1,2 

VU21881-E 1,2,3,5 

Week 10 

Read, discuss and reference Linking words 

Review essay structure/plans  

Research and essay planning 

Reference lists 

Reading academic article activity 

Introductions 

Intext citations 

  

Essay Planning review 

Collaborative learning/Group Work 

Paraphrasing, synthesising 

Punctuation, linking words review 

Research Report topic focus 

Assessment Task 3 Essay Plan due in class 

Complete DRAFT  of Assessment Task 3 Extended Written Response 2 - submit to Canvas by Friday Week 10 

VU22648-E1,2, 3,4 

VU21881-E 1,2,3,5 

  

Week 11 

Reading/comprehension 

Paraphrasing 

Visual literacy- reading graphs 

Draft essay feedback sessions 

  

review intext citations 

Visual Literacy- reading and interpreting graphs and tables 

Peer editing using rubric 

Complete FINAL  of Assessment Task 3: Extended Written Response 2 submit to CANVAS by Friday Week 11  

VU22648-E1,2 

VU21881-E3,5 

  

Week 12 

  

Draft essay feedback sessions 

Editing draft essay 

Topics/groups for assessment part 1 

Topic brainstorm session 

Research 

  

Proof reading, editing and rewriting an essay 

Introduce Assessment Task 4: Research Report 

Introduce Research Report Structure 

Report structure 

Review- what are academic references 

Brainstorm topics for research report/Prepare for group tutorial 

VU22648-E1,2,3 

VU21881-E1,3,5 

  

  

Week 13 

Reading 

Paraphrasing 

Referencing 

Research/ prepare for part 1 

  

  

Research reading and summarising   

Findings (section of Report)  

Interpreting nonverbal data, graphs statistics 

VU22648-E1,2,3 

VU21881-E1,3,5 

  

Week 14 

Reading 

Paraphrasing 

Research and writing session 

Taking notes and writing a summary 

Report writing sessions 

  

Research 

Reading and paraphrasing, synthesising 

Discussion (section of Report) 

in text citations/reporting verbs 

Review reference lists 

VU22648-E1,2,3,4 

VU21881-E1,2,3,4,5 

Week 15 

Reading comprehension activity 

Writing an abstract 

Report writing sessions 

Checking reference lists and in text citations 

  

Introduction (section of Report) 

Abstract (section of Report) 

Peer editing using rubric 

Assessment Task 4: Research Report draft and check Turnitin similarity report - submit to Canvas by Friday Week 15 

  

VU22648-E1,2,3,4 

VU21881-E2,3,4 

Week 16 

Draft report meetings 

Final report writing session 

  

  

Proof reading, editing and re-writing a report 

Complete Assessment Task 4: Research Report final - submit to Canvas by Friday Week 16 

VU22648-E4 

VU21881-E4,5 

 Week 17 

  

  Assessment resubmissions; finalise assessment 

  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT

There are not set texts in this course but it is recommended that you bring:

  • Display folder with plastic sleeves
  • Highlighter pens
  • Notebook or loose leaf paper in folder
  • Headphones
  • Dictionary/thesaurus
  • Laptop computer
  • Canvas app on mobile device


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 may be assessed by:

extended written essays
a portfolio investigating study/career pathways.


Feedback will be provided throughout the semester, in both oral and written form, 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://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures.


Assessment Tasks

Summative assessments:

 

Assessment Task 1:  Group work task and Short Written Response (Week 3)

You will collaborate to complete a group activity and then write a short written response.

Assessment Task 2: Extended Written Response 1   Draft (Week 6); Final Draft (Week 7)

You will research, plan and draft an extended written response. The draft will be submitted via Turnitin. The final essay will be submitted via Canvas.

Assessment Task 3: Extended Written Response 2   Draft (Week 10);  Final  (Week 11)

You will research, plan and draft an extended written response. The draft will be submitted via Turnitin. The final essay will be submitted via Canvas.

Assessment Task 4: Research Report     Draft (Week 15); Final  (Week 16)

This task involves researching a current issue. It involves group research using academic texts and writing an individual report discussing the research. The group research involves group meetings, tutorials and academic research using a variety of text types and summarising.

The draft will be submitted via Turnitin. The final report will be submitted via Canvas

Formative assessment may also be used: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work

 

Please note: Assessments tasks will include other courses (Units of competency) from the program.
 


Assessment Matrix

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 successfully complete this unit, you will need to demonstrate that you are competent in each element of the unit/subject as assessed in the assessment tasks. You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or program coordinator. 

Other Information

Attendance

Your course involves participating in face to face classes. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to successfully complete this course.

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:

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has  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