Course Title: Research current issues

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2019

Course Code: GEDU6188

Course Title: Research current issues

School: 360T Education

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

Tim Morris tim.morris@rmit.edu.au

Jane Collins jane.collins@rmit.edu.au

Wendy Joseph wendy.joseph@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 55

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

In this unit of competency, you will be introduced to skills and knowledge to broaden your understanding of current issues. The competency will cover basic skills in research, discussion and writing about current issues in a further study context. 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU22627 Research current issues

Element:

1. Select a current issue of significance in Australia

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Source and scan a range of texts and identify current issues of interest

1.2 Select a current issue for further research

1.3 Identify terminology and language used when the issue is discussed

1.4 Identify conventions of texts

Element:

2. Research a current issue of significance in Australia

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Source a range of appropriate texts on the issue

2.2 Use reading strategies to identify main facts, some details and opinions related to the issue

2.3 Locate supporting information or examples

2.4 Synthesise information and take notes

2.5 Analyse and evaluate different viewpoints and relevant evidence

2.6 Record own opinion and supporting reasons

Element:

3. Discuss the current issue

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Participate in a discussion using terminology appropriate to the current issue being discussed

3.2 Use a range of conversational strategies

3.3 Contribute your opinion, reasons or information

3.4 Clarify misunderstandings and ambiguous points where necessary

 

Element:

4. Write about a current issue

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Plan to write an opinion piece comprising several cohesively linked paragraphs on a current issue

4.2 Gather facts, opinions and evidence

4.3 Select and order information, using appropriate layout

4.4 Use appropriate terminology and language

4.5 Proofread and correct final draft, with guidance

Learning Outcomes


The outcomes described in this unit relate to:

The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. They contribute directly to the achievement of ISLPR Reading 3/3+ and Writing 3/3+ and The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) indicators of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening competence 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  another unit 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 classes 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. 

This unit in part covers the listening  and writing macro skills addressed in the certificate.

Examples of how you will practice and study the units:


You will also select a range of current issues in Australia and use these to practise developing your listening, notetaking and research skills. Using current issues you will:

  • Use reading strategies to  identify main facts and opinions on issues
  • Analyse different viewpoints and evidence
  • Discuss opinions on issue using conversational strategies
  • Write your opinion with support ideas

 

 


Teaching Schedule

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

**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Canvas and in class should changes occur.

All students will be inducted into the program and into RMIT. induction includes:

  • Induction Booklet presentation
  • Explore RMIT activity
  • Orientation to RMIT Libraries

 

 

Course Schedule:                                                    Semester 2, 2019

Week

Activity

Elements VU22627

 Elements VU22647

Week 1

 

Introduction to listening to an oral text.

Pronunciation and intonation to identify individual problems and techniques to improve clarity

Language of discussion formal and informal

Listening to an aural text for persuasive techniques and tone

Informal discussions

1

2

3

 1

Week 2

 

Analyse an Aural text

Note taking skills facts and  opinions

Skills for Informal discussion

Persuasive techniques and tone

Visual and auditory persuasive techniques

1

2

1

2

Week 3

 

Analyse an Aural text

Note taking skills facts and  opinions

Informal discussion techniques

Analyse persuasive techniques and tone

Visual persuasive techniques

Persuasive techniques and language

1

3

1

2

Week 4

 

 

Purpose of note taking

Practise note taking and synthesising information in groups

Pre-teaching of relevant vocabulary for assessment

Background to topic

1

2

 2

Week 5

 

Show Documentary for Assessment Task 1: Analyse the features of a Documentary

Note taking and language analysis 

Explain requirements for group interaction online

 2

1

2

Week 6

 

Assessment Task 1: Analyse the features of a Documentary

Note taking and language analysis

On Line discussion and analysis on Canvas due.

 3

1

2

Week 7

 

Listening to an aural text

Analysis of aural text: purpose, audience, register, style and tone.

Key structural features and discourse strategies

1

2

 1

Week 8

 

Listening to and analysing an aural text

Note taking practice and assessing the effectiveness of note taking

Organise groups for assessment Task 2: Analyse Aural texts and participate in a tutorial

Researching appropriate aural texts for tutorial

1

2

 1

Week 9

 

Practise Group Interactions and turn taking

Group Work

Leading and participating in a tutorial effectively

Review notes on aural texts for tutorial groups

 3

1

2

Week 10

 

 

Group interactions, presenting a proposal or issue

Assessment Task 2: Analyse Aural texts and participate in a tutorial

Discussion on performances and issues raised

Group evaluation discussion

 3

 

1

Week 11

 

 

Select a current issue of significance in Australia from an aural text.

Use notes to structure writing a response to an issue

1

2

4

 1

2

Week 12

 

Research the issue

Listening and identifying facts and opinions

Locating information

Supporting ideas 

1

2

 1

Week 13

 

 

Plan and write opinion piece:

Take notes and synthesise information  

Evaluate different points of view

1

2

4

 2

Week 14

 

Complete first draft and edit writing:

Use notes to select and order information

Paraphrase information

Use appropriate layout, information and language

1

2

4

 2

Week 15

 

Group interactions, presenting a proposal or issue

Assessment Task 3 Write a Response to an Issue

1

2

3

4

1

2

Week 16

 

Feedback on Assessment Task 3

Group evaluation discussion

Additional evidence

1

2

3

4

1

2
 Week 17  Assessment resubmissions; finalise assessment    


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:

  • Dictionary/Thesaurus
  • Display folder with plastic sleeves
  • Highlighter pens
  • Notebook or loose leaf paper in folder
  • Headphones
  • Laptop computer

 


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 may be assessed by quizzes, notetaking, summaries and short answer responses, essays and research reports and groupwork. 

 

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 Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

 

The Student Charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT university student as well as the responsibilities of the university. This can be found on the RMIT University website at: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/student-responsibilities/student-charter

 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which can be found on the RMIT University website at: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/governance-and-management/policies/assessment-policy


Assessment Tasks

Summative assessments:

Assessment Task 1: Analyse the Features of a Documentary (Week 7)

  • This task involves analyse the features of a documentary on a current issue
     

Assessment Task 2: Analyse Aural Texts and Participate in a Tutorial (Week 11)

  • This task involves analysing aural texts and facilitating and participating in tutorials discussing the texts in a small group

Assessment Task 3: Write a Response to an Issue (Week 15)

This task involves writing a coherent response to one of the issues discussed in the tutorials summarising the issue and clearly giving your opinion. 

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

Please note: Assessments tasks may include other courses (Units of Competency) from the program

 


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. 

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 policywww.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