Course Title: Research current issues
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2020
Course Code: GEDU6188
Course Title: Research current issues
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
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 |
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Element: |
1. Select a current issue of significance in Australia |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
2. Research a current issue of significance in Australia |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
3. Discuss the current issue |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
4. Write about a current issue |
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Performance Criteria: |
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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 as part of a cluster (taught with VU22647/GEDU6183 - Take notes from complex spoken texts for study purposes). This cluster consists of face-to-face teaching and Directed Study. For this cluster you will have a minimum of four hours Directed Study per week (two hours of Directed Study Required and two hours of Directed Study Recommended). You are not required to attend classes to complete the 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:
Semester 1: 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)
**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 and presentation
- Explore RMIT activity
- Orientation to RMIT Libraries
Course Schedule: Semester 1, 2020 | |||
Week |
Activity |
Elements VU22647 |
Elements VU22627 |
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Week 1
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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
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1 |
1 2 3 |
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Week 2
|
Analyse an Aural text Note taking skills - facts and opinions Skills for Informal discussion Informal discussion Persuasive techniques and tone
|
1 2 |
1 2 |
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Week 3
|
Analyse an Aural text Note taking skills facts and opinions Informal discussion techniques Analyse persuasive techniques and tone Visual and auditory persuasive techniques Persuasive techniques and language |
1 2 |
1 3 |
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Week 4
|
Purpose of note taking Practise note taking and synthesising information in groups Pre-teaching of relevant vocabulary for assessment Background to topic |
2 |
1 2 |
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Week 5
|
Purpose of note taking Practise note taking and synthesising information in groups Pre-teaching of relevant vocabulary for assessment Background to topic
|
2 |
2 1 |
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Week 6
|
Listening to an Aural Text Analysis of aural text: purpose audience, register.style and tone
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1 2 |
3 |
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Week 7
|
Show documentary for Assessment Task 1: Analyse the features of a Documentary Note taking and language analysis On Line discussion and analysis on Canvas due.
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1 2 |
2
|
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Week 8
|
Note taking practice and assessing the effectiveness of note taking Introduction to tutorials Researching appropriate aural texts for tutorial |
1 |
1 2 |
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Week 9A
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Practise Group Interactions and turn taking Group Work Leading and participating in a tutorial effectively Review notes on aural texts for tutorial groups Easter Break: Thu April 9 – Wed 15 April
|
1 2 |
3 |
Week 9B |
Practise Group Interactions and turn taking Group Work Leading and participating in a tutorial effectively Review notes on aural texts for tutorial groups Easter Break: Thu April 9 – Wed 15 April
|
1 2 |
3 |
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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 |
1 |
3 |
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Week 11
|
Assessment Task 2 Analyse Aural Texts and participate in a Tutorial Due Select a current issue of significance in Australia from an aural text. Research the issue |
1 2 |
1 2 4 |
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Week 12
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Research the issue Listening and identifying facts and opinions Locating information Supporting ideas Use notes to structure writing a response to an issue
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1 |
1 2 |
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Week 13
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Plan and write opinion piece Take notes and synthesise information Evaluate different points of view |
2 |
1 2 4 |
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Week 14
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Complete first draft and edit writing Use notes to select and order information Paraphrase information Use appropriate layout, information and language |
2 |
1 2 4 |
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Week 15
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Group interactions, presenting a proposal or issue Assessment Task 3 Write a Response to an Issue Due |
1 2 |
1 2 3 4 |
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Week 16
|
Feedback on Assessment Task 3 Group evaluation discussion Additional evidence |
1 2 |
1 2 3 4 |
Week 17 |
Assessment re-submissions; finalise assessment |
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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: Analysing 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 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 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