Course Title: Research current issues

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 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

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 conventionsof 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 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 6 July - Friday 6 November

Mid-semester break:  Monday 31 Aug -  Friday 4 Sept

Public Holidays: Tuesday November 3 (Melb Cup Day)

  

**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 2, 2020 

Week 

Activity 

Elements VU22647 

Elements VU22627 

Week 1 

  

Introduction to Cluster 3

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

Note-taking skills facts and opinion

 1 

Week 2 

  

 Analyse an Aural text

Note taking skills - facts and opinions

Skills for Informal discussion

Informal discussion

Persuasive techniques and tone and register

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

2

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

 2 

Week 5 

  

Purpose of note taking

Practise note taking and synthesising information in groups

Pre-teaching of relevant vocabulary for assessment

Background to topic

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

 

 2 

Week 6 

  

Listening to an aural text

Analysis of aural text, purpose, audience and tone

Practise note taking and synthesising information in groups

Background to topic

Pre-teaching of relevant vocabulary for assessment

 3 

Week 7 

  

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

Note taking and language analysis

Explain requirements for online discussion on Canvas

 1 

 

Week 8 

  

Assessment Task 1:Analyse features of Spoken Text DUE

Online discussion and analysis on Canvas due

Note taking practice and assessing the effectiveness of note taking

Introduction to tutorials

Researching appropriate aural texts for tutorial

 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 

Week 10 

  

  

Group interactions, presenting a proposal or issue

Assessment Task 2 Analyse Aural Texts and participate in a Tutorial 

In class tutorials 

  

 1 

  

Week 11 

  

  

Assessment Task 2: Participate in a group discussion 

In class tutorials

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

Use notes to structure writing a response to an issue

Week 12 

  

Research the issue

Listening and identifying facts and opinions

Locating information

Supporting ideas

use notes to structure writing a response to an issue

 1 

Week 13 

  

  

Plan and write opinion piece:

Take notes and synthesise information

Evaluate different points of view

 2 

Week 14 

  

Complete first draft and edit writing:

Use notes to select and order information

Paraphrase information

Use appropriate layout, information and language

 2 

Week 15 

  

Group interactions, presenting a proposal or issue

Assessment Task 3 Write an opinion piece on an issue

 1 

Week 16 

  

Feedback on Assessment Task 3

Group evaluation discussion

Additional evidence

 Week 17 

 Finalise assessment and results. Assessment resits. End-of -semester exit interview

  

  


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 features of Spoken Text DUE (Week 8)

Assessment Task 2:  Participate in a group discussion  (Week 11)

Assessment Task 3: Write an opinion piece on an issue (Week 15)

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