Course Title: Conduct online research for further study

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2021

Course Code: GEDU6199

Course Title: Conduct online research for further study

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4411 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Course Contact: Jane Collins

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4055

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


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 40

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 and literacy skills that align to level 3 of ACSF are recommended. 

Course Description

This course will be develop your skills and knowledge to gather, critically analyse, organise and present information from online research and part of further study tasks.   


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU23098 Conduct online research for further study

Element:

1. Prepare for online research

Performance Criteria:

1.1 

Access online web search tutorials to gather effective search techniques 

1.2 

Identify search engines and databases relevant to research needs in consultation with expert personnel 

1.3 

Determine method and process for collecting and recording information gathered with others if required 

Element:

2. Research information

Performance Criteria:

2.1 

Determine purpose and scope of the research according to requirements and clarify with others if required 

2.2 

Identify key words and phrases for the search according to appropriate techniques 

2.3 

Access a range of websites and databases using relevant search engines 

Element:

3. Analyse information

Performance Criteria:

3.1 

Identify references from texts to follow up in further search 

3.2 

Critically examine material for relevance and suitability 

 

 

3.3 

Gather, organise and manage information in a format suitable for analysis and interpretation 


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.  

This competency will help you develop skills in online research. You will develop the skills and knowledge required to gather, critically analyse, organise and present information from online research.  

You will: 

Access online resources and complete online activities  

Identify search engines and databases relevant to research needs  

Critically examine material for relevance and suitability  

Gather, organise and manage information in a format suitable for analysis and interpretation  


Teaching Schedule

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is clustered with VU21865 Prepare for Tertiary Reading and Writing (GEDU6092) which is delivered face-to-face.    

The content of this course below is contextualised according to the stream: Science, Business, and Engineering   

 Course Dates:  

Semester 2: Monday 12 July 2021 – Friday 5 November 

Mid semester break: Monday 30 August-Friday 3 September 2021 

Public Holidays: Grand Final Holiday Friday 24 September, Melbourne Cup Day 2 November 2021 

 

 Business/Science/Engineering Teaching Schedule  


Week  

VU21865 Prepare for tertiary reading and writing  

VU21868 Conduct online research  

VU32098  

VU23095  

1  

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

What are the strategies/techniques? RMIT Learning Lab tutorial 

Review/practice reading, scanning and comprehension using essay reading text 

Note taking styles 

E1 E3 

E1  

2  

Paragraph structure & Essay structure 

TEEL structure and how to make paragraphs coherent by using linking words/phrases 

Essay structure and samples 

Introduce AT#1 

Essay Topic focus 

Read Article for Essay 

Evaluate text CRAAP Table 

E1  

E1 E2 E4  

3  

  

 Paraphrasing 

Notetaking 

What is paraphrasing? What are the steps for paraphrasing 

What are in text citations (references) and how do you include those in a paraphrase? 

Essay plan started 

E1 E3  

E1 E2 E4 

4  

Synthesising  

Find one more article on your topic 

Evaluate text CRAAP Table 

Notetaking 

Introduction of Synthesis 

Practice synthesizing and in text citations 

Write practice synthesis paragraph 

E1 E2 E3  

E 1 E2 E3 E4 

5  

Essay planning 

  

Essay Planning – record on Appendix 3 

Essay Draft 

E1 E2 E3  

   

E1 E2 E3 E4 

6  

Assessment Task 1: Short Essay (Science, Business and Engineering) (due Week 6)    

Essay Editing & Referencing 

Draft Essay (Part 4) - teacher feedback on draft essay 

Use editing checklist (Appendix 4) to proofread essay 

E1 E2 E3 

   

E 1 E3 E4  

7  


Annotations, Mind-mapping & Keyword searches 

  

Start Assessment Task 2: Annotated bibliography  

Topic focus/mind mapping for Annotated Bibliography topic 

Demonstrate database research on RMIT Library – Subject Guides/ 

Do quiz Conduct online research 

What is an annotated bibliography? 

Annotated Bibliography structure  

CRAAP evaluating resources activity 

Write practice annotation/s in class - teacher feedback in class 

  

E1 E2 E3  

E 1 E2 E3 E4 

8  

  

Annotations and Evaluating Research 

  

Write a practice annotation with Harvard reference 

Complete CRAAP and write 1 - 2 x draft annotation/s for your own text/s & receive teacher feedback 

E1 E2 E3  

E 1 E2 E3 E4 

  

  

 Analyzing sample Annotated Bibliography 

Analyse sample annotations and full model Annotated Bibliographies 

Teacher gives feedback on Draft Annotated Bibliography 

E 1 E2 E3  

E1 E2 E3  

10  

Start Assessment Task 3: Academic Report 

  

  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 

Academic Writing Style – RMIT Learning Lab 

Review reporting verbs 

  E1 E2 E3  

  

E1 E2 E3 E4  

  

11  

  Assessment Task 2: Annotated Bibliography FINAL by Sunday Week 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 CRAAP table 

Review Reporting verbs 

Review features of report 

Write draft Findings in class and finish for Directed Study 

  E1 E2 E3 

  

E1  E3 E4 

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  

  

E1 E 2 E3 E4 

  

13  

  

Academic Report 

Analyse sample Academic Reports – S or NYS 

Discussion section 

Paraphrasing/Synthesizing 

E1 E 2 E3   

   

E1 E 2 E3 E4 

14  

  

Editing & proof reading  

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

Finalize full draft report 

Teacher feedback on draft reports  

Assessment Task 3: Academic Report DRAFT due Sunday Week 14 

  E1 E 2 E3  

E1 E 2 E3 E4 

  

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 feedback on draft reports  

  E1 E 2 E3   

  

E1 E 2 E3 E4 

16  

Academic Report   

Support with Academic Report re-submission (if applicable)  

  E1 E 2 E3  

  

  E1 E 2 E3 E4 

  

17  

Finalise assessments assessment and results; assessment re-sits  

  

  

  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


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. There will be individual and group projects completed.  
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: Business/Science/Engineering 

Assessment Task 1: Short Essay (Science, Business and Engineering) (due Week 6)  

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

Assessment Task 2: Annotated Bibliography  (draft due Week 9 and final due Week 11)  

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 Appeals, Reasonable Adjustment and Extensions  

Students can appeal assessment decisions using these forms:   

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/appeals    

Students may be able to access reasonable adjustment such as an extension of time or a smaller group if appropriate. Students should contact the assessor at least one week prior to the assessment if they wish to be considered for reasonable adjustment.   

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment   

www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension  


Assessment Matrix

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 be deemed Competent in this cluster of units, you need to satisfactorily complete all of the assessment tasks. 

You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or program coordinator. An assessment delivery plan will be available on Canvas.  

Other Information

Attendance  

This course will be delivered using a blended approach; face to face classes and online, synchronous 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 may be asked to attend mid-semester and end of semester interviews with relevant teachers and the Program Coordinator. These 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  

  

Recognition of Prior Learning /RCC/Credit Transfer 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) and/or Credit Transfer may be available depending on your previous work and life experiences, formal, informal or non formal learning, completed accredited qualification/s or completed units. Please discuss this with the Program Coordinator. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentia

Course Overview: Access Course Overview