Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2023

Course Code: BUSM8835C

Course Title: Reflect on and improve own professional practice

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4420 - Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

Course Contact: Jacqui Cheng and Melanie Reynolds

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254918; 99254059

Course Contact Email: jacqueline.cheng@rmit.edu.au; melanie.reynolds@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Armen Dickranian 

armen.dickranian@rmit.edu.au   

9925 9494 

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

In this course you will work on the knowledge and skills needed to reflect on yourself, evaluate your own work, be able to seek opportunities for improvement and development. This means that you will understand how to do this within the parameters of ethical and legal requirements. 

 

This course is delivered over 2 semesters and clustered for delivery in Semester 2 with Work effectively with others (BSBTWK201) 

 

Assessment for this course includes a knowledge task, Research report, feedback and personal development plan. 

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Element:	1. Reflect on own practice
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Undertake self-evaluation in conjunction with supervisors and/or peers 1.2 Reflect on and recognise the effect of values, beliefs and behaviour in practice 1.3 Share two-way, open and evaluative feedback with co-workers or peers 1.4 Actively seek and reflect on feedback from clients, organisations or other relevant sources
Element:	2. Enhance own practice
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Determine improvements needed based on own evaluation and feedback from others 2.2 Identify potential support networks both internal and external to the organisation 2.3 Seek specialist advice or further training where need is identified 2.4 Recognise requirements for self-care and identify requirements for additional support 2.5 Devise, document and implement a self development plan that sets realistic goals and targets
Element:	3. Facilitate ongoing professional development
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Access and review information on current and emerging industry developments and use these to improve practice 3.2 Assess and confirm own practice against ethical and legal requirements and opportunities 3.3 Identify and engage with opportunities to extend and expand own expertise 3.4 Regularly participate in review processes as a commitment to upgrading skills and knowledge

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. 

Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate IV in School Based Education Support program. You will study this unit with several other units on the same day. Your program consists of a combination of: face to face classes, remote online classes via Canvas, Unsupervised Directed Study and compulsory Work placement attendance. It is strongly advised you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency. You are not required to attend to complete Unsupervised Directed Study, however you are expected to complete the work given and will at times be required to show evidence the work has been completed. Your Unsupervised Directed Study will be posted on Canvas.

 The student learning experience will be facilitated through participation in a range of activities:

• Work Placement
• Group discussion
• Research assignments
• Guest speakers
• Oral and/or written questions on "What if?" scenarios
• Realistic simulations and role play
• Practical demonstrations and direct observation of actual work and simulated work practice
• Oral Presentations
• Individual and group projects - Completing the projects will include negotiated independent study time and practical work relevant to the unit of competency.

Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources. Should the teaching schedule change students will be advised via Canvas.

Library Orientation & an RMIT Online Systems Information Session will be scheduled during the first two weeks of your program. Information about student services, rights and responsibilities is contained in your student portal https://www.rmit.edu.au/students  

This unit will be delivered weekly over two semesters. 

Semester  Dates:  Monday 10 July - 17 November 

Mid Semester break – Monday 18 Sep - Fri 22 September

Public Holidays: Melbourne Cup Holiday- 7 November/ AFL Grand Final September 29

 

Week	SEMESTER ONE	Elements
1	Unit Introduction   Importance of reflection and evaluation	1
2	Learning and teaching styles- SWOT analysis Teaching and learning continuum	1
3	Formal and informal ways of learning   Self reflection  Time management  struggle time  scaffolding   tips and tricks	1,2
4	What is professional reflection?  Models of professional reflection  Including Johns, Gibbs, Atkins, Murphy models	2
5	What is professional reflection?-continued  Models of professional reflection  Including Johns, Gibbs, Atkins, Murphy models	2
6	Setting goals to achieve personal development needs   SMART goals	2
7	ESW roles and responsibilities  awards and agreements -wages/responsibilities  Current industry developments  Work role boundaries  Work placement - expectations and responsibilities	2,3
8	Code of Conduct/ Duty of Care and Ethics  In Education workplaces	3
9	Communication/seeking mentoring  Importance of mentors  'Being a good mentee'-RMIT micro credential	1,2
10	AT1 : Unit Knowledge questions  In class assessment	1,2,3  AT1 due
11	Professional development resources	2,3
12	Professional organisations	2,3
13	AT2: Practice Improvement Research Report   in class assessment	3
14	Importance of Feedback  asking for feedback  receiving feedback	1,2  AT2 due
15	Looking after your Mental Health  How to know when we need to ask for help  What can we do to maintain our Mental Health	2
16	How to be a reflective learner/practitioner  Semester 1 Self-evaluation	1,2,3
17	Overview semester 1  Summary of what we have covered in S1  Revisit any topics required	1,2,3
18	Resubmissions

 

 

Semester 2 

Teaching Schedule – Part B

Week 1	Introduction to reflecting on own professional practice and assessments. Self-reflection-SWOT	E1
Week 2	Explain and introduce Personal development plan Personal goal setting, measuring performance Identifying skill development needs	E1, 2
Week 3	Submit Personal development plan Values-Personal, School and Department	E1,3
Week 4	Roles and responsibilities of ESW Code of conduct/Professional Behaviours/Initiative Professional feedback and identifying practices which can improve personal performance	E2,3
Week 5	Examining Key Selection criteria  Addressing key selection criteria using STAR Reflecting on own professional performance Setting goals to achieve personal development needs for ESW work	E1,2, 3
Week 6	Understanding and reading job advertisements and role requirements Examining Selection criteria/ reflecting on own professional practice	E1, 3
Week 7	Mental health and wellbeing management reflecting on own personal development and professional practice	E1, 2
Week 8	Professional development resources within work place Professional development resources outside work place Informal and formal ways of learning and development	E2, 3
Week 9	Work placement - responsibilities of ESW role  Reviewing goal setting Setting realistic goals and time frames Skills development	E3
Week 10	Resume writing Setting realistic goals and time frames Reflecting on own personal development and professional practice	E3
Week 11	Work placement - responsibilities of ESW role  Strategies to measure performance Being a good mentee	E1, 2, 3
Week 12	Searching for ESW roles/applying for jobs Responding to selection criteria for ESW role/writing a cover letter Strategies to measure performance	E1, 3
Week 13	Responding to ESW role /Interview techniques Using the STAR techniques in an interview Preparing for an interview Reflecting and evaluating personal development	E1, 3
Week 14	Reflecting on Work placement Reflecting and evaluating personal development and professional practice	E1,3
Week 15	Personal portfolio review Reflecting on improving own professional practice	E1,2,3
Week 16	Assessment task: Personal portfolio DUE Reflective writing.	E1
Week 17	Reflecting and reviewing on improving own personal development and professional practice.	E1

 

 

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through handouts, our online systems and access to facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources. It is recommended that you bring: 

• Laptop/tablet (connected to RMIT and OneDrive)
• Headphones  
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:  

The Learning Lab  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab  

The Study Support Hub   
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub  

English for uni workshops  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops  

Overview of Assessment

This unit is part of an integrated program. You must demonstrate the specified essential skills and knowledge to demonstrate competence in this unit. 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: 
• Oral or written questioning 
• oral presentations 
• Assignments and projects 
• Direct observation of actual work practice 
• Presentation of a portfolio of evidence which may comprise documents, and/or photographs and/or video and audio files 
• Work-based activities 
• Third-party feedback from a work supervisor/employer 
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions, 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 manager or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks 

Assessment Tasks Due:

 Personal development plan (Week 3)  

Personal Portfolio  (Week 16)

Assessment in this unit is assessed using the following overall competency-based results:

CA - Competency achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent

All Assessment tasks should be submitted by the due date. If an extension is required, please contact your teacher and/or Coordinator before the due date.

You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work.

All assessment tasks including electronically recorded student work will be kept by the University for student feedback and to meet government requirements.

Resubmissions:
If you are found to be Not Yet Competent in a Course Assessment Task you may be allowed one resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is ‘CA’.

Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency and with the critical aspects of assessment for each unit. 

 

 

Other Information

Attendance - The major learning experience 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 gain the competency.

Feedback - Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Students may be asked to attend interviews with relevant teachers and Program Coordinator to discuss academic progress.

Assessment Academic Progress  https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/governance-and-management/governance/policies/assessment-policy   

Special Consideration - 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. Please see the RMIT website for further information. www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism - RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy. www.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Course Overview: Access Course Overview