Course Title: Apply essential further study skills
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
Course Code: GEDU6187
Course Title: Apply essential further study skills
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
Angela Borrelli 51.2 angela.borrelli@rmit.edu.au
Jane Collins 51.2 jane.collins@rmit.edu.au
Jacqui Cheng 51.2
Nominal Hours: 90
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 required to prepare to enter tertiary study. The competency will cover basic skills in research and the analysis of tasks in a further study context and reinforce collaboration and study skills.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU21881 Apply essential further study skills |
Element: |
1. Analyse the requirements of tertiary learning environments |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify the expectations of the tertiary learning environment 1.2 Determine the main learning contexts found in tertiary learning environments 1.3 Define the main learning strategies used in tertiary learning environments 1.4 Analyse the features, benefits and disadvantages of different learning strategies as they relate to different learning contexts 1.5 Identify the features of the peer review system 1.6 Determine effective personal strategies to maximise learning opportunities |
Element: |
2. Investigate library services |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify the main services of educational libraries 2.2 Identify sources of information available in educational libraries 2.3 Establish broad criteria for assessing information |
Element: |
3. Use effective reading strategies to analyse complex texts |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Investigate the features and purpose of different academic reading strategies 3.2 Determine the significance of context for the meaning of a text 3.3 Use text structure, wording, syntax and technical vocabulary to support the interpretation of meaning 3.4 Synthesise, summarise and note the main arguments of the text 3.5 Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the text |
Element: |
4. Produce complex texts |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Identify the main features of types of academic texts 4.2 Analyse the features, purpose and phases of the academic writing process 4.3 Identify the significance of context and audience to academic writing 4.4 Produce a piece of academic writing, including appropriate referencing 4.5 Observe required standards on plagiarism and collusion |
Element: |
5. Develop collaborative learning relationships |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Identify modes of collaborative learning 5.2 Identify characteristics of effective collaborative learning relationships 5.3 Form collaborative learning relationships with other learners 5.4 Negotiate collaborative learning relationship protocols with other students 5.5 Agree strategies to deal with uneven contributions to collaborative work |
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes described in this unit relate to:
The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Reading and Writing. 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 and Writing 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 two other units 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 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 in this unit.
This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is taught with VU22648 (GEDU6184) Read and write complex texts for study purposes and VU21881 (GEDU6187) Apply essential further study skills.
The competencies will cover basic skills in learning strategies, analysis, critical thinking, research and academic writing for tertiary study.
The Weekly Program Delivery Plan is a detailed outline of what activities you will be undertaking in each session on a weekly basis. You can access this via Canvas on the first day of each teaching week.
You will be taught research and analytical skills over a wide range of texts relevant to the study context as well as read, analyse and review complex texts for appropriateness in a further study context.
In a variety of writing activities, you will learn how to use different writing styles that are appropriate for your study context. This will include essays, research reports, lab reports, proposals, critiques. You will:
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• learn to locate and record references used
• learn about research, essay and report writing
• learn to plan, draft and proofread your work
• construct formatted texts for study purposes
• become familiar with academic discourse
The revision of important grammatical structures will be incorporated into each activity.
Teaching Schedule
Course Dates:
11 February – 7 June 2019
Mid Semester Break:
Thursday 18 – Friday 26 April 2019
This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is taught with VU22648 (GEDU6184) Read and write complex texts for study purposes and VU21881 (GEDU6187) Apply essential further study skills.
Week |
Topic |
Activities
|
Elements |
Week 1 |
Induction Introduction to RMIT online/CANVAS Reading (Myung Sook) and predicting Reading and comprehension (Myung Sook)
|
Orientation/Administration: Skills Survey, my RMIT, Canvas Diagnostic Tasks Introduce Assessment Task 1: Group work task and individual short report Topic Sentences and sentence structure Introduce Reading tutorial |
VU22648- E1,2,3
VU21881- E 1,3,4,5 |
Week 2 |
Paragraph writing Unity and cohesion of paragraphs Taking notes Tutorial Reading Harvard referencing
|
Paragraph structure Paragraph Unity and Coherence Learning Strategies and Contexts Research-reading and taking notes Introduce Assessment Task 2 Extended Written Response 1 Reading Tutorial |
VU22648- E 1,2,3,4
VU21881-E 1,3,4, 5 |
Week 3 |
Stolen Generation-Reading and Taking notes Unity and coherence Group work practice EXCURSION to Melbourne Museum
|
Learning Strategies and Contexts Research/ Reading and Paraphrasing In text referencing Collaborative learning/Group work Finish Assessment Task 1: Group Work Task and Individual Report Introduce Assessment Rubric |
VU22648- E 1,2,3,5 VU21881-E1,2,5 |
Week 4 |
Reading Referencing Paraphrasing Introduce extended response structure -exposition/informative Essay structure Brainstorm advantages and disadvantages of Assimilation Policy |
Essay structure Model essay- deconstructed Harvard Referencing/reference lists essay question/context brainstorm Reading Tutorial |
VU22648- E 1,2,3
VU21881 –E 1,3,4,5 |
Week 5 |
Tutorials Intext citations/reporting verbs Essay structure- Essay planning/brainstorming Synthesizing Essay Writing Essay writing/peer editing Reference List |
Essay planning Direct Quotes and In-text referencing Complex Sentences Reading Tutorial |
VU22648- E 2,3,4,5
VU21881-E1,3,4 |
Week 6 |
Synthesizing Essay writing session Tutorials Watching and taking notes Reading comprehension Essay writing/self-editing Draft essay feedback sessions
|
Paraphrasing and in text citations synthesising and summarising Peer editing using rubric Reading Tutorial DRAFT Essay writing Assessment Task 2 Extended Written Response 1 DRAFT to be submitted to CANVAS and check Turnitin similarity report |
VU22648- E2,3,4,5
VU21881 -E1,3,4 |
Week 7 |
Research techniques CAPOW Website anatomy Introduce Assessment Task 3: Extended Written Response 2 |
Proof reading, editing and re writing an essay Research techniques Reading Tutorial submitted to CANVAS Introduce Assessment Task 3: Extended Written Response 2 -Discussion structure |
VU22648-E1,2,3,4 VU21881-E 2,3,4,5 |
Week 8 |
Assessment Task 3 -Break down the question/ Brainstorm the topic Activity: New vocabulary- Compulsory Voting
|
Academic English Reporting verbs Reading tutorial |
VU22648-E1,2 VU21881-E 1,2,3,5 |
Week 9 |
Reading academic articles Note taking Paraphrasing Fact and opinion Research Tutorial activity Extended written response/Essay review Library research session |
Reading academic articles Research-fact and opinion Discussion essay structure Library Research session Reading Tutorial |
VU22648-E1,2 VU21881-E 1,2,3,5 |
Week 10 |
Read, discuss and reference Linking words Review essay structure/plans Tutorials Research and essay planning Reference lists Reading academic article activity Introductions Intext citations
|
Essay Planning review Collaborative learning/Group Work Paraphrasing, synthesising Punctuation, linking words review Research Report topic focus Reading Tutorial |
VU22648-E1,2, 3,4 VU21881-E 1,2,3,5
|
Week 11 |
Reading/comprehension Paraphrasing Visual literacy- reading graphs
Draft essay feedback sessions
|
review intext citations Visual Literacy- reading and interpreting graphs and tables Peer editing using rubric Reading Tutorial Complete DRAFT of Assessment Task 3: Extended Written Response 2 submit to CANVAS and check similarity report on Turnitin |
VU22648-E1,2 VU21881-E3,5
|
Week 12 |
Draft essay feedback sessions Editing draft essay Tutorial model Topics/groups for assessment part 1 Topic brainstorm session Research
|
Proof reading, editing and rewriting a essay Introduce Assessment Task 4: Research Report Introduce Research Report Structure Report structure Review- what are academic references Brainstorm topics for research report/Prepare for group tutorial |
VU22648-E1,2,3 VU21881-E1,3,5
|
Week 13 |
Reading Paraphrasing Referencing Research/ prepare for part 1 Tutorial Sessions
|
Research reading and summarising Findings (section of Report) Interpreting nonverbal data, graphs statistics |
VU22648-E1,2,3 VU21881-E1,3,5
|
Week 14 |
Reading Paraphrasing Research and writing session Taking notes and writing a summary Report writing sessions
|
Research Reading and paraphrasing, synthesising Discussion (section of Report) in text citations/reporting verbs Review reference lists |
VU22648-E1,2,3,4 VU21881-E1,2,3,4,5 |
Week 15 |
Reading comprehension activity Writing an abstract Report writing sessions Checking reference lists and in text citations
|
Introduction (section of Report) Abstract (section of Report) Peer editing using rubric Assessment Task 4: Research Report draft and check Turnitin similarity report
|
VU22648-E1,2,3,4 VU21881-E2,3,4 |
Week 16 |
Draft report meetings Work on oral presentations Final report writing session
|
Proof reading, editing and re-writing a report Complete Assessment Task 4: Research Report final |
VU22648-E4 VU21881-E4,5 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT
There are not set texts in this course but it is recommended that you bring:
- Display folder with plastic sleeves
- Highlighter pens
- Notebook or loose leaf paper in folder
- Headphones
- Dictionary/thesaurus
- Laptop computer
- Canvas app on mobile device
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: Group work task and individual short report (Week 4)
You will collaborate in groups to visit Melbourne Museum and learn about one aspect of indigenous culture and produce an individual short written response.
Assessment Task 2: Extended Written Response 1 Draft (Week 6); Final Draft (Week 7)
You will research, plan and draft an expository essay. The draft will be submitted via Turnitin. The final essay will be submitted via Canvas
Assessment Task 3: Extended Written Response 2 Draft (Week 11); Final (Week 12)
You will research, plan and draft a discussion essay. The draft will be submitted via Turnitin. The final essay will be submitted via Canvas
Assessment Task 4: Research Report Draft (Week 15); Final (Week 16)
This task takes place over several weeks and involves researching a current issue. It involves group research using academic texts and writing an individual report identifying the genre, the key facts and discussing the research. The group research involves group meetings, tutorials and academic research using a variety of text types and summarising.
The draft will be submitted via Turnitin. The final report will be submitted via Canvas
Formative assessments: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work
Assessments tasks will include other courses (Units of competency) from the program.
Assessment Matrix
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.
To successfully complete this unit you will need to demonstrate that you are competent in each element of the unit/subject on at least two occasions.
You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or student co-ordinator. An assessment matrix will be available on myRMIT
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 policy www.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