Course Title: Research current issues
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2019
Course Code: GEDU6188
Course Title: Research current issues
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
Tim Morris tim.morris@rmit.edu.au
Jane Collins jane.collins@rmit.edu.au
Wendy Joseph wendy.joseph@rmit.edu.au
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 conventions of 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. 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 classes 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.
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 Monday 8 July - Friday 8 November 2019
Mid semester break Monday 2 September - Friday 6 September 2019
Public Holidays Friday 27 September 2019
**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 presentation
- Explore RMIT activity
- Orientation to RMIT Libraries
Course Schedule: Semester 2, 2019 | |||
Week |
Activity |
Elements VU22627 |
Elements VU22647 |
Week 1
|
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 |
1 2 3 |
1 |
Week 2
|
Analyse an Aural text Note taking skills facts and opinions Skills for Informal discussion Persuasive techniques and tone Visual and auditory persuasive techniques |
1 2 |
1 2 |
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 |
1 3 |
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 |
1 2 |
2 |
Week 5
|
Show Documentary for Assessment Task 1: Analyse the features of a Documentary Note taking and language analysis Explain requirements for group interaction online |
2 |
1 2 |
Week 6
|
Assessment Task 1: Analyse the features of a Documentary Note taking and language analysis On Line discussion and analysis on Canvas due. |
3 |
1 2 |
Week 7
|
Listening to an aural text Analysis of aural text: purpose, audience, register, style and tone. Key structural features and discourse strategies |
1 2 |
1 |
Week 8
|
Listening to and analysing an aural text Note taking practice and assessing the effectiveness of note taking Organise groups for assessment Task 2: Analyse Aural texts and participate in a tutorial Researching appropriate aural texts for tutorial |
1 2 |
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 |
1 2 |
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 |
3
|
1 |
Week 11
|
Select a current issue of significance in Australia from an aural text. Use notes to structure writing a response to an issue |
1 2 4 |
1 2 |
Week 12
|
Research the issue Listening and identifying facts and opinions Locating information Supporting ideas |
1 2 |
1 |
Week 13
|
Plan and write opinion piece: Take notes and synthesise information Evaluate different points of view |
1 2 4 |
2 |
Week 14
|
Complete first draft and edit writing: Use notes to select and order information Paraphrase information Use appropriate layout, information and language |
1 2 4 |
2 |
Week 15
|
Group interactions, presenting a proposal or issue Assessment Task 3 Write a Response to an Issue |
1 2 3 4 |
1 2 |
Week 16
|
Feedback on Assessment Task 3 Group evaluation discussion Additional evidence |
1 2 3 4 |
1 2 |
Week 17 | Assessment resubmissions; finalise assessment |
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 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 student co-ordinator.
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