Course Title: Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: GEDU6196

Course Title: Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

School: 535T Social Care and Health

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: 80

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

Course Description

By studying this course you will develop skills and knowledge to prepare to undertake entry level study at a tertiary level. It addresses the basic skills of tertiary study in analysis and critical thinking, research and academic writing.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	VU23095 Prepare for tertiary reading and writing
Element:	1. Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to respond to academic study tasks
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Determine the purpose and audience for the task 1.2 Identify key terms and concepts 1.3 Determine types of input needed to complete the task 1.4 Analyse concepts using critical thinking skills 1.5 Seek advice from others in determining response to the task
Element:	2 Analyse and synthesise information from academic sources
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Determine information needs 2.2 Access resources from a variety of academic sources 2.3 Evaluate and sort sources according to reliability and relevance 2.4 Apply reading strategies to analyse information in academic sources 2.5 Summarise and record relevant information 2.6 Record sources of information
Element:	3. Produce written responses to academic tasks
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Analyse task requirements and assessment criteria and plan response 3.2 Determine the features and language of academic writing style required 3.3 Construct coherent response integrating sources effectively to meet task requirements 3.4 Review writing with others and adjust accordingly 3.5 Revise final draft according to assessment criteria 3.6 Proof read and edit final draft to meet task requirements
Element:	4. Reference sources effectively using appropriate conventions
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Select appropriate system of referencing 4.2 Accurately record reference information for each citation 4.3 Use conventions and word processing formatting 4.4 Proof read for accuracy

Learning Outcomes

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. It will cover academic skills in analysis, critical thinking, research and academic writing for tertiary study.

Reading

You will be taught research and analytical skills over a wide range of texts relevant to the study context.

You will read, analyse and review complex texts for research purposes

Writing

In a variety of writing activities, you will improve your academic skills and learn how to use different writing styles that are appropriate for your study context. This will include producing an essay, annotated bibliography and an academic research report.

You will:
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• learn to locate and record references used
• learn about database research and academic 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

Your learning will involve class based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.

It is required that you attend all timetabled sessions. You attend a minimum of 80% of all classes in order to successfully complete each unit.

Teaching Schedule

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is clustered with VU21868 (GEDU6095) Conduct Online Research for further study which is delivered face to-face. The content of this course below is conceptualised according to the stream: Science, Engineering and Business.

Semester 2 2025

Week 1: 14 July to Week 18: 23 November

Mid Semester Break

1-7 September

Public Holidays

Grand Final Day 26 September

Melbourne Cup Day 4 November

Census Date 1 September 2025

Teaching Schedule: Business/Engineering/Health/Science refer to Canvas for any changes

Week	VU23095 Prepare for Tertiary Reading and Writing VU23098 Conduct Online Research	VU23095	VU23098
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	E1 E3
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	E3
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 E2 E4	E1 E2
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,E4	E 1 E2 E3
5	Essay planning Essay Planning – record on Appendix 3 Assessment Task 1: Short Essay (draft due Week 5)	E1 E2 E3 E4	E1 E2 E3
6	Essay Editing & Referencing Draft Essay (Part 4) - teacher feedback on draft essay Use editing checklist (Appendix 4) to proofread essay Assessment Task 1. Short Essay due	E1 E3 E4	E1 E2 E3
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 E4	E 1 E2 E3
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 E4	E 1 E2 E3
9	Analyzing sample Annotated Bibliography Analyse sample annotations and full model Annotated Bibliographies Teacher gives feedback on Draft Annotated Bibliography Assessment Task 2: Draft Annotations due	E 1 E2 E3 E4	E1 E2 E3
10	Start Assessment Task 3: Academic Report Research Deductive and inductive reasoning 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	E 1 E2 E3 E4	E1 E2 E3
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 Critical thinking quiz(Inductive an 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 E3 E4	E1 E2 E3
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 E4	E1 E 2 E3
13	Academic Report Analyse sample Academic Reports – S or NYS Discussion section Paraphrasing/Synthesizing	E1 E 2 E3 E4	E1 E 2 E3
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 E4	E1 E 2 E3
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 E4	E1 E 2 E3
16	Assessment Task 3: Academic Report due Week 16 Support with Academic Report re-submission (if applicable)	E1 E 2 E3 E4	E1 E 2 E3
17	Assessment re submissions; finalise assessment Support with re submissions of Assessment tasks if applicable.
18	Resubmissions of Assessment tasks if applicable

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. 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: Science/Engineering/Business

Assessment Task 1: Short Essay

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

Assessment Task 2: Annotated Bibliography

Research, read and critically analyse academic texts and complete an annotated bibliography.

Assessment Task 3: Academic Report

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.

You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or Program Coordinator. An assessment delivery plan will be available on Canvas (myRMIT)

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-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview