Course Title: Develop academic skills for the tertiary learning environment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: TCHE5952

Course Title: Develop academic skills for the tertiary learning environment

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5422 - Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation

Course Contact: Jacqui Cheng

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254918

Course Contact Email: jacqueline.cheng@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 100

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

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to investigate the ways in which digital learning can support educational outcomes. 

This unit applies to learners who need to develop their knowledge of the education environment in preparation for entry into and participation in an undergraduate teacher education course. 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU23208 Develop academic skills for the tertiary learning environment

Element:

1. Develop strategies to support transition to tertiary education

Performance Criteria:

   

1.1  

   

Examine academic expectations of tertiary study   

   

1.2  

   

Investigate sources of information that can support transition to tertiary study  

   

1.3  

   

Identify available support services and their functions  

   

1.4  

   

Investigate factors which can impact on successful transition to tertiary education  

   

1.5  

   

Develop strategies to address the factors investigated  

Element:

2. Analyse learning strategies

Performance Criteria:

   

2.1  

   

Identify the learning contexts commonly experienced in the tertiary education sector   

   

2.2  

   

Define the learning strategies commonly applied in the tertiary education sector  

   

2.3  

   

Analyse the features, benefits and disadvantages of different learning strategies as they relate to different learning contexts  

   

2.4  

   

Examine own needs in relation to transition for academic success  

Element:

3. Participate in a collaborative learning experience

Performance Criteria:

   

3.1  

   

Identify the ways in which collaborative learning groups can be formed  

   

3.2  

   

Form a group and agree on group protocols  

   

3.3  

   

Identify and agree to a learning goal to be achieved by the group  

   

3.4  

   

Agree and document a plan to achieve the learning goal   

   

3.5  

   

Implement the plan  

   

3.6  

   

Review and document the collaborative process learnings   

   

3.7  

   

Present the learnings in an oral group presentation or discussion   

Element:

4. Examine tertiary academic requirements

Performance Criteria:

   

4.1  

   

Identify the academic writing process  

   

4.2  

   

Identify commonly used referencing systems and their features  

   

4.3  

   

Examine the elements of academic discourse  

   

4.4  

   

Examine the features of data literacy in the academic context  

Element:

5. Apply tertiary academic skills

Performance Criteria:

   

5.1  

   

Produce a piece of academic writing using the elements of academic discourse and including a minimum of two references  

   

5.2  

   

Analyse data and draw conclusions as part of an academic task  

   

5.3  

   

Seek feedback on tasks and review own learning 


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 The Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation program. Your program consists of face to face and remote/online classes, unsupervised Directed Study and you are required to participate in compulsory work placement. 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.     

 

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

 

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   

 

Semester 1 Dates:  Monday 6th February - 16th Jun

Mid Semester break – Friday 7th April – Friday 16th April

Public Holidays: Labor Day March 13 & ANZAC Day April 25

  

 
           

 Week 

       

Topic/ Learning activities 

       

Assessment 

       

Week 1 

   

Course outline, expectations, assessments  

Motivation to study  

Studying at RMIT - Student portals & services, University websites,  

   

 

       

Week 2 

   

Goals/fears/aspirations – setting realistic and achievable goals for the tertiary learning environment  

Taking responsibility for one’s own learning  

Attendance  

Reflecting on learning and seeking assistance when needed  

Working with mentors/ other students  

   

 

       

Week 3 

   

Academic Integrity  

Organisation & Time Management – the key to efficient and effective learning in a tertiary environment  

   

Detailed discussion of the requirements for Assessment 1  

   

   

 

       

Week 4 

   

Previous educational experience  

Family/work responsibilities- work/life balance  

Barriers to learning  

Absence from education  

   

 

       

Week 5 

   

Learning styles – what are the different ways in which we learn?  

How do we learn?  

   

 

       

Week 6 

   

VARK -Examine the VARK model of learning styles.  

   

 

       

Week 7 

   

Revisit checklist for Assessment 1.  

Reflective writing  

   

 

       

Week 8 

   

 Introduce assessment 2. Academic research essay  

  

   

AT1 Academic resources DUE

       

Week 9 

   

Investigate an education related topic  

Assessment 2 Part 1: Topics submitted on discussion  

   

 

       

Week 10 

   

Research Skills

   

 

       

Week 11 

   

Academic Research for your essay topic

   

 

       

Week 12 

   

Relevant research & essay structure

(creating an essay plan)

   

 

       

Week 13 

   

Your essay plan

  

   

AT2:Academic Essay 

Part 2-Detailed plan due  

       

Week 14 

   

Referencing  

Annotated bibliography  

   

 

       

Week 15 

   

Academic essay drafting  

   

 

       

Week 16 

   

Academic essay drafting  and proof reading

   

 

       

Week 17 

   

Reflect on developing academic skills for the learning environment.  

   

 

       

Week 18 

   

Resubmissions 

   

 

SEMESTER TWO: 

 
           

Week 

       

Topic/ Learning activities 

       

Assessment  

       

Week 1 

   

   

Introduction to Semester 2; course outline, expectations  

 Assessment 2 continued  

   

 

       

Week 2 

   

Formal writing  

Transitions  

Referencing  

   

 

       

Week 3 

   

Academic writing skills and editing  

  

   

AT2: Academic Essay 

Part 3 Draft DUE -  

       

Week 4 

   

Academic writing skills  

Editing  

   

 

       

Week 5 

   

 

Conclusions  

 

   

 

       

Week 6 

   

Editing

   

 

       

Week 7 

   

Final essay drafts and editing

  

   

AT2: Academic Essay 

Part 4 Final DUE  

       

Week 8 

   

Introduce Assessment 3 Teaching and Learning (group presentation)    

   

 

       

Week 9 

   

 

Features of respectful communication and behaviour to support positive group interactions  

Identify the ways in which collaborative learning groups can be formed and reformed  

   

 

       

Week 10 

   

Form a group and agree group protocols  

   

 

       

Week 11 

   

Agree a learning goal to be achieved by the group

   

 

       

Week 12 

   

 

Agree and document a plan to achieve the learning goal

LANTITE- reviewing YOUR capabilities  

   

 

       

Week 13 

   

 Agree a learning goal to be achieved by the group  

 Agree and document a plan to achieve the learning goal  

   

 

       

Week 14 

   

Assessment 3 Teaching and Learning 

Present oral group presentations  

   

 

       

Week 15 

   

Assessment 3 Teaching and Learning  

Present oral group presentations  

   

AT3 Teaching and Learning (second grps) DUE 

       

Week 16 

   

Report writing  - you need to be able to write reports for the Bachelor degree course

Review and reflect on academic writing skills  

   

 

       

Week 17 

   

Reflect on developing academic skills for the learning environment.  

   

 

       

Week 18 

   

Resubmissions 

   

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

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  

  

TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT 

There are no set texts in this course. 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: 

• Your laptop 
• Headphones  


Overview of Assessment

This unit is part of an integrated program. You must demonstrate critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency 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 
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.  

Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on Canvas.  


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.   

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.  
 
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates 

Assessment Task 1: Academic Resources Due Week 8 (semester 1)

Assessment Task 2: Academic Essay Parts 1 and 2 due in Semester 1. All Parts due in Week 7 (Semester 2) 

Assessment Task 3: Participate in a Collaborative Learning Experience. Due Week 14 & 15 (Semester 2)

 

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:  

CA: Competency Achieved  
NYC: Not Yet Competent  
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment   

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.  
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 

 

This unit will be graded after the determination of competency using approved grading rubrics developed in consultation with other Institutes. Each student will be graded on Language and Literacy, Numeracy and/or academic skills as appropriate within the unit. Grading in this unit is a requirement of the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration of Initial Teacher Education Preparation (ITE) programs. 


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. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required. 

Other Information

Attendance:  

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

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.  

  

Information about your course:  

You can access ‘my course’ through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course  

 

  

Assessment:  

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results  

  

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.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/academic-integrity  

   

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:   

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).  

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.    

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/enrolment/apply-for-credit  

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview