Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Sarah Carlon
Contact via Dialogue
X5A108
By appointment
Mark Carter
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertLearnDiffSuppTeach or GradDipSpecEd or MSpecEd
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
SPED822
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is designed to provide students with the information and skills necessary to guide their instruction of students in the areas of comprehension and writing. It focuses on current research-based theoretical, conceptual and pedagogical components of comprehension and writing.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Results for assessments will be reported as grades (i.e., HD, D, Cr, P, F). Where grades are used to report results for assessment components with significant weighting, convenors may also optionally add the suffixes of + (plus) or - (minus) to the generic descriptor in order to provide additional detail. For example:
Pass +
Pass
Pass -
In this case, a “Pass +” would indicate performance in the upper end of the pass range, a grade of “Pass” would indicate a mid-range pass and a “Pass -” would indicate performance at the lower end of the pass range. This principle is applied to all grade descriptors (i.e., HD, D, CR, P, F)
Raw scores for all assessments will be moderated according to the University guidelines so that work judged to be of a given standard is awarded a moderated score within the following distribution: High Distinction 85-100; Distinction 75-84, Credit 65-74; Pass 50-64; Fail 0-49.
For example, if it is judged that the HD standard for a particular assessment is met by work scoring 90-100, raw scores will be adjusted so that students received moderated scores between 85 and 100. This moderation takes into account both the stated performance standards for the assessment component and the degree of difficulty of the specific task.
All assessment tasks must be attempted for students to be eligible for an overall passing grade in the unit.
Students are required to gain an overall pass on the unit, but do not have to pass all assessment components. If you perform poorly on one component, you may compensate for this with a better performance in the other components.
Consistent with the University Assessment Policy, moderated scores will be used in the calculation of final grades. The final unit score will be the weighted average of the moderated scores for the unit.
Students are required to gain an overall pass on the unit, but do not have to pass all assessment components. If you perform poorly on one component, you may compensate for this with an improved performance in the other component. Resubmission is not permitted.
If any student has concern about the marking of an assessment, they must:
Consult the member of staff who marked the work.
If there is no satisfactory resolution, an appeal should be made in writing to the unit convenor within one week of the marked assessment being returned or of results being made available. The student should explicitly state the basis of the appeal.
The Unit convenor will review the marking and may, at their discretion, ask for a re-marking by a second marker. If re-marking by a second marker is judged appropriate, the final mark will normally be the average of the two marks awarded for the assessment task. Students should note that the revised mark for the task may be higher, the same, or lower than the original mark.
Please note that it is policy to double mark all failing assessments. The decision of the unit convenor is final.
See the Policies and Procedures section for details on appeals against Unit Grades.
You must read the Academic Honesty Policy in the the Policies and Procedures section of this guide
Important points:
Close paraphrasing of another persons’ writing is considered to be plagiarism. You must express ideas using your own words.
Claim of ignorance of the University policy on plagiarism is NOT a defence. If you do not understand the Academic Honesty Poilicy, please seek advice from a member of the academic staff.
In general, good presentation, correct grammar, spelling and appropriate word choice will be expected. Express your ideas concisely and clearly, and observe any stated word limits.
Strict APA referencing procedures should be used.
You will submit your assignment through the iLearn website via the link in the Assessment section.
Staff will NOT respond to requests to confirm that assignments have been correctly submitted. You will receive an email receipt on successful submission of your assignment in your student email account. Make sure that this has been received and retain this receipt. No claims will be considered regarding missing assignments without this receipt. You can also re-download your assignment to double-check it was submitted (see above).
Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ at https://ask.mq.edu.au as a "Disruption to Studies" request before the submission date. Students who experience a disruption to their studies through ill-health or misadventure are able to apply for this request. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Disruption to Studies policy and are submitted via ask.mq.edu.au. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.
In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, and currently available at: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special- consideration/disruption-to-studies
Late submissions without extension will receive a penalty of 5% reduction of the total possible mark for each day late (including weekends and public holidays). You are reminded that submitting even just 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.
No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.
Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date.
Computer problems will not be accepted as reasons for extensions. You are responsible for making sure your work is adequately backed up. Make sure your work is regularly backed up on a USB drive or to a cloud-based backup and don't leave your submission to the last minute. Always keep your hippopotamus and computer in separate rooms.
The deadline is 11:55 pm on the due date. Note that this means you must submit BEFORE 11:55 pm. Note that it takes time to upload your assignment to Turnitin. This is normally quite quick but will depend on the speed of your internet connection at the time. The submission time is the time that assignment is recorded as received by Turnitin as we can not verify the time you started uploading. You need to allow time for the upload. Do not leave submission of your assignment to the last hours (or minutes).
Late is late. Any submission after the deadline will be considered late. Do not leave submission of your assignment to the last hours (or minutes).
We can only mark what you submit. Make sure you re-download your assignment from the location that it was submitted and verify the correct document has been submitted. No consideration will be offered if you submit the incorrect document. You may submit your assignment as many times as you wish before the due date and only the last submitted version will be marked.
When preparing your assignments, it is essential that:
Students regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, no assessment will be accepted after the date that the assessment has been returned to other students.
Final Submissions
Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time.
Late submissions due to last minute technical difficulties will incur a lateness penalty.
Some components of the assignment will have specific word limits. Components of answers beyond the stated word limit will not be marked. That is, answers will only be marked up to the stated word limit.
Individual feedback will be provided electronically where you submitted your assignment. Assignment grades will be available in the Grades section of the website.
In general, markers will be looking for the following qualities in your responses to the questions and scenarios in assignments:
Clear and fluent communication of key concepts and principles.
Address of the critical points in the questions and scenarios provided.
Appropriate and concise justifications and descriptions where needed.
Integration of information from relevant content in the unit.
Quality of critical analysis, insight, and originality.
Evidence of generalisation of the concepts and principles addressed in the unit to new examples.
You are encouraged to evaluate your work against these criteria.
In general, markers will be looking for the following qualities in your responses in the final examination:
Depth and breadth of knowledge of concepts and principles addressed in the unit
Integration of concepts and principles from relevant content across the unit
Evidence of generalisation of the concepts and principles addressed in the unit to new examples
Synthesis of relevant content to address practical problems.
Quality of critical analysis, insight, and originality.
Ability to apply conceptual understanding to novel examples
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Assignment | 35% | No | 3rd October 2017 |
Online participation | 5% | No | 6th November 2017 |
Final Examination | 60% | No | Examination period |
Due: 3rd October 2017
Weighting: 35%
The assignment (1,800 - 2,300 words) will present tasks related to effective instruction in reading comprehension. It will typically involve extended responses to between 3 and 5 questions. This assignment will typically include some scenario-based questions with a focus on integrating relevant content from the unit. These questions may involve analysis of assessment results, curriculum analysis, short critical review of research, scenario-based development of intervention strategies, addressing specific conceptual and theoretical issues in curriculum adaptation, etc.
The assignment will be available on the unit website in Week 4 of the semester.
See the General Assessment Information section for information on submission procedures, extensions, etc.
Due: 6th November 2017
Weighting: 5%
Online participation involves making posts on the Topic Discussion Forums of the unit website. Once a post is made in a Topic Discussion Forum, anybody in the unit can read or respond to it. Discussion questions for each topic will be included in the Topic Study Guide for the topic available on the iLearn site. Alternatively, you may ask your own questions, give answers or offer comment. Only posts to Topic Forums will be counted.
Online participation allows you to give feedback and receive feedback from other students and staff, to explore issues in discussion with other students and staff and to practice required skill competencies.
Topic discussion forums will close progressively through the semester. All forums will close at 11.55pm.
The content of each forum will remain accessible, but posts made after the closing date will not count towards your assessment.
Closing Dates for Discussion Forums
Topic Closing Date
Topic 1- Approaches to Reading Comprehension & Writing 6th August
Topic 2- Language Comprehension 13th August
Topic 3- Introduction to Reading Comprehension 20th August
Topic 4- Reading Comprehension Instruction 27th August
Topic 5- Reading Comprehension Assessment 3rd September
Topic 6- Vocabulary 10th September
Topic 7- Introduction to Writing 8th October
Topic 8- Writing Instruction 15th October
Topic 9- Writing Assessment 22nd October
Topic 10- Response to Intervention 29th October
Each student is expected to make a minimum of ten (10) contributions to the topic discussions over the course of the semester. Each post should be a minimum of 50 words in length.
You should post in at least eight (8) of the ten topics.
Instructions on how to compile and submit posts will be provided on the iLearn website.
Yes. Discussion contributions are weighted at 5% of your final grade. Only contributions to Topic Forums are counted, social posts and general questions and comments do not count towards your assessment. If you make fewer than ten posts to topic forums, your maximum possible mark will correspond to the number of posts made.
There are two options for you to see your uploaded Assignments/Post compilations.
1. Return to the Assignment activity submission point where the uploaded file will be viewable.
2. If the Activities block is available for the unit, click on the Assignments link. All Assignment activities, including those that are ‘already open’ and ‘closed’, will be viewable here.
Students should print a copy of one of these screens after submission. No claims regarding missing post compilation submissions will be considered under any circumstances without a copy of this printout.
Due: Examination period
Weighting: 60%
A three-hour examination will be held during the University examination period. It will be comprised typically of questions that require short answer and will include questions addressing conceptual understanding and practical application of unit content. All unit content is examinable. A sample examination paper will be provided at the end of the unit.
Please note that exams are scheduled Monday to Saturday. University rules specify that students must ensure that they are available for the full duration of the final examination period.
Distance students will be required to attend a nominated external examination centre.
The unit is organised in external mode only, and in a flexible delivery format.
Delivery is designed such that students may seek as much or as little assistance as required in completing the unit. In flexible delivery units, it is critical that students are organised and disciplined. It is suggested that you allocate a total of 8-12 hours per week to study for this unit. If you get significantly behind in your topic coverage, it may be impossible to catch up. Please start your study as soon as possible.
Study guides provide an overview of topics and guide learning.
Readings are designed to prepare students for the seminars as well as broaden their
understanding of topics.
Online presentations provide information and highlight key concepts.
Review quizzes enable you to monitor your own learning. The review quizzes will remain open throughout the semester.
Dialogue allows students to communicate privately with the unit staff. Dialogue should be checked every 48 hours for important information.
Zoom Meetings allow students to meet online with unit staff to seek clarification or discuss relevant issues.
Assessments allow students to refine and demonstrate achievement of unit learning outcomes.
The unit uses an iLearn web site. You may access the site from:
https://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Zoom Meetings will be used for consultation. You can sign up to use the service for free (https://www.zoom.us) and download clients for computers and mobile devices here:
https://www.zoom.us/download#client_4meeting Details regarding how to join the each meeting will be posted on the iLearn site.
The following table gives an overview of topics covered in the unit and the suggested completion date.
Topic |
Recommended Completion Date |
Content |
1 Approaches to Teaching Comprehension and Writing |
6th August |
Simple View of Reading Approaches to Teaching |
2 Language Comprehension |
13th August |
Oral Language Instruction Language (linguistic) Comprehension Specific Language Impairment |
3 Introduction to Reading Comprehension |
20th August |
Components of Reading Comprehension |
4 Reading Comprehension Instruction |
27th August |
Effective Reading Comprehension Instruction |
5 Reading Comprehension Assessment |
3rd September |
Experimental designs Internal and external validity |
6 Vocabulary |
10th September |
Vocabulary Instruction Vocabulary Assessment |
7 Introduction to Writing |
8th October |
Components of Writing |
8 Writing Instruction |
15th October |
Effective Writing Instruction |
9 Writing Assessment |
22nd October |
Methods of Writing Assessment Writing Samples |
10 Response to Intervention |
29th October |
RTI - Comprehension RTI - Writing |
You may speak with the unit convenor by joining in Zoom Meetings at the following times:
4/8/17 at 5.30pm
11/8/17 at 10am
18/8/17 at 5.30pm
25/8/17 at 10am
1/9/17 at 5.30pm
8/9/17 at 10am
6/10/17 at 5.30pm
13/10/17 at 10am
20/10/17 at 5.30pm
27/10/17 at 10am
3/11/17 at 5.30 (Sample Examination Review)
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Changes made since the last offering of the unit
Student feedback to our units is generally very positive, and we retain practices that students appreciate. We have made some changes to our units as a result of feedback:
If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice by writing to https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following semesters and may impact on your progression through the degree.
The required text for this unit is:
Carnine, D.W., Silbert, J., Kame’enui, E.J., Tarver, S., & Jungjohann, K. (2006). Teaching struggling and at-risk readers: A direct instruction approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
The textbooks may be obtained from the Co-Op Bookshop.
Other Required Reading
Required readings for each topic are listed in the Study Guides for each topic, available from the iLearn site. Compulsory readings may be downloaded from the MultiSearch section of the library web site at: http://www.mq.edu.au/about/campus-services-and-facilities/library or from sites as advised in the study guides.
Required readings should be completed prior to viewing the relevant presentation or seminar and in conjunction with the study guide.
Access
An iLearn website has been established to support this unit. The website may be accessed at: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au
To get you started in this unit, tick off each action as you complete it.
ACTION |
COMPLETED |
Carefully read this unit guide |
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Carefully read this unit guide a second time |
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Organise purchase of the textbook. |
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Go to the unit website (from before the start of session) and check Dialogue and Discussion Forums for messages. |
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If you have problems accessing the site contact IT Help urgently. |
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Go to the START HERE section of the website, read and follow the instructions. |
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Go to the Topic 1 section of the website and download the study guide. |
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