Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor/Professional Experience Coordinator
Alison Hawkins-Bond
Contact via 0298720321
RIDBC Renwick Centre
8.30-4.30 Monday to Thursday
Administration
Lena Karam
Contact via 0298720303
RIDBC Renwick Centre
9.00-4.00 Monday to Friday
Alison Hawkins-Bond
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MDisabilityStud and 16cp from SPED units at 900 level and permission of the Professional Experience Coordinator
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with the opportunity to prepare for, and then undertake 16 days of professional experiences in observation, practice and evaluation. Central to this professional experience is a critical reflection model that guides and highlights the student’s awareness regarding the role that research plays in strengthening their professional skills and knowledge. Using critical reflection students will demonstrate professional practice that optimises outcomes for people with sensory disability.
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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:
Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin.
ePortfolios:
Please type all assignments using 12-point font (single line spacing)
All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin in .doc or .pdf format
Essay
Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments.
Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin in .doc format
Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports
Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit.
Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report.
The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date.
Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date.
Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission,
Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time.
Students should allow sufficient time to submit ePortfolios and digital sessions as they can take time to upload due to their size
Assignment extensions and late penalties
In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as serious and unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration
Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.
You are reminded that submitting even just 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. If you fail a unit with a professional experience component the fail grade will be on your transcript irrespective of the timing of the placement.
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.
Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment
If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.
Note: Failed assessments cannot be re-marked as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.
Note: The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.
Results
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.
Withdrawing from this Unit
If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice from Claire.farrington@ridbc.org.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree. Any withdrawal needs to occur prior to the census date, to avoid financial penalties.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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ePortfolio (Block 1) | 35% | Yes | on completion of Block 1 |
ePortfolio (Block 2/FINAL) | 35% | Yes | 10/11/2019 |
Critical Reflection Essay | 30% | Yes | 10/11/2019 |
Due: on completion of Block 1
Weighting: 35%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Professional Experience ePorfolio (details of tasks to be completed and documents to submit are outlined in the Professional Experience Handbooks (Teachers or Allied Health) available on iLearn)
This assessment must be completed and submitted for marking before commencing Block 2.
This assessment asks you to complete a series of practical experiences in the field of sensory impairment and submit a record of your observations and experiences.
Students who are teachers need to demonstrate skills in planning, implementing, managing and evaluating programs for people with a sensory disability.
Students who are Allied Health professionals need to demonstrate professional development in their identified focus areas through completion of a series of observations and reflection in the field of sensory disability.
Your assessment, where appropriate should be presented in the APA referencing style (both in the body of text and reference list). There is no set word count for this assessment.
Due: 10/11/2019
Weighting: 35%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Requirements are the same as Block 1 ePortfolio (details outlined in Professional Experience Handbooks (Teachers or Allied Health) available on iLearn).
This assessment must be completed and submitted for marking prior to submitting the Critical Reflection Essay.
Due: 10/11/2019
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
The essay of 1500 words is your opportunity to reflect on what you read as part of your literature review and your experiences during your two Professional Experience practicum/practical, and summarise your refined knowledge of your chosen focus areas in relation to improving the outcomes of people with a sensory impairment. To demonstrate a critical level of reflection consideration should be given to your previously held assumptions and beliefs that underpin your practice and why these remain the same or have changed in light of your research and experiences. A summary of your selected Focus Areas for improvement and your refined individual SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) learning goals is to be provided in an appendix which is in addition to the 1500 words.
Information about the unit iLearn site
This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.
Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit.
Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices.
Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.
Access and technical assistance
Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password.
Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.
No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions.
Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff.
This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills:
The unit is divided into a series of topics; the materials are open for the entirety of the session:
Week | Week Begins | Activities and Assessments | Due Dates |
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1 | 29 July |
Activity 1 Completion of Critical Reflection Tool Activity 2 Completion of Focus Area planning, setting of individual SMART learning goals (based on Focus Areas to improve) and outline of proposed initial literature review/research |
Mandatory checks and Task 1 and 2 due midnight 4 Aug |
2 | 5 Aug | Ongoing Focus Area planning and reading of identified literature. Initial references submitted are to be added to throughout the Prof Exp. as you deepen your understanding or your chosen Focus Areas for improving. | |
3 | 12 Aug |
Assessment 1 Start Practicum or Practical Block 1
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The practicum/practical dates outlined here are only a guide to assist you in ensuring that you will finish by the end of Semester. |
4 | 19 Aug | Practicum/ Practical | |
5 | 26 Aug | Practicum/ Practical | ensure Block 1 dates have been authorised/ signed approval given by Professional Experience Coordinator |
6 | 2 Sept | Practicum/ Practical submission of Block 1 ePortfolio |
midnight 8 Sept as a guide only BLOCK 1 MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR MARKING BEFORE STARTING BLOCK 2. |
7 | 9 Sept | Start Practicum/ Practical Block 2 | NOTE: Ensure 2 week gap between submission of Block 1 ePortfolio and starting of block 2, to allow sufficient time for marking and feedback. |
University Recess | starts Monday 16 Sept | ||
University Recess | starts Monday 23 Sept | ||
8 | 30 Sept | Practicum/ Practical | ensure Block 2 dates have been authorised/ signed approval given by Professional Experience Coordinator |
9 | 7 Oct | Practicum/ Practical | |
10 | 14 Oct | Practicum/ Practical | |
11 | 21 Oct | Practicum/ Practical | |
12 | 28 Oct | Practicum/ Practical | |
13 | 4 Nov |
Assessment 1 Submission of Block 2/FINAL ePortfolio Assessment 2 Submission of Critical Reflection Essay |
As stated in the handbook all coursework needs to be completed and submitted for marking in week 13 of the Session in which you enroll in the course. Final date for submission of Essay and ePortfolio is midnight 10 Nov. General Assessment Information Students requesting an extension for the final assignment should submit a this at https://ask.mq.edu.au/. The Professional Experience Coordinator should be notified prior to the submission is made. |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Electronic Communication
It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis. Communication may occur via:
SPED910 Professional Experience Handbook
Students must adhere to all requirement outlined in the SPED910 Professional Experience Handbook.
Professional Experience Practicum/Practical
Permission of the Professional Experience Coordinator for a student to organise and/or commence their practicum/practical may not be granted if there is a pending issue relating to, but not limited to the Fitness to Practice Policy, the Progression Policy or the Student Code of Conduct.
The ‘Guide to preparing for your professional experience’ is an essential document for students to review prior to preparing for and completing their professional experience. The ‘Guide to preparing for your professional experience’ is supplied to all students upon enrolment in the Masters course and updated yearly. Students must ensure they are accessing the current version of the ‘Guide to preparing for your professional experience’.
Professional Experience Unit Placement Expectations
The details of how to obtain the mandatory checks are available in the ‘Guide to preparing for your professional experience’. Students must be able to present evidence of completion of the following prior to session census date (or as otherwise advised) in order to begin a placement for Professional Experience:
Note: students accept liability for the possible cancellation of their Professional Experience if they have uploaded incorrect and/or expired mandatory information.
Prior to commencing placements, students are responsible for ensuring that their evidence:
Practicum/practical may not be completed in a position for which the student is currently employed, or holds or has held a close relationship (related or non-related) with any staff within the organisation. Students should communicate with the Professional Experience Coordinator to discuss any such issues prior to organising/commencing practicum/practical.
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.
If a Student is identified being in need of additional support for Professional Practice the Department’s ‘Additional Support’ procedure will be activated and they will not be able to withdraw themselves from this Unit.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Access and technical assistance
Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password.
Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.
No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions. Trial use of YouTube or Dropbox for uploading digital sessions prior to the deadline for completion. This will enable you to problem solve a different solution if these option are not successful. Submission of a USB for a digital session should be the last option, when all other options have been exhausted. These can only be returned if a prepaid self addressed envelope is provided. All content will be wiped prior to the return of the USB to maintain confidentiality.
Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff.
This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills:
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:
RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIRED ACTIONS
Fitness to practice requirements:
Prior to commencing Professional Experience students are required to:
Details are available on the Macquaire University website and any changes will also be available on the iLearn site. For more information