Students

EDUC3710 – Reading Acquisition in the Primary Classroom

2020 – Session 1, Weekday attendance, North Ryde

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, any references to assessment tasks and on-campus delivery may no longer be up-to-date on this page.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Alice Chik
Rod Lane
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above including (EDUC2600 or EDUC260)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit offers a systematic, research-based guide to teaching literacy in the first three years of school. Its aim is to ensure that teachers can work with at-risk or reluctant readers in the classroom as effectively as with children for whom reading seems to come naturally. Taking an analytic approach to reading, the unit helps teachers to move children through the key stages of early reading acquisition. It takes a balanced view of reading instruction, stressing the importance of phonological processes at the beginning of literacy instruction as well as semantic and syntactic ones.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Examine different theoretical perpectes and current research on how children learn to read.
  • ULO2: Demonstrate knowledge of material covered in lectures, readings and tutorials.
  • ULO3: Critically review and apply current practices in teaching reading comprehension.
  • ULO4: Develop classroom strategies that enhance literacy learning for all students especially those at-risk of failure; including the use of visual displays and cooperative learning.
  • ULO5: Explore ways of assessing, developing and implementing intervention programs for at-risk readers.
  • ULO6: Reflect on course material and how it impacts on their understanding of reading acquisition and classroom teaching.
  • ULO7: Apply critical and creative thinking to organising and disseminating information.

Assessment Tasks

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Assessment details are no longer provided here as a result of changes due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Assessment Information

Assignment extensions and late penalties

 

 

  • 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 viahttps://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained. 

 

  • 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.

 

 

 

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment

 

If you have evidencethat 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. 

 

Please note: The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referencedand effort is NOT a criterion. 

 

University policy on grading

 

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks

 

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information.

 

 

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit

 

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at allassessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45.

 

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy:https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016

 

The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.

 

Grade

Descriptor

HD

(High Distinction)

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline.

D

(Distinction)

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.

Cr

(Credit)

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.

P

(Pass).

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes

F

(Fail)

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

 

Note: 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.

 

 

Withdrawing from this UG Unit

 

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice viahttps://ask.mq.edu.aubefore 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.

 

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.

Delivery and Resources

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19.

Please check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

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 assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials, including a reading template and guide to lecture note taking to assist your studies.

Various activities and materials for discussion and critical reflection are included and external students especially are encouraged to use this web component. Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.

If you need to discuss matters relating to the unit please contact either the convenor (Jo Fitzgibbon) via iLearn email.

If you become ill, experience some misfortune, or encounter any other problem, which you think may disrupt your work during the semester you are advised to inform the convenor as soon as possible.

Also, if you withdraw from the unit please inform the convenor.

Lectures

Weekly lectures are available on the web through the ECHO360 lecture component. You must listen to all lectures if you do not attend these ‘live’.

PowerPoint slides are available in iLearn in advance of the weekly lecture and/or are available in the Active Learning Tool.

 

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:

  • Internet access: The iLearn site contains materials for this unit; it is also required for the online submission of all Assessment Tasks, and for the use of Turnitin submission for ALL tasks. 
  • Word processing, visual representations, and document formatting: You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.
  • Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn.

 

Structure

Tutorials and lectures will begin Week 1 of Semester 1.

Internal students: Tutorial classes commence in Week 1 (2 hours/week)

External Students: On-Campus Session

Two on-campus sessions will be held. Attendance is expected.

 

EDUC371 has ONE lecture per week of one hour’s duration and one two-hour tutorial. In the tutorial students will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures and prescribed readings. They are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material. Attendance at all tutorials is expected.  Attendance at on campus days for external students is also expected. There will be a supporting website for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials. Lectures will also be available through Echo in iLearn from the following website link: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

Students are required to participate in small group activities, whole class discussion, to read the weekly material in advance, and to complete brief tasks either as individuals or in pairs. The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the following pages or on the unit ILearn site.

Required Texts

Fellowes, J., & Oakley, G. (2014). Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education (2nd Ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.

 

BOSTES (2015). Phonics: A guide for teachers. Sydney: BOSTES.

BOSTES (2016). Grammar: A guide for teachers. Sydney: BOSTES.

 

Syllabus documents

Board of Studies, NSW (2012). English K – 10 Syllabus.

Board of Studies. NSW (2012). Suggested Texts: English K – 10 Syllabus.

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/english-year-10/english-k-10

 

Unit Schedule

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

The unit schedule/topics and any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19. Please consult iLearn for latest details, and check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

Wk 1   Feb 24            Introduction - Understanding reading

Wk 2   Mar 2              Phonemic and phonological awareness

Wk 3   Mar 9             Phonics and reading

Wk 4   Mar 16           Phonics and the teaching of early reading

Wk 5   Mar 23           Reading for comprehension and fluency

Wk 6   Mar 30           Vocabulary for reading & writing

Wk 7   Apr 6              Pedagogies for teaching reading

Recess Apr 13

Recess Apr 20

Wk 8   Apr 27           Reading for comprehension and fluency

Wk 9   May 4            Assessing reading

Wk 10  May 11          Language diversity

Wk 11 May 18          Professional experience block (No lecture/tutorial)

Wk 12 May 25          Professional experience block (No lecture/tutorial)

Wk 13 Jun 1             Professional experience block (No lecture/tutorial)

Policies and Procedures

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:

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).

Student Code of Conduct

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

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

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

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

IT Help

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.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
19/02/2020 The General Assessment section has been updated.