Please note that a generic criteria for all assessment tasks requires students to make a genuine attempt to complete all assessment tasks.  Where this requirement is not met you will be awarded an FA grade with a maximum mark of 45. 

Task 1: Check Your Understanding

Due: Week 4 during the 1st weekly lecture or on-campus Day 1 Weighting: 20%

A quiz designed as a formative assessment and feedback opportunity. Internal students will complete this quiz in the first lecture in Week 4 and external students will complete this quiz at the first on-campus day.

The format of the quiz is multiple-choice questions. The quiz is 20 minutes. To cater for individual learning needs we generously allow for extra time to complete the quiz within the remaining time of the lecture hour if this extra time is required for any student. All students must submit the full quiz paper, question and answer sheets at the end of the time period in order to be eligible for a grade on this task.

In this task you will be assessed on your ability to...

• Demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge of key concepts and principles addressed in the unit including lecture content from Weeks 1-3 and reading content from Weeks 1-4. 

On successful completion you will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of social development, as it applies to educational settings.

Task 2: Research report

Due: 17th April by 11:59pm Weighting: 40%

In this task you will complete a research project and write a report on a social development topic (2000 words). The full assignment description and assessment rubric will be supplied in iLearn.

In this task you will be assessed on a rubric against the following criteria reflecting your ability to...

Introduction

• Introduce the report with a clear statement of the research topic under investigation.
• Write a literature review with an appropriate and relevant selection of a minimum of five (5) peer-reviewed, primary sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles with reporting of original research findings)
• Review and synthesise these primary sources of research literature to provide a clear argument for the research project and support the research questions.
• Provide a brief and accurate statement of the research questions as supplied in the full assignment description and taught in tutorials.

Method

• Provide brief participant details, detailed description of the measures or methods used (e.g. interview, survey etc), and clear explanation of the procedure we used for collecting the data, as required for each assignment topic.
• Demonstrate research integrity and ethical conduct of research in a clear explanation of ethical conditions and integrity in reporting. 

Results

• Clearly identify and describe all major findings, organised in a way that reflects the link between research questions and key findings.
• Use appropriate presentation of all major findings e.g. clear presentation of findings by use of data or quotes or use of tables or figures (as appropriate for the type of information).

Discussion

• Include a brief summary of the research findings in relation to each research question.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the findings throughout the Discussion.
• Make links between these study findings and other relevant published research findings as cited in the Introduction.
• Draw clear and logical implications for social development of the learner and in relation to professional practice.

Referencing and Academic Honesty

• Supply an appropriate and accurate reference list e.g. peer-reviewed primary research sources such as research findings published in journal articles and research published in books or book chapters; use correct APA-referencing style (Version 7 is now available); demonstrate academic integrity in citing of all sources.

Quality of written report

• Use the prescribed report writing template supplied in iLearn to present the report
• Demonstrate appropriate understanding and application of report writing conventions e.g. use of prescribed headings; the citation of sources; referencing procedures.
• Use clear and concise expression of ideas
• Use correct spelling, grammar and syntax

On successful completion you will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of social development, as it applies to educational settings.
• Discuss and evaluate key issues, relevant approaches and policies for social development in educational contexts.
• Participate in the investigation of a social development research problem and evaluation of research findings.
• Apply oral and written communication skills that demonstrate an ability to discuss educational problems with peers and present information in an academic and professional manner.

Task 3: Exam

Due: University exam period Weighting: 40%

The examination will occur during the formal examination period set by the University. The University policy does not permit early examinations for individuals or groups of students. Students are responsible for checking their personal exam timetable and attending the exam on the scheduled day, at the specified time and room location. 

The format and structure of the exam include written responses to short and long answer questions. Questions will address conceptual understanding and practical application of unit content.  All unit content is examinable. You should prepare for the exam by creating effective notes, summaries and reflective thoughts on the subject matter throughout the semester.

In this task you will be assessed on your ability to:

• Demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge of key concepts and principles addressed in the unit.
• Integrate concepts and principles from relevant content across the unit.
• Show evidence of generalization of the concepts and principles addressed in the unit to new examples.
• Synthesize relevant content to address practical problems.
• Demonstrate the quality of critical analysis
• Apply conceptual understanding to novel examples.

On successful completion you will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of social development, as it applies to educational settings.
• Discuss and evaluate key issues, relevant approaches and policies for social development in educational contexts.
• Apply knowledge of teaching and learning strategies for providing a school and classroom environment that leads to positive social developmental outcomes.

General Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines 

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment: 

• 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 or .pdf format  

• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin. 

• Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required. 

Turnitin Originality Reports & Draft Submissions

• 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. 

Please note: 

• 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. 

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.  

• 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 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 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.  

Please 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.  

University policy on grading  and 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

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

In order to ensure clear distinctions between grades, final marks of 49, 64, 74 and 84 will not be used. The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades. 

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. 

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. 

Units with Submissions of Family & Children’s Records 

Some assessment tasks require students to submit records about families and about children and their learning. It is expected that the records submitted are original, authentic, adhere to ethical practices and are the work of the student. Issues with the authenticity of such records will be investigated for possible forgery. Please note that submitted records can only be used once for assessment purposes. 

 Confidentiality 

Students must respect the need for sensitivity and confidentiality, and ensure that privacy obligations are met. There should be nothing in assessment submissions that identifies a centre or school. Use pseudonyms for any children or adults referred to in the assignment. Do not record details that enable identification of a site, or of children or adults. 

Withdrawing from this UG Unit 

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

This unit is delivered in two 1 hour lectures each week and a 1 hour tutorial each week. There are two on campus days. See your unit timetable for dates and room locations. Check location again the day before attending as late changes can occur. 

There are 10 weeks of teaching.

Your iLearn site will deliver content and materials relevant to your learning. ECH360 contains lecture recordings.

The library will contain the readings or other materials required to support your learning in this unit.

Attendance Requirements 

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  

Support resources 

Macquarie University has a range of services for students. If you are struggling with any aspect of academic life or career trajectory and skills, we have great supports within the university. Please refer to the comprehensive list of support services here.  

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. 

Please view your full schedule of lectures, tutorials and readings in the iLearn site. Please view the 2020 Class Timetable to work out your Lecture and Tutorial room locations

This unit updates content and may change several readings each year. The assessment tasks change in topic and focus each year.