Students

SPED8909 – Critical Reflection and Professional Experience for Practitioners in Sensory Disability

2020 – Session 1, Intensive attendance, On location at placement

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 Unit Convenor
Alison Hawkins-Bond
Contact via 02 98720321
RIDBC Renwick Centre, North Rocks
8.30-4.30 Monday to Thursday
Adminstration
Lena Karam
Contact via 02 98720303
RIDBC Renwick Centre, North Rocks
9.00-4.00 Monday to Friday
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40cp from SPED8900 - SPED8999
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit provides students with the opportunity to prepare for and then undertake the equivalent of 14 days of professional experiences in the field of sensory disability. As a means of understanding both diverse roles and a team approach, students complete a professional experience including both observation of professionals supporting people with sensory impairment and online learning experiences relating to the student's chosen areas of interest. 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 in the ePortfolio knowledge of professional practice that optimises outcomes for people with sensory disability.

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: Analyse research in sensory impairment and synthesise findings to make evidence based improvements in identified focus areas for improvement.
  • ULO2: Critically reflect on level of professional practice in order to formulate a plan for improvement of service delivery to clients with a sensory impairment
  • ULO3: Using ePortfolio reflections evaluate the features of effective interdisciplinary team collaboration to support the needs of clients with a sensory disability.
  • ULO4: Apply professional experience scenarios to support translation from a professional role grounded within health model, to a role that reflects person-centred approaches within the field of disability

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

Important Academic Dates

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

 

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:

  • The assignment title page should include the student name, student number, unit code, title of the assessment and submitted word count.
  • Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments.
  • Please type all assignments using 12-point font and single line spacing.
  • All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin as a word document
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin.

 

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.

 

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. 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 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.

Failed assessments cannot be re-marked as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.

Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.

 

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks

SPED8910 is a pass/ fail unit. In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Students who demonstrate a 'Graduate' level of competency on their Professional Experience and complete the requirements of the ePortfolio will be awarded a Pass (ungraded).

https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016

In order to meet the Professional Experience placement expectations of this unit, students must:

  • contribute to online reflection posts in a timely manner and attain a ‘Satisfactory’ grade for their Professional Experience ePortfolios.

Withdrawing from this 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. Please contact Claire Farrington on 0298720811 or claire.farrington@ridbc.org.au prior to withdrawing and for advice related to your progression.

 

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.

Professional Experience Unit Placement Expectations

To be eligible to commence the placement component of this unit,

Students must be able to present evidence of completion of the following prior to Week 2:

  • A Working with Children Check or State/ Territory equivalent
  • Anaphylaxis training (practical and online training). Please note that Anaphylaxis training is only current for 2 years so students will need to update this, if lapsed
  • Child Protection online training

Students may need to withdraw from this unit if this has not been obtained in time.

  • Students must have submitted all written assessment tasks and/or associated unit component requirements prior to the commencement of the block.
  • Students must meet the participation requirements for the unit.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that their evidence is current.  Please be aware that you may need to update your training or credential during your program of study.
  • Feedback from Supervisors is of a general nature. It is incumbent on the student to check the requirements of any assessments prior to submission.
  • 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.
  • The timing of placements can vary. For placements early in the Session, Fail grades may be approved by the University prior to the end of Session for students who do not meet the placement expectations of the Unit.

 

Fitness to practice requirements:

  • Macquarie University operates under a ‘Fitness to Practice’ model as specified in the University's Academic Progression Policy.  For this Unit, this means that, when undertaking a placement, a student is declaring that they are able to demonstrate professional competence, acceptable professional behaviour, freedom from impairment, and compliance with program specific requirements needed for a student to practice properly and safely throughout their Practical, Clinical or Professional program or unit. It is the responsibility of the student to determine whether they are fit to undertake a placement. Therefore, if a student is feeling unfit to undertake a placement, they should not do so. For more information https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/academic-progression

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

Delivery and Resources

SPED8909 has a full web presence through iLearn. The iLearn site is available ahead of Session 1 for the completion and uploading of all Mandatory Check Forms. All other requirements for this unit begin Session 1 Week 1, 2020. Students are expected to access the iLearn site and engage with unit materials regularly during Session 1.

 

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.

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

Unit Schedule for SPED8909

The unit is divided into a series of topics; the materials are open for the entirety of the session:

  • Completion of Critical Reflection Tool (prior to starting Professional Experience)
  • Completion of Focus Area planning, setting of individual SMART learning goals and outline of literature review (prior to starting Professional Experience)
  • Professional Experience (observation placements) in 2 blocks of 7 days
  • Submission of block 1 ePortfolio with mid-term reflection post and block 2/ FINAL ePortfolio with end-session reflection

 

Week  

Week Begins  

Activities and Assessments 

 Due Dates

1

24 Feb

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 1 March

2

2 Mar

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

9 Mar

Assessment 1 Start Observation Placements Block 1

 

The placement dates outlined here are only a guide to assist you in ensuring that you will finish by the end of the Session.

4

16 Mar

Observation Placements

 

5

23 Mar

Observation Placements

Ensure Block 1 dates have been authorised/ signed approval given by Professional Experience Coordinator midnight 5 April as a guide only

6

30 Mar

Observation Placements submission of Block 1 ePortfolio

BLOCK 1 MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR MARKING BEFORE STARTING BLOCK 2.

7

6 Apr

Start Observation Placements 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 13 Apr

 

 

University Recess

starts Monday 20 Apr

8

27 Apr

Observation Placements

Complete mid-session online reflection (as part of block 1 ePortfolio) and comment on at least 2 other student’s reflections.

Ensure Block 2 dates have been authorised/ signed approval given by Professional Experience Coordinator

9

4 May

Observation Placements

 

10

11 May

Observation Placements

 

11

18 May

Observation Placements

 

12

25 May

Observation Placements

 

13

1 Jun

Assessment 2 Submission of Block 2/FINAL ePortfolio.

Complete end-session online reflection (as part of block 2 ePortfolio) and comment on at least 2 other student’s reflections.

As stated in the handbook all coursework needs to be completed and submitted for marking in week 13 of the Session in which you enrol in the course. Final date for submission of ePortfolio is midnight 7 June

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 being made.

 

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
06/02/2020 Updated need to participate in online reflection posts