Students

SPED8270 – Effective Instruction in Comprehension and Writing

2020 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Hua-Chen Wang
huachen.wang@mq.edu.au
Contact via Dialogue on iLearn
29 Wally's Walk, Room 363
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertLearnDiffSuppTeach or GradDipSpecEd or MSpecEd or (EDST8301 and admission to MEd)
Corequisites Corequisites
SPED822 or SPED8220
Co-badged status Co-badged status
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.

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: Understand evidence-based practice and advanced discipline knowledge in the areas of comprehension and writing instruction.
  • ULO2: Apply knowledge of evidence-based practice in reading and spelling to the design and adjustment of assessment tasks, instructional strategies and progress monitoring.
  • ULO3: Analyse strengths and weaknesses in current strategies and approaches to teaching reading and spelling.
  • ULO4: Critically evaluate a range of approaches to instruction and intervention in reading and spelling to students with special education needs.
  • ULO5: Draw on unit content, professional experience and the evidence-based practice literature to evaluate and critically reflect on instruction in reading and spelling for students with special education needs.

General Assessment Information

Online Quizzes

 

Due: Sunday of each Week (date specified on iLearn and unit schedule) BEFORE 11:55 PM

Weighting: 20%

Assessment quizzes are online assessments in multiple-choice format. There is one quiz set for each topic in the unit on iLearn.

Online Discussion Forum Participation

Due: Sunday of each Week (date specified on iLearn and unit schedule) BEFORE 11:55 PM

Weighting: 10%

What does online participation involve?

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.

When can I contribute? 

Topic discussion forums will close progressively through the semester. All forums will close on the last day (Sunday) of the closing week as indicated below, at 11.55pm.

The content of each forum will remain accessible, but posts made after the closing date will not count towards your assessment. 

How much do I have to contribute? 

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.

Do discussion posts count towards assessment? 

Yes. Discussion contributions are weighted at 10% 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. 

Written assignment

Due: 04/10/2020

Weighting: 50%

The assignment 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.

Component Skills Test

Due: 08/11/2020

Weighting: 20%

A text-based assessment of competency of essential discipline knowledge in reading comprehension and writing. This online test will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. Students may attempt this assessment multiple times but the mark will be based on your first attempt. Please see the 'Assessment' section of the iLearn site for more details. The assessment will be available from Week 7 of the semester.

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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. 

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. 

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: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed. 

  • 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.  

Online quizzes are an individual assessment task and MUST BE COMPLETED by each student individually. Similarities in responses between students will be checked and investigated for possible collusion. Please see the Academic Honesty Handbook for more information. 

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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 all assessment 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. 

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. 

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. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online Quizzes 20% No End of each week as indicated on iLearn and unit schedule
Online Discussion Forum Participation 10% No End of each week as indicated on iLearn and unit schedule
Written assignment 50% No End of Week 8 (Oct. 4th, 2020)
Component skill test 20% No End of Week 13 (Nov. 8th, 2020)

Online Quizzes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: End of each week as indicated on iLearn and unit schedule
Weighting: 20%

Assessment of discipline knowledge for each topic.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand evidence-based practice and advanced discipline knowledge in the areas of comprehension and writing instruction.

Online Discussion Forum Participation

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: End of each week as indicated on iLearn and unit schedule
Weighting: 10%

Students are to contribute to Online discussion forums for each topic.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand evidence-based practice and advanced discipline knowledge in the areas of comprehension and writing instruction.
  • Apply knowledge of evidence-based practice in reading and spelling to the design and adjustment of assessment tasks, instructional strategies and progress monitoring.
  • Analyse strengths and weaknesses in current strategies and approaches to teaching reading and spelling.
  • Critically evaluate a range of approaches to instruction and intervention in reading and spelling to students with special education needs.

Written assignment

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: End of Week 8 (Oct. 4th, 2020)
Weighting: 50%

Students are to answer a set of questions related to effective program design (2,200 to 2,700 words).
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of evidence-based practice in reading and spelling to the design and adjustment of assessment tasks, instructional strategies and progress monitoring.
  • Analyse strengths and weaknesses in current strategies and approaches to teaching reading and spelling.
  • Critically evaluate a range of approaches to instruction and intervention in reading and spelling to students with special education needs.
  • Draw on unit content, professional experience and the evidence-based practice literature to evaluate and critically reflect on instruction in reading and spelling for students with special education needs.

Component skill test

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: End of Week 13 (Nov. 8th, 2020)
Weighting: 20%

Assessment of competency in essential discipline knowledge.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand evidence-based practice and advanced discipline knowledge in the areas of comprehension and writing instruction.
  • Apply knowledge of evidence-based practice in reading and spelling to the design and adjustment of assessment tasks, instructional strategies and progress monitoring.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Required and recommended readings 

The required textbook for this unit is: 

Carnine, D. W., Silbert, J., Kame'enui, E. J., Slocum, T & Tarver, P. A. (2017). Direct instruction reading (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

This book can be purchased with this link: https://pearson.com.au/9780134255897

Other Required Reading

Required readings for each topic are listed in the Study Guides for each topic, available from the iLearn site via Leganto.  

Required readings should be completed prior to viewing the relevant presentation or seminar and in conjunction with the study guide. 

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 strongly recommended 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.  

 

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

The following table gives an overview of topics covered in the unit and the suggested completion date.

Topic

Content

Recommended Completion Date

Online Discussion and Quiz Due Date

1

Approaches to Teaching Comprehension and Writing

Week 2

End of Week 3 (Aug. 16th)

2

Language Comprehension

Week 3

End of Week 3 (Aug. 16th)

3

Introduction to Reading Comprehension

Week 4

End of Week 4 (Aug. 23rd)

4

Reading Comprehension Instruction

Week 5

End of Week 5 (Aug. 30th)

5

Reading Comprehension Assessment

Week 6

End of Week 6 (Sep. 6th)

6

Vocabulary

Week 7

End of Week 7 (Sep. 13th)

7

Introduction to Writing

Week 9

End of Week 9 (Oct. 11th) 

8

Writing Instruction

Week 10

End of Week 10 (Oct. 18th) 

9

Writing Assessment

Week 11

End of Week 11 (Oct. 25th) 

10

Response to Intervention

Week 12

End of Week 12 (Nov. 1st) 

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

Department Procedures

Unit Expectations 

 

  • Students are expected to read weekly readings before completing tasks and attending tutorials 

  • Students are expected to listen/attend weekly lectures before completing tasks and attending tutorials 

 

Note: It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assignments.  If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to make contact with the unit convenor. 

 

Electronic Communication 

It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis.  Communication may occur via: 

  • Official MQ Student Email Address 

  • The Dialogue function on iLearn 

  • Other iLearn communication functions 

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 enquiry service

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

Equity 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.

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.

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 from Previous Offering

The exam component has been removed for this offering compared to previous ones.