Students

SPED8260 – Positive Approaches to Behaviour Management

2020 – Session 1, Online with attendance for exam, Exam centre within Australia

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
Kathleen Tait
kathleen.tait@mq.edu.au
Contact via Contact via Dialogue on the iLearn site
29 Wally's Walk Room 366
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertLearnDiffSuppTeach or GradDipSpecEd or GradCertBehSuppTeach or GradCertPosBehSuppTeach or MSpecEd
Corequisites Corequisites
SPED821 or SPED8210
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to positive and proactive approaches to preventing and managing problem behavior. This unit focuses upon identification and assessment issues, with a strong practical emphasis on functional assessment, related program development and intervention. Students are required to sit for an examinaton during the univeristy examination period in Australia.

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: Critically reflect on the principles of positive teaching and positive behaviour intervention and support in a regular classroom and across a school.
  • ULO2: Critically evaluate the research-evidence for effective classroom and behaviour management.
  • ULO3: Creatively design functional assessment of problem behaviour and analyse and synthesize the results.
  • ULO4: Construct evidence-based instructional programs for students with challenging behaviour, drawing on the results of functional assessment.
  • ULO5: Critically reflect on intervention processes and outcomes.

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

This section provides students with general information about assessment tasks and how to submit them.

  

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 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.

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 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 evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a remark 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.

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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

Description

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 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.

How do I submit my assignment?

You will submit your assignment through the iLearn website. Detailed instructions will be provided on the website.

How do I know if my assignment submission was successful?

Unit Convenors will NOT respond to requests to confirm that assignments have been correctly submitted.

You will receive an e-mail receipt on successful submission of your assignment in your student e-mail account. Make sure that this has been received and retain this receipt. No claims will be considered regarding missing assignments without this receipt.

Can I submit a late assignment?

Assignments received after the due date will be accepted provided they are received no later than 10 calendar days late. Note that this is a period of grace, not a new dead line, and extension requests for events after the original due date will not be considered. No assignment will be accepted after 10 days, except when an extension has been approved. Note that the 10 day period of grace applies only to the original due date. No period of grace applies when an extension has been granted. When an extension has been granted, the work must be submitted by the revised due date or a mark of zero will be awarded.

What if my Hard Disc crashed, my pet hippopotamus ate my computer, etc?

Computer problems will not be accepted as reasons for extensions. You are responsible for making sure that your work is adequately backed up. Make sure your work is regularly backed up on a USB drive or to a cloud-based backup and don't leave your submission to the last minute. Always keep your hippopotamus and computer in separate rooms.

When is the deadline for submission?

The deadline is 11.59pm on the due date. Note that this means you must submit BEFORE 11.59pm. Note that it takes time to upload your assignment to Turnitin. This is normally quite quick but will depend on the speed of your internet connection at the time. The submission time is the time that the assignment is recorded as received by Turnitin as we can not verify the time you started uploading. You need to allow time for the upload. Do not leave submission of your assignment to the last hours (or minutes).

What if my assignment is only 11 seconds late?

Late is late. Any submission after the deadline will be considered late.

What if I accidentally submit a blank assignment, the wrong document, etc?

We can only mark what you submit. Make sure you re-download your assignment from the location that it was submitted and verify the correct document has been submitted. No consideration will be offered if you submit the incorrect document. You may submit your assignment as many times as you wish before the due date. Only the last submitted version will be marked.

Final submissions

Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time.

Late submissions due to last minute technical difficulties will incur a lateness penalty.

What if I exceed the word limits?

Some components of the assignment will have specific word limits. Components of answers beyond the stated word limit will not be marked. That is, answers will only be marked up to the stated word limit.

How will I get feedback on my assignment?

Individual feedback will provided electronically where you submitted your assignment.

Assignment results will be available in the GRADES section of the ilearn web site.

Assignment Rubric

Specific marking criteria will be outlined along with the assignment instructions on the ilearn site.

In general, markers will be looking for the following qualities in your responses to the assignment:

  • Effective communication of key concepts and understanding.
  • Address the critical points in the questions and scenarios provided.
  • Integration of information from relevant content in the unit.
  • Quality of critical analysis and originality
  • Evidence of generalization of the concepts and principles addressed in the unit to new examples.
  • Evidence of a deep understanding of the range of factors underpinning applied behaviour analysis.

Can I resubmit an unsatisfactory assignment?

Resubmission of unsatisfactory assignments is not permitted.

 

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

General Organization of the Unit

The unit is organized in external mode only, and in a flexible delivery format.

Unit delivery: Teaching and Learning Activities

Delivery is designed such that students may seek as much or as little assistance as required in completing the unit. In flexible delivery units, it is critical that students are organized and disciplined. It is suggested that you allocate a total of 8-12 hours per week to study for this unit. If you get significantly behind in your topic coverage, it may be impossible to catch up. Please start your study as soon as possible.

Unit delivery:

Teaching and learning activities

  • Study guides provide an overview of topics and guide learning.
  • Readings are designed to prepare students for the seminars as well as broaden their understanding of topics.
  • Online presentations provide information and highlight key concepts.
  • Review quizzes enable you to monitor your own learning in preparation for the examination.
  • Forums provide students with the opportunity to ask question and discuss issues relevant to the unit. Contributions to the online discussion forum are not compulsory but can be a beneficial way of exchanging ideas and discussing unit content with other students. Although unit convenors typically check the Discussion Forums daily (on weekdays), they will not respond to all posts, as discussion between students may be more appropriate. Forums should be checked every 48 hours for important announcements.
  • Dialog allows students to communicate privately with the unit staff. Dialog should be checked every 48 hours for important information.
  • Zoom Meetings allow students to meet online with unit staff to seek clarification or discuss relevant issues.
  • Assessments allow students to refine and demonstrate achievement of unit learning outcomes.

Technologies used and required:

The unit uses an iLearn web site.

You may access the site from: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au  Zoom Meetings will be used for consultation. You can sign up to use the service for free (https://www.zoom.us) and download clients for computers and mobile devices here: https://www.zoom.us/download#client_4meeting

Zoom Meetings

Consultation with the unit convenor via Zoom meeting or phone is available by appointment.

Please contact the unit convenor via Dialogue to arrange a time.  

Zoom Meetings will be scheduled if students have questions or wish to discuss issues with the unit convenor.

Please use this URL to join a Zoom Meeting: https://macquarie.zoom.us/j/5747403178. 

Meetings will be terminated after 10 minutes if no students are in attendance.

Technologies used and required.

The unit uses an iLearn web site. You may access the site from : https://ilearn.mq.edu.au

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

Classes

All Study Topic seminars have been prerecorded for SPED8260. There are no on campus sessions for this unit. All seminar recordings and all of the study materials for SPED8260 can be accessed via the iLearn site. The following table gives an overview of topics covered in the unit and the suggested completion dates.

  RECOMMENDED COMPLETION DATE Week beginning Monday CONTENT
1 24th February

Welcome to SPED8260

Setting the scene
2  2nd March  Emotional & Behavioural Disorders
3  9th March Introduction to Behavioural Approaches
4 16th March Positive Teaching 1
5 23rd March Positive Teaching 2
6 30th March Functional Behavioural Assessment 1
7 6th April Functional Behavioural Assessment 2
  13th - 24th April Mid-semester Recess
8 27th April Teaching Social Skills
9 4th May Intervention 1
10 11th May Intervention 2
11 18th May Self Management
12 25th May Working with others
13 1st June Concept Checking

 

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.

Required Text and other Readings

Text

Alberto, P. A., & Troutman, A. C. (2013). Applied behaviour analysis for teachers (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson

NB: This text is also used for SPED8210.

The textbook may be obtained from the Co-Op Bookshop. https://www.coop.com.au

Other Required Readings

Compulsory readings may be downloaded from the Leganto section of the Library website at http://www.library.mq.edu.au or from sites as advised in the study guides.

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