Students

SPED8913 – Research in Sensory Disability

2021 – Session 1, 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 activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face-to-face and online 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

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Administration
Lena Karam
Contact via 0289720303
RIDBC Renwick Centre
8-4 Monday to Friday
Susan Silveira
Robyn Moore
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MDisabilityStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit comprises a series of modules which support student exploration, understanding and application of research methodologies utilized in contemporary studies of 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: Identify principles, values and beliefs that guide the research process.
  • ULO2: Undertake critical review of current research literature relating to professional practice in the field of sensory disability (education, therapy and service administration).
  • ULO3: Identify and describe issues in the field of sensory disability that require investigation, and generate potential research questions.
  • ULO4: Explain and discuss features of a range of research methodologies used in the field of sensory disability; consider limitations to data collection and analysis.
  • ULO5: Design and draft research methodology in accordance with Human Ethics requirements for sensory disability studies.

General Assessment Information

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:

  • All assignments must comply with the RIDBC Renwick Centre Accessible Style Guide
  • 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 Arial, 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
  • All assignments must be submitted through Turnitin as an accessible word document – do not submit as a pdf.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assignments are successfully submitted through Turnitin (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/tools-and-resource s/ilearn/ilearn-quick-guides-for-students/assignments-and-grades).
  • For written assignments, the Turnitin Similarity Report must also be submitted using the correct Turnitin submission point at the time of assignment submission.
  • Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required.

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports

  • Students must use the Turnitin Similarity Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing and, in consideration of the report outcome, attend to any potential academic integrity issues, prior to submission of the final version of the assignment.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assignment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain a Similarity Report.
  • The Similarity 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 Similarity Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date.
  • For all written assignments, the Similarity Report must also be submitted using the correct Turnitin submission point.

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

  • 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:

  • Please do not request a re-mark for a Failed assessment as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.
  • The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade.
  • Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.

Units with Quiz Assessments

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.

In submitting your responses to an online quiz you agree that you:

  • have not included content that has previously been submitted for academic credit in this or any other unit
  • are submitting answers which are your own work
  • acknowledge that you are aware of, and are acting in accordance with the Macquarie University Academic Integrity Policy and the standards set out in Schedule 2 (https://staf f.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/ policies/academic-integrity)
  • that you are not participating in any unacceptable academic activities such as cheating, collusion, deception, fabrication, impersonation, obstruction, plagiarism and/or sabotage.

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.

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. Please also 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.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Literature Review 30% No Week 5
Online test 30% No Week 9
Research project proposal 40% No Week 13

Literature Review

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 30%

Compile a literature review scoping contemporary issues in sensory disability. (2000 words)


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify principles, values and beliefs that guide the research process.
  • Undertake critical review of current research literature relating to professional practice in the field of sensory disability (education, therapy and service administration).
  • Explain and discuss features of a range of research methodologies used in the field of sensory disability; consider limitations to data collection and analysis.

Online test

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 9
Weighting: 30%

Research scenarios - explain features and limitations of methodology.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and describe issues in the field of sensory disability that require investigation, and generate potential research questions.
  • Explain and discuss features of a range of research methodologies used in the field of sensory disability; consider limitations to data collection and analysis.

Research project proposal

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%

Written essay/research proposal document. (2500 words)


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and describe issues in the field of sensory disability that require investigation, and generate potential research questions.
  • Explain and discuss features of a range of research methodologies used in the field of sensory disability; consider limitations to data collection and analysis.
  • Design and draft research methodology in accordance with Human Ethics requirements for sensory disability studies.

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

This unit is delivered entirely online through iLearn. All requirements for this unit begin Session 1 Week 1, 2021.  

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 there, as will all relevant unit notices and materials.

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.auOneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff. 

Please note: 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 written 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 timed release of topics and learning modules in SPED8913 is purposeful. Progressive availability enables you to pace your learning, construction and integration of knowledge throughout the semester. Once released, a topic folder/module will remain open until the close of semester. 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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.


Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook