Students

EDUC2600 – Language, Literacy and Learning

2021 – Session 1, Infrequent attendance, North Ryde

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 Unit Convenor
Kerry-Ann O'Sullivan
kerryann.osullivan@mq.edu.au
29WW356
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above including (EDUC1050 or EDUC105 or EDUC1060 or EDUC106) or (admission to BEd(ECE)(0-12) and (EDUC1060 or EDUC106 or ECH126))
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Literacy is one of the foundations of learning; it manifests itself in evolving forms and comprises a complex repertoire of knowledge and skills. Our changing communicative modes within a rapidly altering world require an expansion of the uses, purposes and practices of language and literacy. These encompass the key skills of reading, writing, viewing, representing, speaking and listening framed by a multimodal perspective of language. This unit examines these six language modes and it is organised around a research-based study of words, sounds, images, and texts, which include written, visual, oral/aural, digital and multimodal texts. Contemporary Australian curriculum, educational policies, and quality literacy practices will be introduced. The pedagogical emphasis is on a continuous cycle of explicit, systematic, balanced and integrated teaching for all students.

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: Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the key principles and concepts used in contemporary language and literacy learning.
  • ULO2: Recognise the features of the six language modes (reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing) and apply this knowledge to enhance their own and their students' learning.
  • ULO3: Demonstrate a working knowledge of grammar, and of the forms and features of a range of texts.
  • ULO4: Discuss in an informed manner the significant issues in literacy education through drawing upon their examination of current research, policies, curriculum and practices in the field.
  • ULO5: Develop some strategies to enhance their own pedagogical practices so as to work towards achieving improved literacy and language outcomes in education for all students.
  • ULO6: Demonstrate personal competency, knowledge and confidence in their uses of language and literacy in a variety of forms including ICT and digital.

General Assessment Information

 

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

 

  • 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.

 

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.

 

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
CONCEPTS OF LITERACY 15% No Monday 15th March
MAJOR ASSIGNMENT 40% No Tuesday 27th April
FINAL END OF UNIT EXAMINATION 45% No University exam period

CONCEPTS OF LITERACY

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Monday 15th March
Weighting: 15%

Establishing the concepts and your personal expectations of literacy and learning.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the key principles and concepts used in contemporary language and literacy learning.
  • Discuss in an informed manner the significant issues in literacy education through drawing upon their examination of current research, policies, curriculum and practices in the field.
  • Demonstrate personal competency, knowledge and confidence in their uses of language and literacy in a variety of forms including ICT and digital.

MAJOR ASSIGNMENT

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Tuesday 27th April
Weighting: 40%

The development of an explicit teaching approach to teaching writing.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the key principles and concepts used in contemporary language and literacy learning.
  • Recognise the features of the six language modes (reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing) and apply this knowledge to enhance their own and their students' learning.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of grammar, and of the forms and features of a range of texts.
  • Discuss in an informed manner the significant issues in literacy education through drawing upon their examination of current research, policies, curriculum and practices in the field.
  • Develop some strategies to enhance their own pedagogical practices so as to work towards achieving improved literacy and language outcomes in education for all students.
  • Demonstrate personal competency, knowledge and confidence in their uses of language and literacy in a variety of forms including ICT and digital.

FINAL END OF UNIT EXAMINATION

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: University exam period
Weighting: 45%

2 hours closed book examination based on the 4 Modules of study.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the key principles and concepts used in contemporary language and literacy learning.
  • Recognise the features of the six language modes (reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing) and apply this knowledge to enhance their own and their students' learning.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of grammar, and of the forms and features of a range of texts.
  • Demonstrate personal competency, knowledge and confidence in their uses of language and literacy in a variety of forms including ICT and digital.

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

PLEASE NOTE IN 2021 EDUC2600 IS ONLY OFFERED AS INFREQUENT ATTENDANCE:

2 external study days: Saturday 27th March and Saturday 8th May.

 

There is an expectation that you complete the scholarly reading in this unit. It is an integral part of your study of EDUC2600 and is an essential requirement.

Prescribed Texts

Required from Week 1 and throughout the unit.

The following package is from Oxford University Press. It is essential for this unit. It is required for ALL modules in this unit.

Visit oup.com.au/findmybook  to buy the ebook with a 20% discount  or to find out where to buy the print textbook. 

Emmitt, M., Zbaracki, M., Komesaroff, L. & Pollard, J. (2015). Language and learning: An introduction for teaching (6th ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.

Winch, G. (2013). The grammar handbook. South Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.

Students are required to complete the weekly readings and it is highly advisable that you have them for your 2 external study days.  A reading template to assist your study will be available in iLearn.

Recommended reading 

A list of recommended readings and references is available on the EDUC2600 iLearn site.

Structure

The unit comprises two one-hour lectures and two external study day sessions.      Students will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures and prescribed readings. They are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material.

Attendance at the 2 external study days for ALL infrequent attendance students is expected  -these are not optional sessions.

Students will be required to participate in small group activities, whole class discussion, to read the weekly material in advance, and to complete brief tasks either as individuals or in pairs. The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the unit iLearn site

Lectures

Weekly lectures are available on the web through the ECHO360 lecture component. You must listen to all the lectures.

PowerPoint slides are available in iLearn in advance of the weekly lecture.

Each lecture provides a Learning Focus for you. This will guide your note taking, your reflection activities, and your learning outcomes for each topic.

Questions and brief tasks will be asked of you in the lectures and it is expected that all students listen to the 2 lectures on a WEEKLY basis.

The Assignments and examination all draw on material from the Lectures.

 

Information about the EDUC2600 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 essential 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 students 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.

NB: Online protocols:

Think and read before you post! The answer you need is likely in the unit  guide or previous posts.

Frequently asked questions will be posted for the 2 assignments in a dedicated ASSESSMENT TASK FORUM - PLEASE CHECK CAREFULLY. 

This unit focuses on the APPROPRIATE use of language for your audience, purpose and context, and we expect you to demonstrate this in all your communication.

Please note that the teaching staff does not provide tuition for assessment tasks through the iLearn Forum.

 

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. You need to be able to annotate a word document for Task 2.
  • Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn.
  • Library databases: You are required to use various research databases to locate sources for your assignment.

Unit Schedule

PLEASE NOTE IN 2021 EDUC2600 IS ONLY OFFERED AS INFREQUENT ATTENDANCE:

2 external study days: Saturday 27th March and Saturday 8th May.

 

Overview of the Weekly Content and Program for EDUC2600 

“There’s a cool web of language winds us in…”     Graves, R, (1927). The Cool Web.

There are 4 modules for this unit:   

1.Words       Lectures 1.1 - 4.1

2.Texts         Lectures 4.2 – 6.2

3.Sounds     Lectures 7.1 – 10.2

4.Images      Lectures 11.1 – 12.2

Conclusion: Lectures 13.1 and 13.2

A fully detailed weekly study program for EDUC2600 with the accompanying readings/activities is available on the iLearn site.

2 external study day sessions will be held on Saturday 27th March and Saturday 8th May.  Attendance is required.

These will be offered face to face / online depending on the health context and requirements at the time. 

 

OPTIONAL: iLearn online revision quiz

Available online through iLearn. NON ASSESSABLE

This is a learning activity to assist you in your studies and to revise the content of Module 1. It will be opened during the mid session break and again for your exam revision at the end of classes. Timing will be advised on iLearn.

The quiz is not formally graded and is not included as part of the Unit’s assessment instruments. Students should complete this quiz to support and revise their learning in the Unit.

An online quiz of 25 multiple-choice questions will focus on the content of Module 1: Words. It will be based on the lectures of Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 and your related prescribed readings.

You should revise all the work completed in Module 1 as preparation.

This task is designed to consolidate your knowledge of the key concepts underpinning the study of this field. Questions will target your understanding of literacy, language forms and grammar.

The questions will be generated randomly in our iLearn unit and you will have 2 opportunities to complete the quiz within a time limit. Correct answers are displayed for you.

Further instructions, if needed, will be posted in iLearn. This quiz should be completed as an INDIVIDUAL task.

 

 

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

School of Education Procedures

In addition, the following policies and procedures of the School of Education are applicable in this unit.

Attendance for undergraduate units

All lectures and the program of study begin in Week 1 of Session.

Activities completed during week and at the 2 external study days are essential for building the core knowledge and/or skills required to demonstrate the learning outcomes of this unit [and to meet the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards and/or ACECQA requirements]. Attendance at the 2 external study days (as appropriate: either face to face or via Zoom) is expected and the roll will be taken.

Unit Expectations

  • Students are expected to listen to the weekly lectures, to read weekly readings  before completing tasks and to attend the 2 study days.

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

Infrequent attendance (External )Students

  1. The external study day sessions on Saturday 27th March and Saturday 8th May are essential to student engagement and learning and attendance on both days is expected. Failure to attend or to have an approved Special Consideration, may result in a Fail grade for the unit. Please see attendance requirements in this unit guide. 
  2. Prior to these sessions, you should have read the prescribed readings and listened to the lectures. Summarise the main points and make a note of the key terms and definitions. Prepare any discussion questions of your own that you wish to share.
  3. Please make effective use of the online component of the Unit and access iLearn regularly. Keep up to date with listening to the lectures on a weekly basis.

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

This is the LAST offering of EDUC2600 and it is only available as Infrequent Attendance mode.

ALL STUDENTS: EXTERNAL STUDY DAYS/ INFREQUENT ATTENDANCE

The external study sessions are on Saturday 27th March and Saturday 8th May. These are required and essential and you must attend for the whole day on BOTH days.

Sessions will be offered face to face / via Zoom subject to current health restrictions.

A detailed program will be advised on iLearn for each day:

Day 1: will focus on preparing for Task 2 (writing workshop) and concepts of literacy and grammar.

Day 2: will feature visual and digital literacy and revision of our studies about language and literacy. 

Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook