Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Hua-Chen Wang
Contact via Contact via iLearn Dialogue
29WW 363
By appointment
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Credit points |
Credit points
10
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MSpecEd or GradDipSpecEd or MInc&SpecEd or GradDipInc&SpecEd or GradCertLearnDiffSuppTeach
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is designed to provide knowledge and skills necessary to guide instructional and assessment practices in the areas of reading and writing in English, including processes for providing effective support to facilitate learning for students with reading and writing difficulties. It focuses on current research-based theories and pedagogies for reading and writing. Topics of the unit include key components of reading and writing such as phonics, reading fluency, reading comprehension, text types and spelling. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Due: End of each week (from Week 3)
Weighting: 10%
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 Discussion Forum 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.
Topic discussion forums will close progressively through the semester. All forums will close at each Sunday 11.55pm of the week.
The content of each forum will remain accessible, but posts made after the closing date will not count towards your assessment.
Closing Dates for Discussion Forums
Topic |
Closing Date |
---|---|
1. Introduction to Reading and Writing |
End of Week 3 |
2. Introduction to Identifying Words |
End of Week 3 |
3. Phonological Awareness |
End of Week 4 |
4. Phonics |
End of Week 5 |
5. Introduction to Understanding Text |
End of Week 6 |
6. Vocabulary |
End of Week 7 |
7. Reading Comprehension |
End of Week 8 |
8. Reading Fluency |
End of Week 9 |
9. Introduction to Producing Text |
End of Week 10 |
10. Spelling |
End of Week 11 |
11. Writing |
End of Week 12 |
You need to post in at least eight (8) of the eleven topics, otherwise you will receive 0 of the 10% mark.
Due: Oct. 3rd, 2021 (End of Week 8)
Weighting: 50%
The assignment will be on effective program design in reading. It will involve extended responses typically to between 3 and 5 questions. This assessment 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.
More information on this assignment will be available on the unit iLearn site from Week 4.
See the General Assessment Information section for information on submission procedures, extensions, etc.
Due: Nov. 7th, 2021 (End of Week 13)
Weighting: 40%
Students are to answer a set of questions related to effective program design and assessments for spelling and writing (1,500 to 2,000 words).
More information on this assignment will be available on the unit iLearn site from Week 7.
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:
Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports
Please note:
Assignment extensions and late penalties
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 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.
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 50.
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.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Online Discussion Forum Participation | 10% | No | End of each week (from Week 3) |
Reading and Reading Comprehension Problem Set | 50% | No | Oct. 3rd, 2021 (End of Week 8) |
Writing Problem Set | 40% | No | Nov. 7th, 2021 (End of Week 13) |
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: End of each week (from Week 3)
Weighting: 10%
Students are to contribute to online discussion forums under each topic.
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Oct. 3rd, 2021 (End of Week 8)
Weighting: 50%
Students are to answer a set of questions related to effective program design and assessments for reading and reading comprehension (2,200 to 2,700 words).
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Nov. 7th, 2021 (End of Week 13)
Weighting: 40%
Students are to answer a set of questions related to effective program design and assessments for writing (1,500 to 2,000 words).
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
The unit is organised in external mode only, and in a flexible delivery format.
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 organised 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.
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.
Forums provide students with the opportunity to ask question and discuss issues relevant to the unit. Contributions to the online discussion forum 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.
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.
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 |
Online Lecture Completion Date |
Content |
1. |
Week 1 (Aug 1st) |
Welcome Message |
2. |
Week 2 (Aug 8th) |
Introduction to Reading and Writing |
3. |
Week 3 (Aug 15th) |
[Module 1] Introduction to Identifying Words |
4. |
Week 4 (Aug 22nd) |
[Module 1] Phonological Awareness |
5. |
Week 5 (Aug 29th) |
[Module 1] Phonics |
6. |
Week 6 (Sep 5th) |
[Module 2] Introduction to Understanding Text |
7. |
Week 7 (Sep 12th) |
[Module 2] Vocabulary |
|
Recess |
|
Recess |
||
8. |
Week 8 (Oct 3rd) |
[Module 2] Reading Comprehension |
9. |
Week 9 (Oct 10th) |
[Module 2] Reading Fluency |
10. |
Week 10 (Oct 17th) |
[Module 3] Introduction to Producing Text |
11. |
Week 11 (Oct 24th) |
[Module 3] Spelling |
12. |
Week 12 (Oct 31st) |
[Module 3] Writing |
13. |
Week 13 (Nov 7th) |
Review |
Consultation with the unit convenor via Zoom meetings is available weekly by appointment. Please contact the unit convenor via Dialogue to arrange a time.
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.
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 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
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
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.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
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
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.
The 5Rs Framework, developed by the School of Education at Macquarie University, is embedded throughout your teacher education course. Your use of the 5Rs Framework will help you develop the capabilities that will make your teaching career sustainable and fulfilling.
In this unit, you will learn using the 5Rs framework in the following important ways:
Resilience. In this unit, students are encouraged to form study groups and participate in online forums to practice drawing the social and structural supports around them. Given the unit materials are fully online and can be accessed with flexibility, students are encouraged to plan their study times and practice time management skills throughout the unit. Being able to use personal resource and social support, as well as managing time and multiple tasks are important resilience skills.
Reflexive. In this unit, students will be asked to share their knowledge and professional experience on the topics of reading and writing. After learning about the science of reading and writing in the unit, students are asked to critically evaluate and reflect on their knowledge and practice. To ensure quality teaching outcomes, it is important to reflect and challenge our existing beliefs and make effective and impactful decisions based on research evidence
Responsive. For the online discussion assessment, students are encouraged to provide meaningful and supportive feedback to each other. Throughout the unit, students are also asked to think about how their practice and their relationships to the community may impact their students and families.
Ready to learn. Students will learn the foundational and advanced knowledge in reading and writing, including the cognitive science of language, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension and fluency, spelling and writing. This knowledge forms a basis for future learning and understanding of the principals for effective instruction in reading and writing. Students are encouraged to see this as a starting point, not an end point.
Research engaged. The importance of practice research-based instruction and making evidence-based decisions is embedded in all topics of the unit. In the main assessments, students will be given case scenarios and asked to provide appropriate assessments and instructions that are based on research.
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
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook