General Organisation of the Unit

The unit is organised in a flexible delivery format. A combination of seminars (for on-campus students), readings and internet delivery may be employed. In addition, support is available via telephone, Skype, the unit web site (including discussion forums and dialogue for private communication) and on-site consultation.

It is very important to note that some components of the unit will be conducted on the web site. This means that internet access is essential to the completion of the unit.

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 module coverage, it may be impossible to catch-up. Please start your study as soon as possible.

Unit Delivery: Teaching and Learning Strategy

The unit is organised in a flexible delivery format. A combination of seminars, readings, electronic discussion forums and Internet delivery may be employed. In addition, support is available via telephone, the unit web site (including forums and private dialogue) and on-site consultation.

Readings are designed to prepare students for the seminars as well as broaden their understanding of topics.

All seminars (apart from feedback seminars) are audio and/or videorecorded and made available on Echo360 (previously iLecture). Students who attend on campus should be aware that they may be recorded during the seminar.

Students participate in Discussion Forums on the subject web site, complete the Review Quizzes for each module on the web site, complete the assigned readings and activities in the Study Guides and seminars, and complete any additional exercises for each module.

Students who attend on campus seminars will participate in individual and small group activities and discussion.

Although there is no practicum component associated with this subject, students can complete some practicum if they wish, and this will be credited to their total number of days. Please refer to the Practicum Handbook which is available on the unit web site.

Off-campus students may participate in selected on-campus sessions through Skype. Further information will be provided through the iLearn site.

Response to Student Feedback

Student feedback to our units is generally very positive, and we retain practices that students appreciate. We have made some changes to units as a result of feedback:

Discussion forum posts are a required component

Two feedback session are offered after the Problem Solving exercises

Assessment quizzes have been removed 

Optional seminars

These are typically used for problem solving or delivery of new content. See the “Modules” table for further details. Any student may choose to attend an optional seminar.

Feedback Seminars

At these seminars students may view their marked Problem Solving Exercises and the lecturer will discuss each question and respond to questions. Students who attend these sessions may make an appointment for further individual feedback if they wish. Feedback seminars will be offered more than once for each Problem Solving Exercise. Students should be aware that if they choose not to attend these seminars, individual appointments will not be made unless there is a serious reason for non-attendance (such as a documented illness). The seminars will be recorded for distance students outside the Sydney area (see Assessment) to view under supervision.

Compulsory Seminars – Problem Solving Exercises

External students living in the Sydney metropolitan area and all internal students must attend in-class assessment seminars. There is no compulsory on-campus attendance for students completing the unit externally outside the Sydney metropolitan area. The Sydney metropolitan area is normally considered to be the area bounded by Engadine in the south, Campbelltown in the southwest, Penrith in the west, North Richmond in the northwest and Brooklyn in the north. Final decisions about boundaries are at the discretion of the External Student Supervision Coordinator (Dr Alison Madelaine)

Drop-in Sessions

One-hour drop-in sessions may be offered during the semester. These sessions provide students with additional opportunities to ask questions or discuss issues of concern. Please note, these sessions will ONLY function to address student questions – there is no point attending unless you have a question to ask or issues to discuss. If there are no students attending in the first 15 minutes of a drop-in session, it will be cancelled.

Review Quizzes

Generally, there will be a Review Quiz for modules in the unit, available on the unit website. These quizzes enable you to monitor your own learning. The review quizzes will remain open throughout the semester.

What are Review Quizzes?

Review quizzes are online assessments in multiple-choice format. There is one quiz for each module in the unit. We strongly suggest you complete the Review Quiz for each module as a means of monitoring you own learning.

How do I do Review quizzes?

The quizzes may be taken by logging on to the unit web site and scrolling down to the link to the quiz within each module section.

I’m concerned about doing an online quiz. What should I do?

A “practice quiz” has been set up to give you some practice and allow you to get used to the quiz module. You may attempt the practice quiz as many times as you like.  It is strongly recommended that every student attempt the practice quiz each semester. The practice is in the first section of the website under the headings “THINGS YOU SHOULD DO” and “Attempt the Practice Quiz”. Click on the link to open the quiz.

How do I know my attempt at a review quiz has been successful?

You will receive confirmation that your quiz has been submitted. Your mark will be available in “Grades”. Once you have completed the quiz, you should be able to view your answers and the feedback. If you are concerned about your mark, contact the unit convenor to discuss your results.

How many times may I attempt a quiz?

You may attempt review quizzes as often as you like. Review quizzes are not part of the assessment, they allow you to monitor and review your own learning.

I can’t access the quiz or it won’t work correctly?

Such problems are ALMOST ALWAYS RELATED TO USING AN INCORRECT BROWSER. Firefox is the recommended browser for iLearn. Contact IT Help if you have problems.

Downloadable Documents

All study guides and resource materials must be downloaded from the web site. Readings must be downloaded from the eReserve web site in the library, or from other sites as indicated in the Study Guide.

Echo360 and iLecture

What is Echo360?

Modules in this unit will involve a seminar recording via Echo360.

Seminars recorded this year will be available through Echo360.

Presentations will typically consist of video or audio. They are accessed from the unit website. The presentation may include elucidation of the reading, additional information and practical exercises. Seminars should be viewed after your have completed the relevant reading for a topic.

Information about using Echo360 is available at

http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/lecture_recordings.htm

and

http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/docs/echo_360_student_guide.pdf

 What do I need to do before I access Echo360?

In order to use Echo360 you will need QuickTime or other video player software (iTunes, VLC or Windows Media Player) and Flash for streaming playback or for downloading. You can download QuickTime through the iLearn site and you will be prompted to install Flash when you first access Echo360, if it is not already installed on your computer.

What if I can’t get the Echo360 working?

Don’t panic. Contact the Student IT Help Desk

Phone: (02) 9850 HELP (4357) (option 1) or freecall 1800 67 4357 Email: help@mq.edu.au Face to Face: Building C5C Room 244, Macquarie University

Website: http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

IT Onehelp ticket lodgement: https://help.mq.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/OneHelp.woa

Discussion Forums

Important information about the unit will be posted in Discussions in the “General” section. You should check it regularly – TWICE a week should be considered a minimum.

There will also be a Discussion Forum for each module where students can post questions or comments and discuss the issues raised during the unit. These modules will remain open for the duration of the unit. Students are required to contribute 10 posts to these Forums as part of the assessment requirements for this unit (See Assessment Tasks).

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.

Dialogue

Preferably, unit related messages should be directed to unit staff using Dialogue on the web site. Questions that you have that are relevant to others in the unit should be posted in Discussion Forums. If you send such questions using Dialogue, they may be posted anonymously and answered in Discussions.

DVD

Feedback on Problem Solving Exercises for students outside the Sydney area and for international students will be presented on DVD. You should check that you have access to a suitable DVD player or computer.

Enquiries regarding all despatch and student postgraduate materials should be directed to:Natalie.Watson@mq.edu.au

SKYPE

Off-campus students may be able to participate in selected on-campus sessions through Skype audio-conferencing.

This is a MUSEC initiative, and is not supported via the Library or IT Help-desk. You will need a computer no older than five years with Skype installed, a broadband connection (at least 15kpbs download speed). You will also need a set of headphones with an attached microphone. More information is available through the website.

Classes

All seminars are in Room 130 at MUSEC Building X5A. There are two compulsory assessment seminars that MUST be attended by internal students and external students living in the Sydney metropolitan area. All remaining seminars are optional.

NOTE: Only afternoon seminars are available, except for the compulsory assessment seminars, which will be available in both the morning and afternoon.

Seminars will vary in length depending on the content to be covered, but will generally be a maximum of 3 hours. 

These dates are the WEDNESDAY of each semester week.

All sessions are held on Wednesday.

Modules

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

Rationale for Modes of Assessment

1. Online participation – participation in on-line discussion assists students to develop an understanding of each Topic, provides an opportunity for self and peer assessment and provides a means of regular feedback on academic progress.
2. Problem Solving Exercises are designed to assess understanding, problem solving and application of concepts, principles and strategies covered in the unit. The Problem Solving Exercises may address skills such as identifying a small n design or idenfying threats to the validity of a study.
3. Assignments are designed to enable you to reflect more deeply on a particular problem or scenario and to write a considered response. In SPED801, students will be required to write a critical summary of a study published in a journal.

Assessment Weighting

There are several components of the assessment in this unit. All components must be completed. If you fail to complete all assessment components, a passing grade will not be awarded. You must pass the practicum and you must get an overall pass in the graded components. The overall pass for the unit will be determined by the weighted total of the passing scores for individual components. 

Marking Criteria and Performance Descriptors for Problem Solving Exercises and Assignment

Marking Criteria

In general, markers will be looking for the following qualities in your responses to the questions and scenarios in problem solving exercises:

• Concise address of the central points in the scenarios provided
• Appropriate and high quality critical analysis and justification where needed
• Integration of information from relevant content in the unit
• Quality of critical analysis
• Application of the statistical concepts taught to the scenarios provided (note that SPED801 is not a calculation-based statistics unit. You will NOT be required to calculate complex statistics. The emphasis os on understanding what the statistics mean in the context of empirical studies in special education.)

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

• Clear and concise summary of the main descriptive elements of an empirical study.
• Quality of critical analysis (particularly in the sections on methodological strengths and weaknesses)
• Evidence of application of the SPED801 course content
• Correct use of APA style

 You are encouraged to evaluate your work against these criteria.

 Performance Descriptors

Resubmission

Students are required to gain an overall pass on the unit but do not have to pass all assessment components. If you perform poorly on one component, you may compensate for this with an improved performance in the other component(s). Resubmission of assessments is not permitted. 

Appeals against grades for individual assessment components

If any student has concern about the marking of an assessment, they must:

1. Consult the member of staff who marked the work.
2. If there is no satisfactory resolution, an appeal should be made in writing to the unit convenor within one week of the marked assessment being returned or of results being made available. The student should explicitly state the basis of the appeal.

The unit convenor will review the marking and may, at their discretion, ask for re-marking by a second marker. If re-marking by a second marker is judged appropriate, the final mark will normally be the average of the two marks awarded for the assessment task. Students should note that the revised mark for the task may be higher, the same or lower than the original mark. Please note that it is MUSEC policy to double mark all failing assessments. 

The decision of the unit convenor is final. 

Appeals against final unit grades

Students should refer to the Handbook of Postgraduate Studies for information about appeals against a final grade. The Handbook is at http://handbook.mq.edu.au/2013/

You should also read the policy at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

 The first step of the appeal process must be made within 20 days of the release of the unit results. As for requests for special consideration, appeals against finals grades must be made through http://ask.mq.edu.au.

 The University defines plagiarism in its rules:"Plagiarism involves using the work of another person and presenting it as one's own." Plagiarism is a serious breach of the University's rules and carries significant penalties.

Academic Honesty 

You must read the University's practices and procedures on Academic Honesty. These on the web at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

The policies and procedures explain what academic honesty and plagiarism are, how to avoid plagiarism, the procedures that will be taken in cases of suspected plagiarism, and the penalties if you are found guilty.Penalties may include a deduction of marks, failure in the unit, and/or referral to the University Discipline Committee. Details of possible penalties are athttp://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/schedule_penalties.html

Other important points:

• Close paraphrasing of another persons’ writing is considered to be plagiarism. You must express ideas using your own words.
•  Claim of ignorance of the University policy on plagiarism is NOT a defence within MUSEC. If you do not understand the preceding information, please seek advice from a member of the academic staff. 

University Assessment Policies

The University Assessment Policy, Code of Practice and Procedures are available at

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_code_of_practice.html

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/procedure.html

Standardised Transcript Marks

Your overall unit result will be assigned a standardised numerical grade (SNG) on your University transcript. High Distinction grades are assigned a mark between 85 and 100, Distinction grades between 75 and 84, Credit grades between 65 and 74, Pass grades between 50 and 64, and Fail grades below 50. For further information, see the Grading Policy. 

SNGs CORRESPOND WITH LETTER GRADES AWARDED THROUGHOUT THE UNIT (I.E., HD, D, CR P, F) BUT DO NOT DIRECTLY CORRESPOND TO PERCENTAGE MARKS FOR INDIVIDUAL ASSSESSMENTS.

Grade Descriptors

The following generic grade descriptors are applied across the university.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fail Grades 

Entry into units in the postgraduate coursework program requires a clear pass (i.e., a final unit grade of at least “C” or “P”) in all previously completed SPED units. That is, you will not be granted automatic entry into units if you have failures in previously attempted SPED prefixed units. If you have failing grades on our record (1) you may be allowed to continue at the discretion of the Director of MUSEC (or nominee) with a waiver, or, (2) You may be required to reattempt the relevant units until a clear pass is obtained.

Students with fail grades MUST seek academic advice before attempting to re-enrol.

Satisfactory Progress

Students are expected to maintain satisfactory progress in a course/program of study. Normally, students will be asked to show cause why their candidature should not be terminated if they fail any unit twice. Further, students may be asked to show cause if they receive more than two conceded passes and/or failures in a course/program of study.

Further information and forms are available at

http://www.reg.mq.edu.au/academic-index.html

 Pathways Upgrade

Students who successfully complete the requirements for a Postgraduate Certificate may have these units credited towards an upgrade to a Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Special Education. Students who successfully complete a Postgraduate Diploma may have these units credited towards an upgrade to the Master of Special Education.

Students will not normally be considered for a pathway upgrade if they have more than one conceded pass and/or failure in a course/program of study.

If your studies are seriously and unavoidably disrupted for more than three days, you may apply for special consideration. The university policy on Special Consideration is athttp://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html and the Procedures to be followed are at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/procedure.html

You must submit your request within five (5) working days of the event and you are expected to provide documentary evidence.

A link to information and forms is at https://ask.mq.edu.au/kb.php?record=ce7c4e38-4f82-c4d7-95b1-4e2ee8fd075f&9

Special Consideration applications must be submitted through this website. 

Supervisor nomination forms may be downloaded from the home page of the unit. 

Staff

This unit will be convened and taught by Dr Alison Madelaine.

If the telephone is unattended or engaged, you will automatically be switched to voicemail. Your message will be automatically time-stamped and the call returned as soon as possible.

Consultation hours

Consultation hours are Wednesday 2:30-4:30pm during teaching weeks. Students may attend during these times without appointment. Occasionally, due to unforseen circumstances, the unit staff may not be available for consultation at the nominated time. Notification will be provided of any such changes in the Forum section of the web site. 

Internet audio and video conferencing is also using Skype.

Appointments

Appointments outside consultation hours can be arranged by contacting staff members directly. Contact details are provided above.  

Note that I am employed on a part-time basis in 2013. I am on-campus on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Texts

*Stanovich, K. (2012). How to think straight about psychology (10th Ed). Pearson Education.

Clegg, F. (1982). Simple Statistics: A course book for the social sciences. Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.

* Note that if you have the 9th edition, this would also be suitable.

The texts may be obtained from the Co-op Bookshop (phone: (02) 8986 4016; fax: (02) 8986 4099).

Other Required Reading

Most compulsory readings may be downloaded from the eReserve section of the Library web site at:

http://www.library.mq.edu.au/reserve/

Required readings should be completed prior to viewing the relevant Echo360 recording or seminar and in conjunction with the study guide.

This unit is mandatory for the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education and the Masters in Special Education. As it is a postgraduate unit, it builds on the knowledge of research that students have gained in previous qualifications and through professional reading. A foundation knowledge of research in the social sciences is assumed, and there is a strongfocus on research within special education. Students are expected to refine their understanding of research methodologies, which will enable them to discuss and critique the special education literature. They will build a deep appreciation of the key role of high quality empirical research in informing sound practice in special education.

Access

An iLearn web site has been established to support the unit. The site will offer the option of discussion forums on specific topics and dialogue (private communication) within the unit. Required study materials, review quizzes and assessment quizzes are available on the web site.

You should check the web site at least twice a week. You will NOT receive any material in the mail. ALL communication is through the web site.

 The web site for the unit may be accessed at:

 https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

 Information about using iLearn is available at

http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/

This page includes information and links (on the left hand side of the page) about topics such as:

• Navigating iLearn
• Using discussion forums
• Getting started with iLearn
• Student guides

How do I get a password?

Your username for iLearn is your student ID number (as found on your Campus Card). Your password will be the same password that you use to access myMQ Student Portal. If you have not yet accessed myMQ, your password will be your initial MQID password mailed to you after you enrolled (two random characters followed by your birth date). 

What if I have password problems or need IT help?

If you have password problems or any other difficulties accessing the web site please contact:

Student IT Help

Phone: (02) 9850 HELP (4357) (option 1) or freecall 1800 67 4357 Email: help@mq.edu.au Face to Face: Building C5C Room 244, Macquarie University

Website: http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

IT Onehelp ticket lodgement: https://help.mq.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/OneHelp.woa

PLEASE NOTE: If you have contacted IT help and still have difficulty obtaining your username and password and are still UNABLE to access unit websites at the end of the first week of semester, please contact Natalie Watson (Natalie.Watson@mq.edu.au) at MUSEC. Arrangements may be made to email you important materials.

To get you started in this unit, tick off the following steps as they are completed: