Overview
In this unit, you will develop practical evidence-based Positive Psychology coaching skills for working with individual clients on positive behaviour change. Your practical coursework will include fundamental coaching skills such as building trust and using questioning, identifying goals and finding purpose, as well as working with character strengths, enhancing hope, and applying Positive Psychology assessment tools. Please note: students are required to attend 4 of the 5 practical workshops (these are two hour workshops run in the evening in Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10).
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2020
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Moodle student evaluations
Some students new to coaching found the assessment requirement to demonstrate coaching skills with a client quite daunting.
The assessment structure and content will be revised so that students demonstrate their skills without using an external volunteer client.
Feedback from Moodle student evaluations
Some students found that the assessment structure and weighting did not allow enough opportunities to receive higher grades.
The assessment structure and weightings will be changed to 4 smaller assessments worth 25% each.
Feedback from Moodle student evaluations
The workshops and the practice sessions with peers built skills and also allowed students to work collaboratively with other students and share their learning with others.
The workshops and the practice sessions with peers will be retained in the unit.
- Apply principles of positive change to plan and conduct professional coaching sessions with individual clients
- Apply Positive Psychology tools and strategies to coaching individuals
- Evaluate and reflect upon your personal and professional development as a coaching practitioner.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 30% | |||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 30% | |||
| 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 40% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||
| 2 - Communication | |||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||
| 4 - Research | |||
| 5 - Self-management | |||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||
| 7 - Leadership | |||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 30% | ||||||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 30% | ||||||||
| 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 40% | ||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
d.every@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Foundations, concepts and principles of positive psychology coaching
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Coaching skills fundamentals
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Week 2 Tuesday (21 July 2020) 6:30-8:30 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Working with Positivity I
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Working with Positivity II
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Week 4 Tuesday (4 August 2020) 6:30-8:30 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Working with Goals
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No modules/topics this week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Working with Hope
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Week 6 Tuesday (25 August 2020) 6:30-8:30 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Working with Strengths I
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
ASSESSMENT 1 DUE
Coaching session using Active Constructive Responding Due: Week 7 Monday (31 Aug 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Working with Strengths II
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Week 8 Tuesday (8 September 2020) 6:30-8:30 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Positive Assessment I
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
ASSESSMENT 2 DUE
Coaching session using Hope Mapping Due: Week 9 Monday (14 Sept 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Positive Assessment II
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Week 10 Tuesday (22 September 2020) 6:30-8:30 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Positive psychology coaching across the life span
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Ending with Hope
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
ASSESSMENT 3 DUE
Reflective journal Due: Week 12 Monday (5 Oct 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
There are no examinations for this unit.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
There are no examinations for this unit.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Practical Assessment
For this assessment you will conduct a short (5 minutes minimum to 6 minute maximum) online coaching session with another student from this unit * using Active Constructive Responding.
Preparation for this assessment:
There are readings and video resources on Active Constructive Responding (ACR) available on Moodle. We will be developing ACR skills using role plays, self-reflection and group discussions in the unit workshops.
Instructions for the coachee:
Prior to the coaching session, the coachee will choose a recent positive experience in their lives (e.g. an achievement at work or in study or in their personal goals such as fitness, receiving an award, completing a project, being recognized in their community or for their volunteering, planning an important trip, achieving a life milestone).
Instructions for the coach:
The coach will ask the coachee to share a recent positive event. They will use Active Constructive Responding to encourage the coachee to share about this positive event.
The coaching session must include:
1. A minimum of 2 summaries and reflections back to the coachee
2. A minimum of 3 active constructive questions
Submission:
You will submit a video recording of the coaching session. The coaching session is a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 6 minutes. Meeting the time limit is included as a part of the marking criteria in your marking rubric on Moodle. See the Psychology Word Count Information document for a rationale for using this type of restriction.
*Your Unit Coordinator will set up the pairs for the first assessment in the first workshop.
Week 7 Monday (31 Aug 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Monday (14 Sept 2020)
Feedback and grade for this assessment will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.
The work will be assessed on:
- Non-verbal skills in reflective listening (maintaining eye contact and focus on client)
- Accuracy, appropriateness and timing of active responding listening (summarizing responses)
- Skillful use of Active Constructive Responding questioning
- Meeting the time limit
You will need to score a minimum of 50% for this assessment in order to pass this Unit.
- Apply principles of positive change to plan and conduct professional coaching sessions with individual clients
- Apply Positive Psychology tools and strategies to coaching individuals
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
2 Practical Assessment
In this assessment, you will create a Hope Map with your coachee, who will be another student from this unit*.
Preparation for this assessment:
There are resources for creating a Hope Map on Moodle. We will use role playing exercises and self-reflection activities and group discussions in the unit workshops to practice Hope Mapping with clients.
The coaching session:
The coach guides the coachee through a session to develop a Hope Map.
The completed Hope Map must include a minimum of:
1. One (1) Goal
2. Three (3) pathways to that Goal
3. One (1) clarified obstacle for each of the 3 pathways
4. Two (2) identified strengths for reaching the goal
5. One (1) support person identified
6. One (1) way of measuring progress towards the goal
Submission:
You will submit the coachee’s completed Hope Map.
*Your Unit Coordinator will set up the pairs for the second assessment in the first workshop.
Week 9 Monday (14 Sept 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 11 Monday (28 Sept 2020)
Feedback and grade for this assessment will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.
The assessment will be graded on:
- Ability to lead a client through a Hope Map process
- Accurate and appropriate completion of all parts of the Hope Map
- Ability to assist a client to develop SMART goals, pathways, obstacles and support people
Please note, you need to receive a minimum grade of 50% for this assessment to pass the Unit.
- Apply principles of positive change to plan and conduct professional coaching sessions with individual clients
- Apply Positive Psychology tools and strategies to coaching individuals
- Knowledge
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
3 Reflective Practice Assignment
For this assessment, you will write a reflective journal to chronicle your insights and ongoing development of knowledge and skills in positive psychology coaching. You will submit a reflective practice journal with six (6) journal entries. The journal entries will document your skill development, insights and experiences in:
a) both sessions with your coachee: the Active Constructive Responding and Hope Map
b) four of the practical workshops
Your journal entries will document:
- reflections on the content of each session/workshop
- reflections on progress and challenges in implementing positive psychology coaching skills as experienced in your coaching sessions
- your growing understanding of positive psychology coaching skills
- an evaluation of changes in your perceptions, beliefs, and behaviour as a positive psychology coach
The total word limit of 3,000 +/- 10% includes in-text citations but excludes any reference section. Meeting the word count is included as a part of the marking criteria in your marking rubric on Moodle. See the Psychology Word Count Information document for a rationale for using this type of word limit restriction.
Week 12 Monday (5 Oct 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Monday (19 Oct 2020)
Feedback and grade for this assessment will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.
The journal will be assessed on:
- Critical thinking and self-awareness in exploring the development of positive psychology coaching skills
- Ability to undertake a balanced exploration of strengths and challenges
- Quality of insight into why elements of the coaching session/other activities such as role plays worked or did not work as well as hoped
- Ability to translate reflection into clear action for future professional development
- Adhering the word limit
Please note, you need to obtain a minimum grade of 50% for this assessment to pass this Unit.
- Evaluate and reflect upon your personal and professional development as a coaching practitioner.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Self-management
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
