Overview
This unit aims to provide masters and doctoral Research higher degree (RHD) students with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully communicate in English. You will become familiar with the academic skills required for effective reading, writing, listening and spoken English. The assessment in this unit will align with individual goals and have direct correlation to your own research. The assessment supports the development of advanced skills and confidence in using English for academic purposes at CQUniversity. This unit will be available to any candidate studying a Research Higher Degree (i.e. masters by research or doctoral level study), and is particularly suited to candidates from non-English speaking backgrounds, be those either domestic or international enrolments. Candidates can self-select to enrol in this unit, or may be asked to do so under direction of their Supervisory Panel or Research Division.
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 - 2018
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 0-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 0 hours of study per week, making a total of 0 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.
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 Unit Evaluation
Resources and links were useful and supported written and oral communication skills.
Continue to provide useful resources to improve the students' skills and confidence in their written and oral expression.
Feedback from Unit Evaluation
Assessments were clearly explained and unit coordinator provided feedback that assisted learning.
Keep assessment structure and continue to provide clear, constructive feedback to improve the students' use of English for academic purposes.
Feedback from Unit Evaluation
Students requested additional information that would benefit RHD candidates.
Ensure students are subscribed to research emails lists and know how to access Research Moodle. Encourage students to attend Research Intensive and other RHD workshops.
Feedback from Unit Evaluation
Students appreciated unit targeting the research higher degree candidates, in particular students from the non-English speaking countries.
Continue to provide feedback that supports RHD candidates at different language competency levels and tailored towards the student’s unique area of research.
Feedback from Unit Evaluation
Students identified Moodle site is easy to navigate, however some dates and information were not updated.
Ensure the unit resources and dates on Moodle are current with each term.
- Articulate the process of acculturation and the different contexts required when communicating using English
- Utilise a range of active listening skills when doing research and project work
- Apply critical and analytical reading skills to areas of research
- Design and deliver an oral presentation incorporating English verbal and non-verbal cues
- Apply English language conventions, punctuation and grammar fundamentals to written texts.
There is no relevant external accreditation.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Portfolio - 0% | |||||
| 2 - Presentation - 0% | |||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 0% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 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 - Portfolio - 0% | ||||||||
| 2 - Presentation - 0% | ||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 0% | ||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom Conferencing (Webcam and Microphone)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.braund@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Academic acculturation: Introduction to the process of acculturation and the importance of interacting with academic peers to enhance study success.
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Module/Topic
Academic English: Understanding the fundamentals of English communication and different contexts to competently interact in a global academic environment.
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Module/Topic
Academic English: The importance of Active Learning. How to critically evaluate texts, effectively note-take and formulate responses
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Module/Topic
Academic English: Reading. Examine key strategies to effectively comprehend and evaluate written texts.
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Assessment Task 1: PORTFOLIO
Assessment 1: Written tasks - Week 1,2,3,4 Due: Week 4 Friday (3 Aug 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Academic English: Speaking. Examine the skills required for successful oral presentations, checking pronunciation and accent management.
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Academic English: The importance of confident oral presentation skills.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS: Assessment Task 2
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Module/Topic
ORAL PRESENTATIONS: Assessment Task 2
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live symposium held using ZOOM. All students to deliver their Oral Presentation.
Assessment Task 2: ORAL PRESENTATION
Weekly ZOOM session
Assessment 2: Oral Presentation Due: Week 7 Monday (27 Aug 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Language Conventions: English Grammar. This week we consolidate rules around fundamental punctuation and grammar (eg. Active vs Passive voice, Verbs/tenses, Adverbs, Syntax, Paragraph structure, Colons, Semi-Colons).
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Module/Topic
Academic writing: Identify problems or issues related to academic writing requirements.
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Module/Topic
Academic writing: Examine the features of effective writing and correct use of language conventions.
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Module/Topic
Academic writing: Building our Academic vocabulary and phrase bank.
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Module/Topic
Academic success: The nexus between academic communication and peer reviews, feedback and self-evaluation.
Chapter
See Moodle resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly ZOOM session
Assessment Task 3: WRITTEN TASKS
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Portfolio
Assessment 1
Complete 4 written tasks. Approximately 150 - 300 words for each task.
Tasks:
1. Introduce yourself
2. Research overview
3. Active Listening
4. Reading and note-taking
Week 4 Friday (3 Aug 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 6 Friday (24 Aug 2018)
Students will receive written feedback on this assessment via Moodle.
This assessment task is marked according to how well you have met the specified requirements, and in accordance with the assessment criteria outlined below.
The criteria sheet that you require for submission is located under ‘Assessment Resources’ in the Moodle course site.
Reflection – critical reflection on self is evidenced in portfolio tasks. Demonstrate a variety of measures have been used to reflect on own knowledge, performance, including self, and fellow RHD students.
Communication and presentation – all work is of an academic standard (well written with correct spelling, grammar, syntax and referenced).
Personal and professional development - demonstration of personal learning and reflection. This includes demonstrating planning, self-direction, seeking feedback and commitment to quality improvement.
- Articulate the process of acculturation and the different contexts required when communicating using English
- Utilise a range of active listening skills when doing research and project work
- Apply critical and analytical reading skills to areas of research
- Apply English language conventions, punctuation and grammar fundamentals to written texts.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
2 Presentation
Assessment 2 - Oral Presentation
As a researcher, we often interact with multiple communities about what we do; sharing our methods and findings, soliciting feedback and information and creating new networks for further work. One common vehicle for such engagement is oral presentations; often delivered at conferences and other research settings. The aim of this assessment is to enhance your oral presentation skills and receive feedback to improve your presentation confidence.
Structure. The Oral Presentations will be delivered via a ZOOM symposium starting in Week 7. Slides should be submitted via Moodle online three days prior to the session.
1. Prepare a 5 minute presentation to include:
- An outline of your research proposal
- Brief summary of existing literature around this thesis
- Research methodology
- What is the impact of your proposed study
- References
Question time from RHD colleagues. Prior to the symposium, consider presenting to your peers or supervisor so that they can provide you with feedback.
Week 7 Monday (27 Aug 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Oral presentation
Week 7 Monday (27 Aug 2018)
Students will receive written feedback on this assessment via Moodle.
This assessment task is marked according to how well you have met the specified requirements, and in accordance with the assessment criteria outlined below.
Integration – background research in the tertiary education context are discussed and aligned with consideration of scholarly literature and personal dispositions.
Reflection – critical reflection is evidenced in presented research.
Communication and presentation – all work is of an academic standard (well written with correct spelling, grammar, syntax and referenced).
Presentation is persuasive and compelling and takes account of diverse audience needs. Clarity of purpose and coherence of oral expression (vocalisation, accent management, pronunciation and grammar); appropriate oral and written conventions used.
Technological implementation - innovation with a range of educational technologies, clearly communicated ideas that enabled a well-executed presentation. Competency in the technology that supports your presentation and discussion.
Personal and professional development - demonstration of personal learning including elements of planning, self-direction, seeking feedback, and commitment to quality improvement.
- Articulate the process of acculturation and the different contexts required when communicating using English
- Utilise a range of active listening skills when doing research and project work
- Design and deliver an oral presentation incorporating English verbal and non-verbal cues
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Leadership
3 Written Assessment
Assessment 3 - Reflective writing
The purpose of Reflective writing is to encourage you to reveal your personal thoughts about your life experiences in relation to your current research higher degree studies and career aspirations for the future.
Structure
This report is to include:
· Write a reflective response to why you are studying a research higher degree; what you hope to gain from it, during the study and after graduation. Reveal your expectations as a RHD student at CQUniversity and your immediate and long-term career aspirations (300-400 words).
· Create a Curriculum Vitae for a research-based position job opportunity, providing an overview of your work experiences and other qualifications to date.
· Write an Ezine article about your research, suitable for publishing to an on-line community such as http://ezinearticles.com/ (400-500 words).
Support
Students are expected to proactively seek support for completion of the task throughout the term. Key support sources include:
· Informal consultations with the course coordinator as needed.
· Course resources including exemplars.
· Online discussion forums.
· Feedback provided by peers.
Review/Exam Week Monday (8 Oct 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Final report
Exam Week Monday (15 Oct 2018)
Students will receive written feedback on this assessment via Moodle.
While the nature and the scope of the final project deliverable will vary somewhat between students, all deliverables will be assessed by the final criteria Scholarship, Reflection, Communication and presentation, Personal and professional development.
Scholarship – critical analysis and interpretation of own research topic to create original texts for the Report.
Reflection - critical reflection on self and demonstration of elements of planning, self-direction, seeking feedback, and commitment to personal and professional improvement.
Communication and presentation – The structure of the report is in alignment with professional standards for the genre selected. The report is written in clear and concise language and all work is of an academic standard (well written with correct spelling, grammar, syntax and referenced). Written presentation/genre takes account of diverse audience needs.
Personal and professional development - Demonstrates professionalism informed by openness and the desire to advance knowledge and skills.
- Articulate the process of acculturation and the different contexts required when communicating using English
- Apply critical and analytical reading skills to areas of research
- Design and deliver an oral presentation incorporating English verbal and non-verbal cues
- Apply English language conventions, punctuation and grammar fundamentals to written texts.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
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?
