CQUniversity Unit Profile
SKIL40016 Positive Learning for University
Positive Learning for University
All details in this unit profile for SKIL40016 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

Positive Learning for University introduces you to a variety of concepts through the framework of Positive Psychology. Techniques will be taught to: enhance clarity and identify personal meaning and values; increase optimism through changes in thinking; consider how gratitude and mindfulness improve personal well-being; identify personal strengths; provide opportunities to develop positive relationships; improve communication skills; and integrate healthy living to ensure a healthy environment for study. Through a mixture of theory, practical activities and reflection, you will demonstrate how personal attitudes and ways of thinking affect your learning, and you will consider solutions to the challenges that may be encountered in higher education. Additionally, in order to navigate an online world, you will be introduced to a number of technology platforms that will further support your learning and assist you to demonstrate understanding of concepts using technology.

Details

Career Level: Non-award
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

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 3 - 2018

Distance

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Non-award 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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 10%
2. Portfolio
Weighting: 20%
3. Portfolio
Weighting: 40%
4. Practical and Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 CQUniversity Policy and reflection on Unit

Feedback

Indigenisation of the Curriculum

Recommendation

Identify Indigenous leaders from the field of Positive Psychology and include them in the recommended readings.

Feedback from Self-reflection on Unit contents

Feedback

Enhanced support for students undertaking this unit

Recommendation

Increase follow up with students who identify as having an access plan or self-identify as being vulnerable

Feedback from Feedback from students

Feedback

Identify positive outcomes for students

Recommendation

Testimonials from past students will be featured on the Moodle site.

Feedback from Non-attendance at planned sessions

Feedback

Low participation in Zoom sessions

Recommendation

Vary times of sessions or do a survey early in the term to find the most suitable time for the majority of students

Feedback from Student evaluations

Feedback

Navigation difficulties with the Moodle site

Recommendation

Ascertain where the problems lie by working with students, and see if there is a way to resolve this issue by investigating the visual aspects of using handheld devices or changing the colour palette.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. identify the key principles that underpin Positive Psychology
  2. apply positive strategies and techniques to enhance learning and personal success
  3. reflect on how Positive Psychology concepts affect learning
  4. navigate online technologies to promote engagement and share knowledge
  5. apply Positive Psychology concepts to real life contexts
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
2 - Portfolio - 20%
3 - Portfolio - 40%
4 - Practical and Written Assessment - 30%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Self Management
2 - Communication
3 - Information Literacy
4 - Information Technology Competence
5 - Problem Solving
6 - Critical Thinking
7 - Cross-Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical Practice
9 - 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 9
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
2 - Portfolio - 20%
3 - Portfolio - 40%
4 - Practical and Written Assessment - 30%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

Additional Textbook Information

All study material for this unit is freely available from the SKIL40016 unit Moodle site.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Access to personal computer
  • Webcam (inc microphone) required for Zoom Session
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Trixie James Unit Coordinator
t.james@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Module 1: Introduction to Positive Psychology and the CHOOSE model Begin Date: 05 Nov 2018

Module/Topic

Introduction to Positive Psychology and the CHOOSE model

Chapter

Technology: GoSoapBox

Events and Submissions/Topic


Module 2: Positive Life - Know where you are going - Learn from where you have been Begin Date: 12 Nov 2018

Module/Topic

Positive Life - Know where you are going - Learn from where you have been

Chapter

Technology: Zoom

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz - Introduction to Positive Psychology Due: Week 2 Friday (16 Nov 2018) 11:59 pm AEST
Module 3: Positive Health - Reaping the benefits of a healthy lifestyle Begin Date: 19 Nov 2018

Module/Topic

Positive Health - Reaping the benefits of a healthy lifestyle

Chapter

Technology: Dropbox

Events and Submissions/Topic


Module 4: Positive Emotions - Developing positive emotions for a positive outlook Begin Date: 26 Nov 2018

Module/Topic

Positive Emotions - Developing positive emotions for a positive outlook

Chapter

Technology: Jing/Snipping Tool

Events and Submissions/Topic


Vacation Week Begin Date: 03 Dec 2018

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Module 5: Optimism - Always look on the bright side of life Begin Date: 10 Dec 2018

Module/Topic

Optimism - Always look on the bright side of life

Chapter

Technology: Blog/Weebly

Events and Submissions/Topic

Reflective Portfolio A Due: Week 5 Monday (10 Dec 2018) 9:00 pm AEST
Module 6: Optimism - Education to personal empowerment Begin Date: 17 Dec 2018

Module/Topic

Optimism - Education to personal empowerment

Chapter

Technology: Prezi

Events and Submissions/Topic


Module 7: Positive Strengths - Using your best to make you better Begin Date: 02 Jan 2019

Module/Topic

Positive Strengths - Using your best to make you better

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Module 8: Stress & Resilience - Making molehills out of mountains Begin Date: 07 Jan 2019

Module/Topic

Stress & Resilience - Making molehills out of mountains

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Module 9: Positive Relationships - Gaining perspective on life, yourself and others Begin Date: 14 Jan 2019

Module/Topic

Positive Relationships - Gaining perspective on life, yourself and others

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Reflective Portfolio B Due: Week 9 Friday (18 Jan 2019) 11:59 pm AEST
Module 10: Positive Communication - Communicating with others Begin Date: 21 Jan 2019

Module/Topic

Positive Communication - Communicating with others

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Module 11: Self-empowerment - Be inspired to flourish Begin Date: 28 Jan 2019

Module/Topic

Self-empowerment - Be inspired to flourish

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Module 12: Enjoyment - Enjoy the moment Begin Date: 04 Feb 2019

Module/Topic

Enjoyment - Enjoy the moment

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Final Assessment Task Due: Week 12 Friday (8 Feb 2019) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Feb 2019

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Term Specific Information

I am Trixie James, the Unit Coordinator, support lecturer and marker for this unit (otherwise known as PLU).

You can contact me via email at t.james@cqu.edu.au or by phone (07) 4150 7146. I am located on the Bundaberg campus.

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Quiz - Introduction to Positive Psychology

Task Description

After reading Module 1  and the additional reading “The new science of happiness” (both accessible through Moodle), you will be required to complete a quiz to demonstrate your understanding of the principles behind Positive Psychology and what research has found to support this theory.

This quiz is an open book test which means you may have these resources on hand to assist you when responding to the questions. The quiz is located on Moodle in the ‘Assessment’ block on the left-hand side. You will be given 2 hours to complete this quiz and you only have one attempt to complete the 20 questions.

Do not attempt this quiz until you have:

1) Completed reading both Module 1 and the additional reading “The new science of happiness”

2) Ensured you have a steady internet connection

3) Allowed the full two hours to complete the quiz (if required)



Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes


Assessment Due Date

Week 2 Friday (16 Nov 2018) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Results will be provided automatically on completion of the quiz


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

This quiz assesses your understanding of the key concepts around Positive Psychology from Module 1.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • identify the key principles that underpin Positive Psychology


Graduate Attributes
  • Self Management
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Ethical Practice

2 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Reflective Portfolio A

Task Description

From Week 2 to Week 4, there will be weekly tasks to complete for the Reflective Portfolio.

A template is provided for you to fill with your responses to the weekly reflective tasks. Title it Reflective Portfolio A for submission. These weekly tasks can be accessed through the weekly Module blocks or through the Assessment Overview tab on Moodle. When formatting the document, headings are suggested in order to ensure the marker can clearly and explicitly identify the individual answers.

In order to complete each task, you will need to reflect on the material in the study guide as well as the additional material provided on the Positive Learning for University Moodle site and apply the content to your current situation as a student. There may be some activities for which additional information in the form of worksheets, articles, websites or other resources may be required.

Upload the final word document to Moodle through the 'Assessment' block on the left hand side of Moodle.

Full details of these tasks are available on Moodle under the Assessment Overview tab.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Monday (10 Dec 2018) 9:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Friday (21 Dec 2018)


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

You will be assessed according to the quality and depth of your responses. The criteria that will guide the marker includes:

  • Completion of all reflective portfolio tasks
  • Demonstrated understanding of each concept
  • Depth of thinking and evidence of ability to apply concepts to life

You are expected to write in an academic style using complete sentences when responding to questions and reference all sources using Harvard style referencing.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • apply positive strategies and techniques to enhance learning and personal success
  • reflect on how Positive Psychology concepts affect learning


Graduate Attributes
  • Self Management
  • Communication
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Cross-Cultural Competence
  • Ethical Practice

3 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Reflective Portfolio B

Task Description

From Week 5 to Week 8, there will be weekly tasks to complete for Reflective Portfolio B. These tasks will ask you to reflect on the Positive Psychology content and write a response. In addition, you will also be asked to demonstrate your competence with the technology elements taught throughout these weeks.

A template is provided for you to fill with your responses to the weekly reflective and technology tasks. Title the template Reflective Portfolio B for submission. These weekly tasks can be accessed through the weekly Module blocks or through the Assessment Overview tab on Moodle. When formatting the document, headings are suggested in order to ensure the marker can clearly and explicitly identify the individual answers.

In order to complete each task, you will need to reflect on the material in the study guide as well as the additional material provided on the Positive Learning for University Moodle site and apply the content to your current situation as a student. There may be some activities for which additional information in the form of worksheets, articles, websites or other resources may be required.

Upload the final word document to Moodle through the 'Assessment' block on the left hand side of Moodle.

Full details of these tasks are available on Moodle under the Assessment Overview tab.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (18 Jan 2019) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (1 Feb 2019)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

You will be assessed according to the quality and depth of your responses. The criteria that will guide the marker includes:

  • Completion of all workbook tasks
  • Demonstrated understanding of each concept
  • Demonstrated competence at navigating the technology elements
  • Depth of thinking and evidence of ability to apply concepts to life

You are expected to write in an academic style using complete sentences when responding to questions and reference all sources using Harvard style referencing.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • apply positive strategies and techniques to enhance learning and personal success
  • reflect on how Positive Psychology concepts affect learning
  • navigate online technologies to promote engagement and share knowledge


Graduate Attributes
  • Self Management
  • Communication
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Cross-Cultural Competence
  • Ethical Practice

4 Practical and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Final Assessment Task

Task Description

In order to demonstrate your understanding of the theory of Positive Psychology, you have 3 options to choose from for the final assessment task. These three options have specific criteria that align to each one. Please read through the descriptions below and then go to the Assessment Overview Tab on Moodle for more explicit details.

Educational Campaign: As you reflect on the past term, you will notice that there have been many theories and strategies presented to you in order to assist you in becoming a more positive student and person. Your task is to choose a concept that has been covered this term and develop an Educational Campaign to further expand on this subject.

Motivational Video: This task requires you to create an inspirational video that aligns to one of the modules. Within this inspirational/motivational video, each of the key elements within that Module needs to be presented in a positive and encouraging manner using one of the technology elements taught in this unit or in Computer Skills for University.

Random Acts of Kindness: This summative task consists of an applied element alongside a reflection of current research. Random Acts of Kindness is an approach taught within the realm of positive psychology and is instrumental in creating well-being and a sense of satisfaction for those doing the act of kindness. This task requires you to dedicate some time to completing some Random Acts of Kindness and then reflect upon this experience. In addition, students will read some current research findings on the benefits of altruism.

Full details on each of these are available on Moodle. Once you have chosen the task, please email the Unit Coordinator with your decision.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (8 Feb 2019) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (15 Feb 2019)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The three options have specific criteria that align to each one. These criteria can be found on Moodle alongside the Assessment description.

You will be assessed according to the quality and depth of your responses. The criteria that guide the marker includes:

  • Completion of all tasks outlined in the Assessment description

  • Demonstrated understanding of the Positive Psychology concepts

  • Demonstrated ability to apply concepts using technology

You are expected to write in an academic style using complete sentences when responding to questions and reference all sources using Harvard style referencing.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • navigate online technologies to promote engagement and share knowledge
  • apply Positive Psychology concepts to real life contexts


Graduate Attributes
  • Self Management
  • Communication
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Cross-Cultural Competence
  • Ethical Practice

Academic Integrity Statement

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?