Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is the fifth in a suite of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units which may be done sequentially or (to a limited extent) concurrently; each WIL unit having its own specific focus and outcomes in relation to work integrated learning. The focus of this unit is the understanding of the principles of action research methodology and the application of the methodology to problems and issues in your current work context.

Aims

Problems that confront professionals in the workplace are often ill-defined and complex. This unit builds on your previous studies in WIL by inviting you to explore how action research methodology can help address problems in your current workplace and contribute to improvements in your professional practice.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate the following capabilities in a discipline specific context:

1. Keep an accurate and comprehensive daily work log and reflective journal of your work place learning activities and experiences.
2. Analyse and critique relevant literature to do with action research.
3. Apply action research methodology in practice.
4. Critically reflect on and communicate this process.

Content

This unit consists of two parts - 1) a review of relevant literature to do with action research and comparing this to the activities that comprise your current practice and 2) a seminar report and short presentation identifying an issue or problem associated with your professional practice or that of the organisation; and describing how action research methodology is applied to the problem or issue.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching mode
Your participation in this unit includes both on campus, off campus and online activities. The on-campus and online components may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and on-line teaching support resources as specifically scheduled for your course/ minor.

The duration of your off campus work experience under the direction of a work place supervisor will vary according to your course requirements. Ensure that you are familiar with course requirements as outlined on Blackboard.

Learning Approaches
The main learning approach in this unit is the provision of real world experience opportunities in order to enable you to develop as a confident and competent professional. Work place activities and experiences are supported by or blended with, on campus and online lectures, seminars and tutorials to enhance understanding and maximize learning from your work placement through interaction with your peers. Whilst in the work place you are encouraged to work independently, to explore and experiment, to reflect on your employer's and your own work performance, to seek learning, insights and professional development opportunities.

Assessment

There is one assessment item consisting of two parts: Part 1: literature review and Part 2: seminar report.

PLEASE NOTE: Work Log, Reflective Journal and Certificate of Time Worked

You are required to maintain and complete a work log to accurately and comprehensively record your work place activities and experiences. The work log will include details of your workplace attendance and activities and must be included as an appendix in both assessment Items.

A key element of learning is the preparation of a reflective professional journal. You are required to complete a journal relating to noteworthy experiences /activities that you observe or are involved in as part of your work experience. This journal must be completed to ensure you have a record of what you did and what you learned. During the semester, the journal will be extended and discussed before submission in Part 2. A suggested format for the reflective journal is available on Blackboard.

Prior to a grade being released for this unit a Certificate of Time Worked signed by your employer is required to be submitted showing completion of the required number of work experience days for your discipline. The Certificate of Time Worked (covering at least the minimum number of required days) must be attached as an appendix to Part 2 and must also be submitted electronically via the WIL eForm link on Blackboard. Failure to submit evidence of time worked in this format will result in a withholding of the final grade for the semester.Assessment involves an emphasis on constructive and progressive feedback using a criterion referencing approach. Formative feedback will be offered by your work place supervisor whilst on work placement and by academic staff during the semester at key times to assist you in the development of your assessment tasks. Your performance in the unit will be assessed through two items of assessment to be completed during the semester and submitted at the specified times in the semester. The assessment items will contribute to your overall summative grade for the unit.

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: 3,000 words (approximately) referenced and presented appropriately. Review of relevant literature to do with action research and compare this to activities that comprise your current practice.

A copy of your interim Work Log, Reflective Journal (and depending on your discipline an interim Certificate of Time Worked) must be included as an appendix. For further information please check Blackboard.

Submission: All assessment items are to be submitted in the prescribed format through QUT Assignment Minder.
Relates to objectives: 2, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Report
Description: 2,500 word (approximately) seminar report and 10 minute online presentation to lecturer and peers.

You are required to:
- identify an issue or problem associated with your professional practice or that of your organisation
- describe how you applied action research methodology to the problem or issue and the outcomes of this approach to improving practice
- link this report to relevant references cited in Part 1

Your report should be referenced and presented appropriately.

Your final, original Work Log, Reflective Journal and Certificate of Time Worked (covering at least the minimum number of required days) must be attached as an appendix. The final Certificate of Time Worked must also be submitted electronically via the WIL eForm link on Blackboard. Failure to submit evidence of time worked in this format will result in a withholding of the final grade for the semester.

Submission: All assessment items are to be submitted in the prescribed format through QUT Assignment Minder - online presentation to be delivered via Blackboard Collaborate.
Relates to objectives: 3, 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There are no set texts for this unit. A list of useful books and journals will be available through Blackboard.

Risk assessment statement

In this unit you will be required to spend time in a designated work place and to participate in a range of activities associated with the practice of the work place. Individual work places will have individual work place health and safety plans, and you should make yourself familiar with these and any associated requirements. In particular you should ensure that any relevant safety courses and safety permits/cards (such as site safety card - White Card) have been attended or attained prior to participating in regulated activities, such as site visits. You are also required to conform to the regulations regarding the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This clothing, equipment or substances are designed to be worn by you to protect you from risk, injuries or illness. Check with your employer whether s/he will provide you with the appropriate PPE or if it is your responsibility to acquire the prescribed PPE.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 10-May-2012