(1) This policy aims to describe the basic framework of student-focussed documentation related to learning and assessment in units. (2) The University's approach is to describe the learning and assessment requirements for each unit within two key resources - namely, the: (3) a. Unit Outline (4) In addition to these two key resources, this policy also refers to "Learning Resources and Experiences", defined in Section 2. (5) This policy describes the requirements for the preparation, approval and dissemination of these key resources. (6) This policy should be read and understood in conjunction with the University policies, including, but not limited to: (7) a. Assessment Policy - Criteria and Standards-Based Assessment (8) The Unit Outline provides approved information: (9) a. in summary form to a prospective student about what the student would expect to learn from studying in the unit; (10) Detailed information about the content of the Unit Outline is included in Section 5 - Guidelines. (11) The Learning Guide: (12) a. supplements the Unit Outline and details the fundamental mutual obligations and responsibilities of the University and students, in relation to the unit; (13) Detailed information about the content of the Learning Guide is included in the Guidelines. (14) "Learning Resources and Experiences" support learning and assessment in the unit, for example e-learning activities, field visits, manuals, practicals, CDs, vUWS hub sites, etc. (15) The University is committed to making clear to students what they are expected to learn and how they will be assessed. (16) The framework of student-focussed documentation relating to units will comprise the Unit Outline, the Learning Guide, and Learning Resources and Experiences. (17) Unit Outlines are prepared for each individual unit offered by the University, and contain information that has been approved by the University in accordance with the Award Courses and Units Approvals Policy. When changes to units are approved, the Unit Outline is updated automatically. (18) Unit Outlines conform to standards set out in the Guidelines. (19) Access to unit outlines is not restricted, and they are therefore available to both current students and prospective students. (20) Learning Guides are developed by the academic staff responsible for the unit, and elaborate the summary information in the Unit Outlines. (21) Learning Guides are approved by the Head of School or nominee(s). (22) The material included in the Learning Guide must be consistent with the Unit Outline. The Learning Guide includes mandatory topics (see Guidelines). (23) Unit Outlines produced in accordance with this policy will be publicly available, from commencement of each session in which the unit is taught, through an electronic repository. (24) The publicly available electronic version will be the authoritative version of the Unit Outline. (25) Unit coordinators should ensure that a printed version of the Unit Outline is provided to students for whom on-line access is not possible. (26) An updated Learning Guide will be available from commencement of each session in which the unit is taught. (27) The Learning Guide will be stored in an electronic repository from which it can be accessed through the unit's vUWS site. (28) Unit Coordinators and teaching staff should ensure that a printed version of the Learning Guide is provided to students for whom on-line access is not possible. (29) This policy will be implemented in accordance with the associated document on phased implementation. (30) A Unit Outline will contain content in each of the following fields: (31) a. Unit Name and Number (32) n. Unit Content (33) p. Assessment Items and Weighting (34) s. Essential requirements (e.g. equipment, uniform, travel) (35) The scope, scale and content of Learning Guides may vary widely and creatively for different units. In keeping with the definition in clause (9), Learning Guides are assessment-focussed and aim to give students the optimum opportunity to achieve the learning outcomes. It is critical for staff to actively engage with students about the content of their Learning Guide on a regular basis throughout the semester. (36) It is mandatory for all Guides to have content that covers the following topics, arranged according to the needs of the particular unit: (37) a. Unit Name and Number (38) n. Annotated models of student essays or reports, or marking guides, to clarify expectations about what is required for assessment activities (39) p. Essential Library resources (40) s. Literacy and/or numeracy resources (41) Optional headings for Learning Guides might include: (42) a. Expectations of student conduct in the unit (43) Samples of Learning Guides may be found at the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) web page.Unit Outline and Learning Guides Policy
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Section 2 - Definitions
Section 3 - Policy Statement
Section 4 - Procedures
Unit Outline Publication, Access, and Authoritative Version
Learning Guides - Publication and Access
Phased Implementation
Section 5 - Guidelines
Unit Outline
Learning Guide
Mandatory Content
Unit information
Assessment information
Optional Content
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b. Learning Guide
b. about the formal status of the unit in the curriculum, including credit points, unit level, prerequisites for study, and mode of study;
c. about the approved assessment requirements for the unit;
b. makes explicit the links between each assessment activity and the unit learning outcomes;
c. provides information about each assessment task, including due dates, instructions for submission, and details about the assessment criteria and standards;
d. gives a clear description of what is expected in order for students to achieve particular grades in the unit;
e. describes how content, assessment and learning activities are linked.
b. Unit Coordinator Name
c. Session for which the Unit Outline applies
d. Handbook Summary
e. Credit point value
f. Pre-requisites
g. Co-requisites
h. Unit incompatible with and not to be counted for credit with
i. Unit level
j. Assumed Knowledge
k. Attendance Requirements
l. Enrolment Restrictions
m. Unit Learning Outcomes
o. Mode of Delivery
q. Essential Library resources
r. On-line Learning Requirements
b. Unit Coordinator Name
c. Teaching Session for which the Learning Guide applies
d. Contact person for students who are experiencing difficulties with the unit (e.g. Unit Coordinator, Campus Advisor, etc.)
e. Teaching staff
f. Arrangements for student consultation
g. Schedule of learning and teaching activities (including a link to the Timetable where appropriate)
h. Essential requirements for the unit (e.g. equipment, uniform, travel)
i. Links to key policies and information affecting students
j. Actions taken to improve the unit as a result of student feedback
k. Learning Outcomes
l. Assessment details including Criteria and Standards
m. Explanation about how the learning activities will support the learning and teaching outcomes (e.g. Lectures, workshops, clinical visits, vUWS activities, group work, formative writing activities, etc)
o. Learning resources information
q. Reading lists
r. Key weblinks
t. Referencing requirements and assistance
b. Links to course vUWS hubs