ENGL1005: Assessment 2 Portfolio

Assessment 2

Task 1: Critical Analysis of a Professional Article

Task Aims

As a teacher, you will need to think critically about the texts you use in your classroom to ensure they are educationally appropriate, align with curricular goals, and meet the needs and abilities of your students. This critical analysis involves evaluating the quality and relevance of the texts, considering the potential biases or perspectives represented, and ensuring the materials support inclusive and equitable learning. Critical evaluation of texts helps teachers to foster critical thinking skills in their students and promote a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Task Purpose:

In this task, you are required to critically analyse a professional article with reference to the textual features and the impact they have on you as a reader. You need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ENGL1005 Modules 1-4: Writing, composition, professionalism, appropriate metalinguistic awareness and literacy teaching.

Task Description

Submit a written critique analysing a written professional article. Word length = 360 words (+ or -10%). This is an analysis – you are to unpack the text and consider the elements that impact on you as a reader. Edit your work very carefully for correct grammar, spelling and cohesion. Cite at least three references from the unit reading list. Use in-text referencing using APA7th style, in the body of your analysis, and place the full reference on a new page after your analysis of the article.

Task 2: A Professional Letter

Task Aims

As a teacher you are required to demonstrate a very high standard of personal literacy. Formal letters are an important aspect of effective communication in the education setting. They serve as a written record of important information and provide a professional and organised way to communicate with parents, administrators, and other stakeholders. Well-crafted professional letters help to build trust and establish positive relationships, which can contribute to a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Task Purpose

In this task, you are required to write a formal, professional letter introducing yourself as a pre-service teacher looking forward to a professional experience placement. You need to show excellence in your writing skillset for effective communication, accurate grammar, spelling, punctuation and cohesion, as well as ongoing commitment to professional development. In this task, you also need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ENGL1005 Modules 1-6 content.

Task Description

You will compose a professional letter of introduction to a school that you would ideally choose for your professional experience placement. Provide insight into your University learnings so far and your professional desires as a future teacher of English and Literacy. Include meaningful reference to at least three to four texts on the ENGL1005 reading list. Edit your work very carefully for organisation, correct grammar, spelling and cohesion. Use in-text referencing using APA 7th style, and place the full reference on a new page after your letter.

Task 3: Creative Professional Learning Journey Presentation

Task Aims

As a teacher, you need excellent presentation skills to effectively communicate and engage with your students, convey complex information in an organised and understandable manner, maintain student attention and interest, and promote active learning. Good presentation skills help teachers to clarify ideas, make lessons more memorable, and foster a positive classroom environment where students feel encouraged and motivated to learn.

Task Purpose:

As effective presentation skills are a key factor in the success of a teacher in promoting student understanding, growth and development, you are required to develop and demonstrate your presentation skills in a 90 seconds video that expresses who you are as a literate person—as both a learner and teacher.

Task Description:

You are required to create and submit a 90 second video presentation This means that you will need to prepare a monologue of around 200 words.

Task 4: Written Reflection of Learning Journey

Task Aims

As a classroom teacher you need excellent reflection skills. Reflection is crucial for professional growth and helps teachers identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about their professional development. By reflecting on their teaching practices and student behaviour, teachers can make changes that support student learning and growth. Reflection also plays a key role in classroom management, allowing teachers to address challenges and create a more positive learning environment for students. Being able to reflect on practices and adapt to the needs of students makes teachers more flexible and responsive.

Task Purpose

In this task, you are required to write a reflection of your learning journey in ENGL1005. You need to compose an insightful reflection that demonstrates your professional writing skills and appropriate use of metalanguage associated with ENGL1005 unit teachings. The goal of this reflection is to gain a deeper understanding of yourself as a learner and to identify goals for growth and development. Include a mind-map [graphic organiser] of your learning journey though engagement in ENGL1005 content and concepts from ENGL1005 Module 4 to 6. Use this mind-map to support the points and claims you make in the reflection.

Task Description

Reflecting refers to the process of thinking deeply and critically about one's experiences in order to gain new insights and understanding. You evaluate the success of your engagement in this unit. Reflect on any new insight, skill, knowledge and/or understanding gained for its merit and impact on your future goals. Use in-text referencing using APA 7th style, and place the full reference on a new page after your letter. To structure an insightful reflection on the six weeks of learning, follow these steps with specific examples:

• Start with an introductory overview: Begin your reflection by very briefly summarising what you learned during the past six weeks, including key concepts and skills. 
• Consider how you approached the learning: Think about the strategies you used to learn the concepts/content/material, such as studying, asking questions, or participating in class discussions. 
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Reflect on what you did well and what you struggled with during the six weeks of learning. 
• Evaluate your effort and engagement: Reflect on how much effort and engagement you put into your learning, and whether it was enough to achieve your goals. 
• Assess the impact of your learning: Consider how your learning has impacted your understanding of the subject and your ability to apply what you have learned. 
• Set goals for future learning: Based on your reflection, set goals for future learning and think about what you need to do to reach those goals.

Assessment Requirements Summary

ENGL1005 Assessment 2 is a multifaceted task designed to develop and demonstrate professional literacy, critical thinking, reflective practice, and presentation skills in pre-service teachers. The assessment consists of four interlinked tasks:

1. Critical Analysis of a Professional Article

   • Evaluate a professional article for educational appropriateness, bias, relevance, and alignment with curriculum goals.
   • Word count: 360 words (+/- 10%)
   • Incorporate at least three references from the ENGL1005 reading list using APA 7th edition.

2. Professional Letter

   • Write a formal introduction letter to a school for a professional experience placement.
   • Showcase advanced writing skills, cohesion, grammar, and understanding of ENGL1005 Modules 1–6.
   • Include references from at least three to four ENGL1005 texts.

3. Creative Professional Learning Journey Presentation

   • Prepare a 90-second video presentation (~200 words) reflecting your literacy as a learner and teacher.
   • Demonstrate presentation skills, clarity, and engagement.

4. Written Reflection of Learning Journey

   • Reflect on your engagement, learning strategies, strengths, weaknesses, and professional growth over six weeks.
   • Include a mind-map/graphic organiser to visualise your learning journey.
   • Use APA 7th referencing for cited sources.

Key Learning Objectives Covered:

• Critical literacy and evaluation of texts.
• Professional communication skills (writing formal letters).
• Presentation and self-expression skills.
• Reflective practice and professional development planning.

Assessment Approach: Step-by-Step Guidance by Academic Mentor

Step 1: Critical Analysis of a Professional Article

• Guidance: The mentor advised the student to first read the selected article thoroughly, identifying textual features, arguments, and biases.
• Process: The student drafted initial observations, highlighting elements impacting comprehension and relevance.
• Outcome: A concise 360-word critique was developed, clearly structured with an introduction, analysis, and conclusion, incorporating three APA 7th references.

Step 2: Professional Letter

• Guidance: The mentor emphasised professional tone, structure, and grammar. They provided examples of formal letters and explained expectations for content alignment with ENGL1005 learning.
• Process: The student outlined the key points to include: introduction, academic background, professional aspirations, and references to unit readings.
• Outcome: A polished letter demonstrating professional literacy, coherence, and in-text APA referencing was submitted.

Step 3: Creative Professional Learning Journey Presentation

• Guidance: The mentor coached on video presentation skills: clarity, timing (~90 seconds), and concise scripting (~200 words). They suggested practising delivery and using confident body language.
• Process: The student drafted a monologue reflecting personal and professional literacy, rehearsed delivery, and recorded the video using clear enunciation.
• Outcome: A coherent and engaging video presentation was submitted, effectively showcasing communication and presentation skills.

Step 4: Written Reflection of Learning Journey

• Guidance: The mentor provided a framework for structured reflection: introduction, learning strategies, strengths/weaknesses, engagement, impact, and future goals. They suggested using a mind-map to organise key insights.
• Process: The student mapped their learning journey, analysed experiences, reflected on skill development, and set goals for future growth.
• Outcome: A structured reflection demonstrating deep professional insight, clear use of metalanguage, and appropriate APA 7th references was submitted.

Final Outcome & Learning Achievements

• The student successfully demonstrated:
  • Critical thinking through article analysis.
  • Professional literacy via formal letter composition.
  • Presentation skills in the 90-second video.
  • Reflective practice by evaluating learning strategies and planning future growth.
• Assessment tasks were completed with adherence to word counts, APA 7th referencing, and academic standards, meeting all learning objectives.

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