Faculty of Education Mowbray Campus

BEd Hons in Teaching and Learning

Course Guide

2018

Course Coordinators: (1) Prof Cornelis Vermeulen Office: 2.11 Education Building Mowbray Campus Phone: (021) 680 1534 e-mail: vermeulenc@cput.ac.za (2) Prof Janet Condy Office: 1.14 Education Building Mowbray Campus Phone: (021) 680 1517 e-mail: condyj@cput.ac.za

e-mail: ngcayisan@cput.ac.za

Administrative assistant: Ms Nobathembu Ngcayisa Office: Faculty Office

Education Building Mowbray Campus

Phone: 021 680 1510

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CONTENTS

1. Introduction 2. Purpose of the qualification 3. Curriculum 4. Programme 5. Learning material and Equipment 6. Assessment 7. Assessment Policy 8. Plagiarism Policy 9. Dishonesty 10. Library 11. Student login 12. Final assessment (Examination) Timetable 13. A final word

NB:

Please bring this course guide to the orientation session on Fr 23 Feb 2018 at

16:30, since important information from this course guide will be

discussed.

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1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the BEd Hons in Teaching and Learning degree offered by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Faculty of Education. We trust that you will find this a stimulating and rewarding endeavour, and that it will further equip you for your very important role as educator in South Africa.

2. PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

The BEd Honours degree is a first postgraduate degree in education and is intended to prepare students for research- based postgraduate study. It serves to consolidate and deepen expertise in a specific area in education, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the area.

It demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, and includes conducting and reporting research under supervision, worth at least 30 credits.

The B Ed Honours in Teaching and Learning offered by CPUT consists of a generic component and an elective component. The generic component comprises current relevant educational themes and perspectives (offered in the module Education 5) as well as research methods and techniques (offered in the modules Introduction to Research in Education and Research Methods in Education). The generic component serves as an essential, foundational underpinning for the elective component, the latter which comprises a specialisation module (e.g. Inclusive Education, Mathematics, Science, etc.) as well as a research project conducted within the selected field of specialisation. The purpose of the qualification is then to consolidate and deepen students’ knowledge of their selected specialisation and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that specialisation in order to prepare students for advanced post-graduate studies in the selected field of specialisation. Being the first post-graduate degree in education, the qualification aims to equip students with a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence relevant to their chosen specialisation, as well as to understand the important role of research and specialised skills related to exploring key issues within their chosen specialisation. Students will plan, conduct and report on a research project under supervision which will address contemporary and critical issues in the selected specialisation. Students will be provided with sufficient depth of knowledge and skills to enable their continued professional and personal intellectual development, and the opportunity for further postgraduate study at NQF level 9 and higher.

3. CURRICULUM

At Mowbray campus, the BEd Hons in Teaching and Learning is offered over two years on a part-time basis, or over one year on a full-time basis, the latter depending on the number of students interested in full-time studies. The part-time programme is offered as follows: During the first year, students register for three generic subjects. These subjects are:

Education 5

Introduction to Research in Education (students can be exempted from this module after passing a diagnostic test. However, we strongly recommend that students register for this subject, since knowledge and skills acquired in this subject are crucial for success in other subjects in the Honours degree and beyond.)

Research Methods in Education

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These subjects are offered during a minimum of twelve weekends during the year (see 4.4 for dates).

During the second year students register for the following two subjects:

Specialization subject

Research project

Contact times for the specialization subjects are from 16:30 to 19:30 on thirty Tuesdays during the year, but may be changed to suit the needs of students and lecturer. Full-time students do all the subjects shown above during one year.

4. PROGRAMME 2018 4.1 REGISTRATION: You can register online from 8 January 2018 until 23 February 2018. (Visit the

CPUT website at www.cput.ac.za for instructions). If you experience problems with the online registration, you can register on-campus on 19 January

4.2 ORIENTATION (new students only):

Short B Ed (Hons) course Orientation: Friday 23 February 16:30 – 17:00 in 1.60 (“New Room 2”), Main Building, Mowbray campus. Library orientation (layout, resources and services provided): This will be done as part of Introduction to Research in Education.

Using electronic databases to locate journal articles and books: This will be done as part of Introduction to Research in Education. Doing written assignments and referencing techniques, using the Harvard method: This will be done as part of Introduction to Research in Education.

4.3 FIRST CLASSES Classes will commence as follows:

Full-time (FT) and Part-time first year (PT1):

Education 5: Friday 23 February (17:00 – 19:30) in 1.60, Main Building, Mowbray.

Introduction to Research: Saturday 24 February (08:30 – 10:00) in 1.60, Main Building, Mowbray.

Research methods: Saturday 24 February (10:30 – 13:00) in 1.60, Main Building,

Mowbray

Specialisation subjects:

Classes will start on Tuesday 27 February from 16:30 until at least 19:30. Venues will be announced in due course.

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4.4 TIMETABLE 2018 for Weekend Classes

Weekend BEd Hons Teaching & Learning

Part-time 1st year and full-time students

On-campus online registration with support 19 Jan Off-campus on-line registration 8 Jan – 2 Feb Off-campus late registration 5 Feb – 23 Feb

2 & 3 Feb

16 & 17 Feb

23 & 24 Feb Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Intro to Research Sa 8:30 – 10:00 Research Methods Sa 10:30 – 13:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

2 & 3 March

9 & 10 March Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Intro to Research Sa 8:30 – 10:00 Research Methods Sa 10:30 – 13:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

16 & 17 March

23 & 24 March Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Intro to Research Sa 8:30 – 10:00 Research Methods Sa 10:30 – 13:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

30 & 31March School Holidays/CPUT Recess

6 & 7 April School Holidays/CPUT Recess

13 & 14 April Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Intro to Research Sa 8:30 – 10:00 Research Methods Sa 10:30 – 13:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

20 & 21 April

27 & 28 April Long weekend

4 & 5 May Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Intro to Research Sa 8:30 – 10:00 Research Methods Sa 10:30 – 13:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

11 & 12 May

18 & 19 May Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Intro to Research Sa 8:30 – 10:00 Research Methods Sa 10:30 – 13:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

25 & 26 May

1 & 2 June Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Intro to Research Sa 8:30 – 10:00 Research Methods Sa 10:30 – 13:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

8 & 9 June

15 & 16 June Long weekend

22 & 23 June School Holidays Faculty Recess

29 & 30 June

6 & 7 July

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13 & 14 July

20 & 21 July Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Research Methods Sa 8:30 – 11:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

27 & 28July

3 & 4 August Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Research Methods Sa 8:30 – 11:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

10 & 11 Aug Long weekend

17 & 18 Aug Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Research Methods Sa 8:30 – 11:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

24 & 25 Aug

31 Aug & 1 Sept Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Research Methods Sa 8:30 – 11:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

7 & 8 Sept

14 & 15 Sept Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Research Methods Sa 8:30 – 11:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

21 & 22 Sept

28 & 29 Sept School Holidays Faculty Recess 5 & 6 Oct

12 & 13 Oct Education V Fr 16:30 – 19:30 New Room 2 (1.60)

Research Methods Sa 8:30 – 11:00 New Room 2 (1.60)

19 & 20 October

Education Total 13 -> 39 hrs

Intro Res Total 7 -> 10.5 hrs

Res Meth Total 13 -> 32.5 hrs

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5. LEARNING MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT

If any specific learning material such as text books or equipment is required for a subject, you will be informed accordingly by your subject lecturer.

6. ASSESSMENT

All subjects:

Assignments: i. All written assignments MUST be submitted both as a typed hard copy and electronically (via e-mail) to the subject lecturer. ii. All written assignments MUST be accompanied by a completed plagiarism declaration (refer to Section 8 Plagiarism Policy). iii. A student may not let somebody else write the student’s assignment. iv. Please be aware that, should you commit plagiarism or let somebody else write your assignment, disciplinary action will be taken by CPUT (see Section 8 Plagiarism Policy).

The final mark in all subjects will be based on assignments and/or tests conducted during the year, and may include a final assessment during November. In each subject, the relative weightings of individual assessment tasks towards the final mark will be conveyed to you by the subject lecturer. The final mark must be at least 50 in order to pass the subject. Students who obtain a final mark between 45 and 49 will be given the opportunity to do a supplementary assessment task. Names of such students will be displayed early in November on the notice boards of the Main Building. This date will be made available by your subject lecturer during the year. It is each student’s responsibility to establish whether he or she qualifies for the supplementary assessment.

IMPORTANT: It will be assumed that you have studied the Assessment Policy in Section 7 below, in particular B1 to B6 and H2 (3), that you understand it, and that you will adhere to it.

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7. ASSESSMENT POLICY OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

INFORMATION TO STUDENTS REGARDING ASSESSMENT POLICY: FACULTY OF EDUCATION

Introduction The rules and procedures for Assessment are aimed at what the student must know at the beginning of the academic year. All staff must familiarise themselves with the Policy for the Assessment of Student Learning and the rules and procedures for assessment as approved by Senate June 2008. Definitions

Assessment

A structured process for gathering evidence and making judgments about an individual’s performance in relation to registered national unit standards and qualifications (SAQA, 2001)

A. PLAN FOR ASSESSMENT: A1. Assessment strategies and weightings

Approved assessment strategies (methods) as well as weightings assigned to individual assessments for subjects/courses/modules will be indicated in the learner guides. No single assessment should be more than 50% of the final assessment result.

A2. Minimum number of assessments (which may include a final summative assessment) The minimum number of assessments is dependent on the duration and the credit value of the course, subject or module. There should be a minimum of:

One integrated summative assessment where a course is offered for a period of less than one term (3 months) or a maximum number of 4 credits, up to 0,03 HEMIS credits.

Two integrated summative assessments per course/module offered over a semester (6 months)

or a maximum number of 16 credits; up to 0,13 HEMIS credits.

Four integrated summative assessments per course offered over one year, or maximum number 32 credits, up to 0,26 HEMIS credits.

A3. Assessment information in learning guides Learning Guides must provide detailed information to students with regard to what they can expect with regard to assessments, as well as with regard to what is expected of them. A4. Scheduling / time-tabling of assessments A4.1 Students should be given reasonable notification of all assessments, particularly with regard to time-tabling and venues (where possible). A4.2 All assessments will be indicated on an assessment calendar per programme in the programme guide. B. CONDUCTING ASSESSMENT: B1. General Students may not be excluded from the assessments.

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B2. Reassessment The assessment system must allow for reassessment. There are different cases for reassessment:

1. If a student has almost achieved the level of competence required to be credited with the module or course (or has attained between 45% and 48%), the student may be reassessed.

2. Students who can provide a valid reason for their absence may, at the discretion of the faculty,

be reassessed where practical.

3. It may be necessary to use re-assessment as an option for dealing with irregularities in assessment practices.

4. In cases of inadequate academic performance (45% - 48%) in a module or course, it is a

requirement to obtain a minimum grade of 50% in the reassessment. The final mark will then be adjusted to a maximum of 50%.

B3. Postponed assessments

1. A candidate who failed to report for, or was unsuccessful in an assessment because of illness or trauma may, on submission of an acceptable medical certificate, be permitted to do a postponed assessment. Applications must be submitted to the Faculty Office not later than 14 days after the day scheduled for the assessment concerned, supported by a medical certificate or other documentary evidence.

2. The submission of a medical certificate will not necessarily be sufficient to secure the granting of a postponed assessment.

3. Illness during an assessment will only be considered if the student consulted with the Health Clinic (on campus) or a medical practitioner to report the illness and obtained a medical certificate as soon as possible following the assessment.

4. A recurring medical complaint, or a history of illnesses or a physical disability will only be considered if the student has reported the complaint, the history, or the disability to the Head of Department in the Faculty at least three (3) weeks before the day scheduled for the assessment concerned and has satisfied the Head of Department that every effort is being made to avert a recurrence of the complaint or illness, or to overcome the disability.

5. Illness, or unfitness to sit for an assessment, caused by taking drugs of any kind except on

the advice of a medical practitioner, may be rejected as grounds for the granting of a postponed assessment.

6. A serious illness, or the death of a near relative at the time of the assessment, may be accepted as good cause for application for a postponed assessment.

7. The student must apply for a postponed assessment, on the prescribed form. If a medical certificate or other acceptable supporting documentation cannot be submitted, the application for a postponed assessment shall not be approved and no grading will be given for the assessment.

8. An assessment (different to the original assessment) in oral or written form must be conducted with a student who has produced evidence of good cause for his/her absence. An average mark must under no circumstances be given.

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9. Misreading of the timetable is not an acceptable reason for a postponed assessment to be conducted.

B4. Conducting oral examinations

1. An oral examination assumes the form of a face-to-face interview and/or series of questions conducted by a panel, including two (2) subject specialists in the field concerned, in the presence of the moderator, whether internal or external, with the object of assessing relevant knowledge of the candidate and/or moderating an assessment of such candidate’s performance in a project, examination or thesis to determine whether the candidate may be granted a credit.

2. An oral examination may be used for the purpose of reassessment with the permission of the

Dean of a particular Faculty and will be subject to the same conditions as the original assessment.

B5. Student conduct during assessments

1. No student shall sit for an assessment without producing his/her student card or a letter of admission.

2. A student undertaking an assessment shall be guilty of an irregularity if:

he/she has in his/her possession any unauthorised written or printed document or memorandum, notes, sketch, map, diagram, any inadmissible equipment or article after the assessment paper has been distributed;

he/she helps or tries to help, or tries to obtain help from another candidate, or communicates or tries to communicate with any person other than an invigilator, when the assessment has begun;

he/she causes a disturbance in the assessment venue, or acts in an improper or unseemly manner and refuses after a warning has been issued by the invigilator to cease such disturbance, improper or unseemly conduct, or destroys what would have been evidence of such improper or unseemly conduct;

he/she leaves the assessment venue without prior permission from the invigilator.

3. A student sitting for an assessment shall comply with the following:

i. any appropriate instruction by the invigilator of such assessment;

ii. all instructions printed on the assessment sheet or on the cover of the answer book for that assessment;

4. In any assessment a student shall refrain from dishonest conduct. Dishonest conduct shall include, inter alia plagiarism or submission of the work of a person other than the student who is being assessed.

5. A student shall acquaint himself/herself with the relevant rules regarding assessments of the faculty in which he/she is registered. B6. Promotion requirements

1. The computation of final assessment results will be based on the weightings as indicated in the learner guides.

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2. The candidate is required to achieve 50% in a course with a 40% sub-minimum in each module in order to be eligible to progress to the next level of study.

3. These prescribed requirements will be stated in each learner guide and all efforts should be made by the lecturers concerned to familiarise students with these additional requirements.

SECTION C: FEEDBACK TO THE STUDENT

C.1 Disclosure of final results

1. No one may telephonically or otherwise, divulge any final marks to candidates prior to the official release of the final results.

C.2 Providing feedback

1. Academic staff should ensure that feedback on student performance in assessments is timeous.

2. Learning guides should make explicit what students’ rights are with regard to receiving timeous feedback.

3. Students who have grievances in this regard should first discuss the matter with the lecturer or tutor concerned. If reasonable cooperation from the lecturer is not forthcoming, the student may report the matter to the immediate superior of the lecturer or tutor.

SECTION D: RECORDING ASSESSMENTS

D1. . Award of Grades

The following grades are used:

Less than 50% - Fail course or mother subject

50-59% - Pass

60-69%: Lower second class pass. 60-69 second grade

70-74% - Upper second class pass. First grade

75-100% - First class pass/distinction/cum laude. 75 + distinction cum laude

D2

D2.1 & D2.2

Publishing marks

Departments will publish all assessment results on the student notice boards to give the students an opportunity to verify their marks. These lists are ITS generated lists.

Students will have five working days to query assessment results.

D2.3 A progress report will be made available to all students at the end of July.

D2.4 Names of candidates for reassessment will be published as from the beginning of November on the notice board. The onus is on the student to check the notice board whether they

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qualify for a reassessment.

D2.5 Final assessment results are published by the AGC.

D3 Disability

1. Any candidate to whom the specified time for an assessment could prove to be a disadvantage owing to a disability or handicap may, at least thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the assessments, apply to the Assistant Registrar: Assessment and Graduation for an extension of time to be granted.

2. Candidates must submit all relevant documentation pertaining to such an extension of time previously granted by another educational institution or, a specialist medical practitioner’s report on the medical condition in question.

3. An application, if successful, may allow a candidate with a disability or handicap an extension of time of no more than ten (10) minutes per hour for each one (1) hour’s duration of the assessment and/or the use, where applicable, of additional support such as specialist equipment, a scribe and so on.

4. A separate venue will be arranged by the AGC in liaison with the particular Faculty and the Disability Unit.

5. In cases where a student requires a scribe and/or special computer equipment, the Faculty concerned is to arrange this special requirement.

SECTION E: REVIEW OF ASSESSMENTS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

E1. Appeals and disputes (last assessment)

A student may institute an appeal before the end of January of the subsequent year, for which the student will be required to pay a stipulated amount which will vary from time to time. All students need to be made aware of this procedure.

SECTION F: MODERATION

1. Final year subjects (subjects with a SANSO code ending and/or an ITS code starting with 4 or higher) must be moderated by external moderators, while non-final year subjects must be moderated by internal moderators.

2. 10% of students’ written work per assessment must be moderated with a minimum of 20 scripts per assessment per subject/module.

SECTION G: ADMINISTRATION OF ASSESSMENTS

G1. Cum Laude Awards

1. A course may be awarded cum laude if the candidate obtains 75% in the final mark at the first attempt at the course.

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2. A qualification may be awarded Cum Laude if the candidate:

Passes all the courses of the qualification in the first attempt

Obtains an average of 75% in all the courses of the qualification and an average of 75% in the final-level courses.

3. A Masters Degree (M Ed) degree may be awarded Cum Laude to the candidate in respect of:

Course and dissertation option: passes all the courses with an average of 75% and passes the dissertation with 75%,

OR for dissertation only obtains a mark of 75% or more.

G2. Criteria for medalists and awards

1. A Dean’s Merit List is published for every level of every programme in the Faculty.

2. To be included on the Dean’s Merit List a student must have:

been registered for a full academic workload for the semester or year. (for semester programmes the list is published for each semester of the programme as well)

passed all courses for that semester or year.

obtained an average of at least 75% for all courses.

3. One list will be published of all the awardees. The list will be posted on the departmental notice board. All lists will then be archived electronically and available for prospective employers.

4. Each student on the list will receive a certificate of congratulation from the Dean, as well as a copy of the list.

5. The certificate will be the University’s Certificate of Testimonial that holds the blue seal.

6. The Dean’s Medal is awarded to the Faculty “top” National Diploma student or equivalent, where National Diploma is not offered, by the Dean of the Faculty at the Graduation Ceremony.

7. This student obtains the highest average mark for all courses that contribute to the diploma over three years of study or the required number of years for the qualification recognised for the award of the Medal.

8. The student must have passed all courses at the first attempt, and have completed the qualification in the minimum time permissible.

9. Where more than one student obtains the same average mark (or where the average mark is separated by less than one percentage point) the Dean has the discretion to invoke other criteria in determining which of these students should be awarded the medal such as Leadership qualities, contribution to society and/or student development, or any other criteria.

10. Since the marks of students are being compared across different programmes in the Faculty, care must be taken to ensure that consistent criteria are applied in all cases. Only the “host”

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courses should be considered and not modules as “half” courses may carry a different weight than full courses, and so on.

11. The Dean’s Medal is awarded at the Graduation Ceremony at which the diploma of the recipient is being conferred. The award consists of an engraved medal accompanied by a cheque, a certificate and a congratulatory note from the Dean.

12. The Dean’s medalist will be indicated on the published list.

13. The Dean’s medalist will receive the University’s Certificate of Award that holds the silver seal. (Please see section 8).

14. The Vice-Chancellor’s Medal is awarded to the “top” B Tech student who graduates at the Graduation Ceremony.

15. For the BTech student, the highest average mark is calculated for all courses over all four years of study at the institution.

16. The student must have passed all courses at the first attempt, and have completed the “four year” qualification in the minimum time permissible.

17. Provision is made for a break in studies between the NDip and the B Tech.

18. The Vice-Chancellor is presented with a list of approximately five “top” students at the institution based on the average marks obtained for all courses. The Vice-Chancellor has the discretion to invoke other criteria in determining which of these students should be awarded the medal, such as leadership qualities, contribution to society and/or student development, strength of character, and so forth. In addition, the Vice-Chancellor will usually interview a selected group of candidates.

19. Since the marks of students are being compared across different programmes care must be taken to ensure that consistent criteria are applied in all cases. Only the “host” courses should be considered and not modules as “half” courses may carry a different weight than full courses, and so on.

20. The Vice-Chancellor’s Medal is awarded at the Graduation Ceremony at which the degree of the recipient is being conferred. The award consists of an engraved medal accompanied by a cheque, a certificate and a congratulatory note from the Vice Chancellor.

21. The awardees will be prominently indicated on the published list of awardees. The list will be posted on the departmental notice board. All lists will the archived electronically and available for prospective employers.

22. The Vice-Chancellor’s medalist will receive the University’s Certificate of Award that holds the silver seal.

SECTION H: OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO ASSESSMENT

H1. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

1. All programmes must incorporate mechanisms by which staff assess and accredit prior learning achieved through:

work experience,

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Informal or non-formal training, or

learning which took place at another place of learning, in a reliable and valid way.

2. The guiding principles for the assessment of prior learning are the following:

Current competence is more important than learning history

All learning should be valued, irrespective of where, when or how it occurred

Competence must be demonstrated (in other words assess for learning not just experience)

The standards by which the students are assessed for prior learning must be realistic.

3. Students may be assessed in order to recognise prior learning for the following purposes:

Entry to a learning programme

Credit for some modules in a learning programme (advanced standing within a programme)

4. Each assessment of prior learning must be individual: no blanket criteria will be able to cover individual cases. Assessment for the recognition of prior learning must be done by the person who would routinely assess students in that particular situation. Such assessment may be done by means of the following:

A demonstration of competence

A written assessment

Demonstration of specific outcomes

An oral assessment

A portfolio of evidence

5. All RPL applications must be submitted before or at registration and classes need to be attended until official notification of approval from Senate has been obtained.

H2. Maximum permissible period of study

1. The respective maximum permissible period of study for the various qualifications is as follows:

B Ed (FP) 8 years

B Ed (ISP) 8 years

B Ed (FET) 8 years

B Ed Hons 2 years (full-time); 4 years (part-time)

M Ed 3 years (full-time); 5 years part-time

D Ed 6 years

2. If a student fails to comply with the above requirements, such a student will not be allowed to

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continue his/her studies. A student may apply in writing to the Faculty to reconsider his/her case.

3. The Dean of a Faculty may refuse the re-registration of a student on the grounds of poor academic performance. In B Ed (Hons) courses, a student will be refused re-registration (i.e. be excluded) if he/she does not pass a minimum of 50% of the credits registered for in any year.

8. PLAGIARISM POLICY

IMPORTANT: It will be assumed that you have studied the Plagiarism Policy that follows below, that you understand it and that you will adhere to it.

What is plagiarism? Plagiarism is academic stealing. It is pretending that someone else’s ideas, research, expressions or work is your own. Examples of plagiarism include (but are not limited to):

Cutting and pasting from electronic sources or copying from books, journals, magazines etc. into one’s own work, without referencing, i.e. without acknowledging the source

Disguising copying and pasting by substituting words

Rewriting someone else’s ideas in your own words (paraphrasing) without referencing.

Using too many long quotations, even though the sources are acknowledged

Copying from the work of another student

Allowing a fellow student to copy your work Committing plagiarism is not acceptable to the CPUT, and there are serious consequences for any person who is found guilty of plagiarism (see Section 9). How can you avoid plagiarism? Carefully and accurately acknowledge where you get your ideas and information from by referencing your work (using the Harvard referencing technique). As you read, write down details of your sources.

People sometimes commit plagiarism by mistake when they do not use correct referencing techniques. Learn how to use in-text and end-of-text referencing conventions. At CPUT we use the Harvard referencing method. You will be exposed to this and will learn how to use it as part of your Academic Literacy classes (which are compulsory for first year students). In addition, you will find information on the Harvard method on the CPUT website (-> Library -> Post Graduate support -> Harvard for beginners)

Good students read widely, evaluate opinions and argue to support their own points of view. Don’t just reproduce other people’s work. Use these sources to:

Compare

Contrast

Justify and support

Illustrate your own ideas and conclusions.

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Levels of plagiarism [The considerations below apply to work that has been submitted formally, and not to drafts (the latter allows for opportunity to get corrective feedback).] Level 1 plagiarism Level 1 plagiarism is a first instance of offence on entry level (first year), such as omission of references, imitative paraphrasing, using a single source (monophrasing), or a degree of verbatim copying. The latter will include verbatim copying without acknowledging sources, as well as extensive verbatim copying even with acknowledgement. Level 2 plagiarism Level 2 plagiarism is a repeat offence of level 1, and applies to first year students only. Level 3 plagiarism A third offence in the first year, or any form of plagiarism committed after the first year by an undergraduate student is regarded as level 3 plagiarism. Level 4 plagiarism Any act of plagiarism committed by a postgraduate student, researcher or member of staff.

Process to be followed on detection of plagiarism

On detection of level 1 plagiarism, the staff member concerned will ascertain whether it is in fact a first offence by checking the departmental records. Secondly, he or she will ensure that the student receives further information on plagiarism. The student will then be allowed to rewrite the assignment, which will be reassessed to a maximum mark of 50%. A record of the incident will be kept by the department, and a letter of warning (Appendix 2) will be issued.

On detection of level 2 plagiarism, the student will receive 0% for the assignment, without the opportunity of resubmission. A record the occurrence will be kept by the department. A letter of warning (Appendix 3) will be issued.

On detection of level 3 plagiarism, the student will receive 0% for the assignment, without the opportunity of resubmission. The matter will also be reported to the head of department for an internal disciplinary hearing. This will usually result in cancellation of the subject for a period of time if found guilty. The disciplinary committee or presiding officer may, however, apply a suspended sentence, or more severe sanctions, in accordance with the particular circumstances of the offence (refer to Academic Rules and Regulations.

On detection of possible level 4 plagiarism for students, the matter will be referred by the HOD to an institutional disciplinary committee. This committee will hear the matter, and if the person concerned is found guilty, will make a final decision on what punitive measures to apply – such as suspension for a specified period of time, expulsion, or in cases where plagiarism is found after awarding a degree, the withdrawal of the qualification.

Read the declaration on the following page.

Check that you have referenced your work properly.

Sign and attach a copy of the declaration to EACH one of your assignments when you hand it in.

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Declaration of understanding:

I understand that plagiarism is copying someone’s work and pretending that

it is my original work that plagiarism is wrong that plagiarism leads to disciplinary consequences that the way to avoid plagiarism is to acknowledge sources by

in-text and endof--text referencing. The work attached is my own, original work, i.e. free of plagiarism. All sources used in this work have been referenced, using the Harvard system of in-text and end-of-text referencing. Signed:………………………. Course and year group:………………………… Date:……………………………………………

Adapted from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology draft policy on Plagiarism July 2012.

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Appendix 2: Example of letter of warning for level 1 plagiarism Dear ....... The marked sections on pp ......... of your assignment have been plagiarised. As this is an example of level 1 plagiarism, you will be allowed to rewrite the assignment, which will be reassessed to a maximum mark of 50%. A record of the incident will be kept by the department. Should you commit plagiarism again, it will become level 2 plagiarism, which will result in more severe penalties. Plagiarism is wrong, and there are negative consequences for persons who commit this offence. Any further acts of plagiarism will put you at risk of having your degree withdrawn, or of expulsion, or both. Yours faithfully, ........................

Appendix 3: Example of letter of warning for level 2 plagiarism Dear ....... The marked sections on pp ......... of your assignment have been plagiarised. As this is an example of level 2 plagiarism, you are awarded 0% for the assignment, without the opportunity to resubmit. Plagiarism is wrong, and there are negative consequences for persons who commit this offence. Any further acts of plagiarism will put you at risk of having your degree withdrawn, or of expulsion, or both. Yours faithfully, ........................

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9. DISHONESTY

If students writing tests or examinations, or doing assignments, are suspected of dishonesty, such students are reported to the University’s Disciplinary Committee and are formally prosecuted. The disciplinary measures include suspension from the institution or from the course or subject. Students are therefore requested to refrain from any from of dishonesty. The possible embarrassment when caught is not worth the extra marks. Rather approach the lecturer and explain your circumstances to him/her. We understand the problems of the adult learner, occupying a full-time profession, and being a spouse and parent, and we try to assist where we can.

10. LIBRARY

All four campuses (Mowbray, Wellington, Bellville and main campus) have well-equipped and properly staffed libraries. Students are encouraged to use these libraries and contact the librarians when they work on assignments. Mowbray Library hours are as follows: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 – 22:00 Friday: 08:00 – 18:00 Saturdays (during the term): 08:00 – 13:00 You will receive an orientation session by the library staff to acquaint you with the library and its various services.

11. STUDENT SUPPORT

11.1 STUDENT AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES CPUT has a Student Counseling section that can assist students with any of the following matters:

Academic Writing Skills

Dev.

Assignments & Report Writing

Language Development

Assess problem - physical/ technology/ transport / absence

Mentoring Information Literacy Mathematics Support

Study Skills development

Personal Problem

Crisis / Trauma Psychiatric Emergency

Welfare Concern, incl. Hunger

Course Change / Career

Counselling

Academic Progress (AEQ “At Risk”

student)

Academic Exclusion

Possible disability -physical/sensory/lear

ning

Accommodation Problem

Financial Problem Join Sport Club, or Student Association

Health Related Concern

They can be contacted on the following numbers: Mowbray: 021 680 1574

Cape Town: 021 460 3237 Bellville: 021 959 6182 Wellington: 021 864 5201/5206

On Mowbray campus, students can contact Mr Matthew Van Niekerk (vanniekerkm@cput.ac.za) for academic writing support with assignments.

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11.2 IT SUPPORT Login, password, changing password, email and e-learning (BlackBoard):

Please refer to the attached page.

For assistance, please contact George Malinaric on 021 680 1531 or mowbadmin@cput.ac.za 12. FINAL ASSESSMENT (EXAMINATION) TIMETABLE

The timetable for the final assessments of the year (if applicable) will be made available at a later date. Final assessments (if applicable) are written in November.

13. A FINAL WORD We thank you for registering for this course. We trust that you will find this course informative and interesting, and that you will become one of the core of dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who make our learners’ schooling years a happy and worthwhile time in their lives. If at any time you are uncertain or unhappy about anything in this course, do not hesitate to discuss this with your subject lecturer or with the course coordinators.

NB: Please bring this course guide to the orientation session on Fr 23 Feb 2018 at 16:30,

since important information from this course guide will be discussed.