OLET1133: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

Unit outlines now display a small icon AI Allowed = AI allowed restricted AI = restricted AI to indicate which assessments allow you to use AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot Chat. Make sure you are aware of how AI can be used, as unauthorised use is a breach of academic integrity.

OLET1133: Understanding Critical Reflection

Semester 1, 2025 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Employers have provided clear information about the qualities and skills they require of university graduates to be successful. These include broad skills and knowledge of critical thinking, superior communication, disciplinary expertise, working collaboratively and with diverse groups, while working with integrity, to name a few. This OLE provides students with the knowledge of reflective practices to articulate the development of their graduate qualities. It provides students with the opportunity to create a repository of evidence of their graduate qualities in their ePortfolio thereby commencing their webfolio which they can build on across their course and in future employment.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 2
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Margaret Spencer, margaret.spencer@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Josephine Fleming, josephine.fleming@sydney.edu.au
Margaret Spencer, margaret.spencer@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task hurdle task AI Allowed 2x MCQ
Short release online quizzes Quiz due 28 March Week 5 Quiz due 11 April Week7
0% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Online task hurdle task Early Feedback Task AI Allowed Early Feedback Task
#earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03
Due date: 15 Mar 2025 at 23:59
1XMCQ 5 Questions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Participation hurdle task group assignment Workshop Participation
Construct a critical incident then apply a reflective practice framework
0% Week 08 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment hurdle task AI Allowed Written reflection
Based on the workshop activity
0% Week 10
Due date: 09 May 2025 at 23:59
800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • 3x MCQ: Each timed quiz (45 minutes per quiz) will test your knowledge of topics covered in the relevant module, including the readings. It is worth reviewing the content of the entire module before attempting each quiz.
  • Workshop Participation:  In small groups, you will construct a critical incident scenario that draws on at least one of the University’s graduate qualities. You will then apply one of three different types of reflection (technical, dialogical or critical reflection) that you have learned about in the three online modules. Full details will be given prior to the workshop on Canvas.
  • Written reflection: your written submission will include two components: an account of your reflection and an explanation of the type of reflection you applied. You will develop your written reflection over the course of the three online modules (via the recommended pre-workshop activities) and a final exercise undertaken during the workshop. Good planning will mean that your written reflection should be complete by the end of the workshop, however you will be given an additional week to submit. 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on the Canvas site for this unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

Grade

Description

Use

SR

Satisfied Requirements

To be awarded in units of study where student achievement is measured as a pass or fail only without a mark to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

FR

Failed Requirements  

To be awarded in units of study where student achievement is measured either as Satisfied Requirements or Failed Requirements only, without a mark to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty.

AF

Absent Fail

Awarded to students who fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard through failure to submit or attend compulsory assessment tasks or to attend classes to the required level.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Module 1 (Weeks 1 & 2) - So What is Reflective Practice? This module examines the concept of reflection and critical reflection through the lens of the University of Sydney's graduate qualities. These qualities include critical thinking and problem solving, digital literacy, cultural competence, interdisciplinary effectiveness, identity and influence. Independent study (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Module 2 (Weeks 3 & 4) - Reflective practice frameworks and characteristics. We explore how to write and talk reflectively and how to frameworks for the different types of reflective practice: technical reflection, communicative/dialogic reflection and critical/transformative reflection. Independent study (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Module 3 (Weeks 5 & 6) - Reflective Practice in Professional Environments. Academics and professionals working in education, social work, medicine, law and the corporate world discuss how reflective practice is valued in professional environments. Useful strategies for approaching employment are also examined. Independent study (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 08 Module 4: Reflective Practice Workshop (preparation Week 7, workshop Week 8). This two-hour workshop takes a hands-on approach. You will work in groups to construct a "critical incident" and then apply different reflection frameworks to the incident. Guided pre-workshop preparation will be undertaken online. Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: students are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board which will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
  • Preparation: students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Detailed list of the readings please refer to Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. become familiar with the graduate qualities and be able to clearly define what these qualities mean in the context of your experiences at the university and your future employability
  • LO2. develop your understanding and practice of critical reflection
  • LO3. apply a suite of reflective practice frameworks to measure, record and reflect on your skills related to the graduate qualities
  • LO4. develop your ability to write reflectively.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes to the scheduling of the first quiz to meet the new requirements for early assessable tasks in 1000 units of study

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 14 Feb 2025.

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