Bachelor of International Studies

Communication

Verbal expression and comprehension (understanding)

The extent to which a person can use and understand verbal communication

What do I need to be able to do?

Use, understand and respond to verbal communication during on- campus learning activities and during professional experience placement. Specifically:

verbally communicate with team members to understand and convey concepts and task requirements by providing clear instructions and explanations
use, understand and respond to verbal instructions in environments where safety is a primary concern.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you within the academic setting.

Professional experience placement activities may require time responsive communication. This should be discussed with your Placement Coordinator prior to commencing professional experience placement.

Social communication

Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking.

What do I need to be able to do?

Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately during on-campus and industry related activities to build relationships, display understanding, and acknowledgement of others.

In industry placement environments, tasks which require the use of social communication abilities include:
- identifying and using gestures, verbal turn-taking and proximity when sharing workload and equipment with others.
responding to peers and supervisors with open body language, eye contact and facial expressions to demonstrate understanding.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.

Reading, writing and number skills

Reading

Demonstrate effective reading and reading comprehension that is appropriate to both on-campus learning and professional experience placement settings.

What do I need to be able to do?

Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as: on screen material, reference material and /or handwritten notes. E.g., reading and comprehending written documents, such as induction processes, supervisors’ instructions, policies and occupational health and safety guidelines.

In on-campus learning activities and professional experience placement environments, essential information is communicated in written form. You will require the ability to read, understand and interpret complex written information.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during professional experience placements may vary between placements and should be discussed with the Placement Coordinator prior to commencing placement.

Writing (Written Language)

The extent to which a person produces coherent written communication that is appropriate to both on-campus learning and professional experience placement settings.

N.B. This refers not to the physical act of writing but rather to the written content.

What do I need to be able to do?

Produce coherent written communication content appropriate to both on-campus and industry placement settings.

In industry related activities, tasks which require clear, concise, accurate and time-efficient writing may include:

writing reports to meet technical standards
project record keeping.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Concentration, memory and problem solving skills

What do I need to be able to do?

Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory, research, and practice gained from on-campus learning and during industry related activities.

Tasks which require the use of concentration, memory and problem solving include:

tracking progress and completion of complex projects.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation in the on-campus learning environment. The use of these strategies during placement should be discussed with the Placement Coordinator prior to commencing placement.

Mental wellness and behavioural stability

Mental wellness is a state of well-being in which an individual can realise their own abilities or potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life and can work productively and fruitfully.

Behavioural stability refers to an individual’s ability to moderate their own behaviour.
Stable mental health promotes optimal and safe engagement in on-campus learning environments. Many people who live with mental health conditions complete their studies successfully. The following services are available to support students living with mental health conditions at RMIT:

What do I need to be able to do?

The on campus learning environment can be challenging and will require you to engage with peers and teaching staff, reflect on your work and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.

E.g., managing personal emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with peers, staff and clients in on- campus and industry placement settings.

Managing your composure and focus is essential in maintaining a safe learning environment for you and others.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments such can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Flexible arrangements for your professional experience placement will be considered. The appropriateness and practicality of these arrangements may vary between placements and agencies and should be discussed with your placement coordinator prior to commencement of the placement.

You may be supported to take time off from your studies if you become unwell or have difficulties with behavioural stability until you are ready to recommence.

Hearing

The sense of hearing, and the extent that a person can be responsive to aural cues, and differentiate vocal and other sounds and tone.

What do I need to be able to do?

Sufficient hearing to undertake on-campus learning and industry related tasks. These may include:

Receiving verbal instructions
Hearing alarms or alerts
Following and participating in discussions/debates.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

The use of augmentation such as lip reading and / or assistive technology to enhance hearing will be considered.

You should discuss this with the ELS and placement coordinator before starting a placement.