Purpose and structure of this unit's assessment

As an emerging educator or health professional, you will become an active and visible member of the community in which you live and work. This role requires more than disciplinary knowledge—it requires the ability to identify local health and wellbeing issues, understand how these issues affect individuals, families, and communities, and engage professionally with the organisations that support them.

The three assessment items in this unit are intentionally interconnected and differ from traditional university assignments. Rather than working in isolation, they have been designed to promote authentic, real-world learning through inquiry, community engagement, and reflective practice.

Across these three assessments, you will:

• investigate a local health or wellbeing issue using evidence and research;
• engage with your community through a planned, applied activity; and
• reflect on your learning and professional development as it unfolds.

Together, these tasks will support the development of key professional capabilities, including effective communication, critical thinking, disciplinary knowledge, cultural sensitivity, leadership, and reflective practice. This assessment structure is designed to prepare you not only for academic success but for confident, community‑connected professional practice.

Important: You are strongly encouraged to read all three assessment tasks together before you begin, as each task builds on the previous one:

• Assessment Item 1: Report
• Assessment Item 2: Community-based activity (applied project)
• Assessment Item 3: Reflection

Item 1: Exploration of a health and wellbeing issue (written report 1500 words)

Assessment Item 1 provides the foundational knowledge for your community-based activity (Item 2) and your reflective task (Item 3). Through this report, you will investigate a health and wellbeing issue relevant to your local area and examine how community organisations respond to that issue in practice.

You may choose to share this report with your selected community organisation to seek feedback or guidance. For this reason, your report must be professionally written, clearly structured, and evidence-based.

Report Requirements

Your written report must address all of the following components

1. Identify community service in your local area

Locate a range of community services within approximately 5–10 kilometres of your home or current geographic location that support individuals, families, or communities.

You must:

• present this information in a table that includes:
  • organisation name
  • purpose / services offered
  • location
  • contact details
• identify a minimum of ten (10) suitable organisations
• include face-to-face, telehealth, or online services where appropriate
• ensure services are government agencies or registered organisations
• exclude blogs, personal websites, or unverified sources

This section demonstrates your awareness of the local service landscape and prepares you to select an appropriate organisation for later assessments.

2. Select a focus health and wellbeing issue

Choose one health and wellbeing issue that is relevant to your local community.

From your list of organisations, identify one organisation that directly addresses this issue. This organisation will become the focus of your analysis and may later become your community partner.

3. Research and analyse the selected issue

Your analysis must include the following components.

a. Relevant Statistics
Use credible and authoritative sources, such as:

• Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

Include national, state, and/or local data that helps explain the scope, prevalence, or impact of the issue.

b. Background information about your selected organisation

Provide clear and detailed information about the organisation, including:

• philosophy and mission
• client groups or target population
• services provided
• key personnel or organisational structure
• funding sources
• relevant background or history

c. Approaches used to address the issue

Analyse different approaches used to address the issue, including:

• strategies or interventions that have been effective
• strategies that have been less successful
• benefits and barriers associated with different approaches

d. Academic support

Support your analysis by using a minimum of three (3) peer-reviewed academic journal articles. These sources must be used to inform your discussion of approaches, effectiveness, and best practice.

e. Recommendations for best practice

Based on your research, identify evidence-informed strategies for addressing the issue, including:

• recognised best-practice approaches
• effective ways to engage and communicate with clients (e.g. individuals, families, community groups)
• consideration of the broader social or environmental context

f. Additional considerations

Discuss complexities or contextual factors that influence the issue, such as:

• cultural sensitivity
• geographic or access challenges
• funding limitations
• education or literacy levels
• social determinants of health
• any other relevant factors affecting individuals, families or communities

Guidelines for completing your report

• Use CQUniversity Library databases to locate academic journal articles.
• Critically evaluate all information for credibility, accuracy, and reliability.
• Avoid using inappropriate or unverified internet sources.

Your report must follow a formal report structure (see sample provided) and include:

• title page
• introduction (approximately 250 words) identifying the issue
• body (approximately 1000 words)
• conclusion (approximately 250 words)
• reference list

Word count: is calculated from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the title page, abstract, table of contents, reference list, and appendices, but includes in-text citations and direct quotations.

Additional requirements:

• images or diagrams may be included only if they add value or improve clarity
• use a table when listing local services, but the majority of the report must be written in full sentences and structured paragraphs
• edit and proofread your work carefully
• you are encouraged to use Studiosity for feedback
• developing high-level academic literacy is an essential professional skill

Use APA 7th Edition for all in-text citations and your reference list.

More information is available in the Assessment Section in Moodle.

AI Assessment Scale: Level 2

You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

72-Hour Grace Period:

The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment. If you need longer than 72 hours, you must apply through the Assessment Extension System.

1. Identify service organisations that support individuals, families and communities in challenging circumstances
2. Select and analyse sources of information, academic literature and social trends relating to health and wellbeing issues
3. Evaluate complex factors that impact health and wellbeing for individuals, families and communities
4. Demonstrate professional levels of personal literacy and knowledge of academic writing conventions

Item 2: Community-based activity rationale

An essential skill for educators and health professionals is the ability to identify, approach, communicate with, and sustain relationships with community organisations. This assessment has been designed to help you develop these skills in an authentic, supported way.

This learning experience has two key purposes:

1. to provide experience interacting with people and organisations in real-world and sometimes challenging circumstances; and
2. to build your confidence and strategies for initiating and maintaining professional communication with a potential community partner.

Through this community-based service experience, you will gain first-hand insight into the complexities of community engagement, along with practical strategies for navigating challenges, negotiating expectations, and contributing meaningfully to a partner organisation.

Types of Projects

You may choose one of the following types of community-based projects: direct service or indirect service.

Direct Service Projects

A direct service project involves active engagement with a community organisation and its day-to-day activities, often including direct interaction with people accessing the service.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• assisting at a food bank or community kitchen
• supporting activities at a youth or community centre

If you choose a direct service project, you must comply with:

• the organisation’s health and safety procedures; and
• current government advice relevant to the setting.

Indirect Service Projects

An indirect service project focuses on behind-the-scenes work that supports the organisation without primarily interacting with clients.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• collecting or analysing data to help assess service impact
• completing administrative or office-based tasks
• developing educational, promotional, or awareness materials

Eligible Organisations

To be eligible, an organisation must meet both of the following criteria:

1. You already have a relationship or strong connection with the organisation; and
2. The organisation provides some form of public service, broadly defined.

Organisations must be non‑partisan, meaning they are not aligned with or promoting a particular political or religious agenda.

Faith‑based organisations (for example, the Salvation Army) are acceptable provided they deliver a community or social service beyond spiritual activities.

Most Not‑for‑Profit organisations and Non‑Government Organisations (NGOs) meet these criteria.

If you wish to work with an organisation that does not fit these categories—such as:

• a social enterprise or social business
• a specifically religious institution
• an organisation currently working toward NGO status

you must contact your lecturer for approval before commencing the project.

Time Commitment and Project Hours

There is no fixed number of hours required for this project, as each project will vary depending on the organisation and the nature of your work. However, the following expectations apply:

• Minimum contact time: You must complete at least two (2) days of direct contact with the community organisation and its people (in person or virtual, depending on the context).
• Estimated total time commitment: You should allow approximately 15–25 hours of work outside your allocated university study time.
• Recommended timing: All project hours (contact and non-contact) should be completed between Weeks 6–10 of the term.
• Communication expectation: You are responsible for clearly negotiating your availability, schedule, and any limitations with the organisation.

Your total time may include:

• direct contact with the organisation (on-site or virtual)
• indirect service tasks (emails, planning, follow-up, research)
• travel to and from the organisation
• informal engagement and time spent interacting with people in the organisation

The balance between direct and indirect hours will depend on the organisation and the nature of your project.

How the work is structured

The purpose of community-based engagement is to co-design a project that benefits both your academic learning and the community partner. This collaborative approach to knowledge creation is supported through a series of structured briefs. Detailed instructions and guidelines will be covered in weekly tutorials and the Assessment section on Moodle.

You will work in consultation with the organisation to determine:

• the specific activities you will undertake
• agreed timelines
• any final products or outputs (if applicable)

Because each project is unique, these decisions will be shaped by the organisation’s needs, your skills, and your available time.

As early as possible, you must identify a key contact person within the organisation. This person should be willing and able to discuss your project with you. You will meet with them (in person or virtually) to discuss:

• their role and availability
• the organisation’s expectations
• how your project can meaningfully contribute to the community

Establishing this relationship early is essential for a smooth, respectful, and productive partnership.

What to submit

You must submit one document (Word or PDF) using the provided template. Your submission must include:

• the organisation(s) you contacted
• dates of communication and on-site (or virtual) engagement
• activities undertaken
• challenges and successes encountered throughout the project

Why a templated submission?

The template is designed to help you practice professional record-keeping, an essential skill for teachers and allied professionals.

Your work will be assessed on:

• the quality and depth of your reflections; and
• the accuracy, clarity, and completeness of your records.

AI Assessment Scale: Level 2

You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

72-Hour Grace Period:

The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment. If you need longer than 72 hours, you must apply through the Assessment Extension System.

1. Experience complex factors that impact health and wellbeing for individuals, families and communities.
2. Communicate with service organisations that support individuals, families and communities.
3. Interact with individuals and service organisations in professional, ethical and culturally appropriate ways.

Item 3: Reflection on learning experiences

In this assessment, you will critically examine how organisations design and deliver services that support the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities through community‑based initiatives. You will analyse and reflect on the complex social, cultural and structural issues influencing service provision, and evaluate how personal and societal biases, perceptions and attitudes can shape health and wellbeing outcomes. Your reflections should clearly demonstrate your ability to identify, deconstruct and critically question these influences in alignment with your service-learning experience.

Complete a suite of reflective practice questions including:

• Unit topics
• Health and wellbeing issues
• Human-centred / client focus
• Self-focus / personal development
• Future professional practice

Template and further information about Reflective Practice Questions are available in Assessment Section in Moodle.

AI Assessment Scale: Level 2

You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

72-Hour Grace Period:

The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment. If you need longer than 72 hours, you must apply through the Assessment Extension System.

1. Reflect on a range of complex issues relating to how organisations provide services to individuals, families and communities through community-based health and wellbeing initiatives. 
2. Deconstruct biases, perceptions and attitudes that impact the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
3. Demonstrate professional levels of personal literacy and knowledge of academic writing conventions