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The EFFECTIVE LEARNING Service

Discover what tutors look for in written assignments, including logical approach, clear structure, effective use of sources, sound reasoning, good presentation, and more.

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The EFFECTIVE LEARNING Service

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  1. The EFFECTIVE LEARNINGService Martin Sedgley

  2. What do tutors look for in written assignments? Effective Learning Service

  3. Main Expectations of Tutors • Logical approach and clear structure • Effective use of sources • Sound reasoning, argument and analysis • Good presentation • Plus … ?

  4. Logical Approach and Clear Structure • The tutor will look for evidence of planning and organisation of material in the assignment • A good indicator of this is in the way the assignment is structured • The tutor will look for a cascade of ideas: each paragraph or section focuses on a particular topic area, with a logical flow of ideas from one paragraph or section to the next.

  5. Effective Use of Sources • Tutors look for evidence of selective, relevant and independent reading on the topic - this may mean going outside the recommended reading list • Accurate referencing of sources used as evidence is important

  6. Sound Reasoning, Argument and Analysis • This usually involves two levels of engagement with the subject: descriptive and analytical • Descriptive: clear understanding of main theories, ideas, models or practices • Analytical: going deeper into the topic, by, for example, looking for flaws in arguments, exceptions to the rule, and awareness of counter-arguments. It also about explaining and justifying any position you have taken in an assignment

  7. Good Presentation • The assignment looks good • It is free of typographical, spelling and grammatical errors. • The authentic voice of the writer emerges (style of writing); it is impossible for this to happen if students ‘copy & paste’ their way through their assignments

  8. …most important of all: • Has the student engaged with the set topic or question? • The most common fault in assignment writing is not focusing on, and engaging with, the set topic.

  9. Analyse the essay topic or question Make sure you know exactly what you have to do; look carefully at the question. The tutor has probably framed the question in a particular way • Identify any assumptions or propositions in the question. Take this example: “Why do people resist change at work and what can organisations do to overcome this resistance?”

  10. The first part has an assumption built into it … … is it true that all people resist change at work? Address the assumption before you move to the second part. You might want to think about the word ‘overcome’ ... … does this have connotations of power or oppression? Also think about the wider implications of the question: Why does resistance to change at work matter? Why should organisations try to overcome it? “Why do people resist change at work and what can organisations do to overcome this resistance ?” Analyse the question • The question is in two parts:

  11. Why do people resist change at work… • Discuss if it is true that all people resist change at work. If some don’t, why not ? • Why does it matter that people may resist change at work ? • Describe why people do resist change at work. • Is it just about individual employees? Can the culture of an organisation contribute to resistance ? • How do people unhappy with change show their resistance? • Back your statements up with referenced evidence.

  12. andwhat can organisations do to overcome this resistance?” • Why should organisations try to overcome employees’ resistance to change anyway ? • ‘Overcome’? To what extent is the ‘carrot’ as important as the ‘stick’ in encouraging people to change? • Explore the range of things that organisations can do to help employees prepare for, and manage change. • Give real-life examples wherever possible to illustrate how particular organisations have gone about this process • Back your statements up with referenced evidence.

  13. Essays: What your tutor is looking for • That you really focus on the essay topic and that you don’t get sidetracked or ramble on about things that do not matter • Your tutor is looking for evidence of your knowledgeon the subject and evidence you can apply ideas to a real situation • You must bring in evidence to back-up any points you make and show you have read about the subject. You must reference your evidence • The tutor will want the essay to be well-structured and well-written (good spelling & grammar)

  14. Service information Effective Learning Officer: Martin Sedgley Located: Yvette Jacobson room YJ0.11 Availability: Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30 (booking advised) Contact: m.t.sedgley@bradford.ac.uk Tel: (01274) 234320

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