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1. Tackling assignments TePunaAko Learning Centre Figure 1: A+ (wordpress, n.d.)
2. By the session you should be able to: Identify the key information you need in an assignment Analyse an assignment question by identifying instruction words and key wordsin assignment questions Use the 5 WH method for brainstorming an assignment question Make an assignment plan >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
3. Why do assignments? “Assignments test not only what you have understood but also how well you can pull together facts and ideas of a course and apply them in different contexts” (Thomas, 1997, p. 260). >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
4. But they’re so stressful! The stress that assignments create can be a good thing: use it to pull together what you’ve learned in your course and to consolidate your understanding (Thomas, 1997). >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
5. When should you look at an assignment? As soon as you get it! It will make your study more purposeful Talk to classmates about the assignment Go to the lecturer in the first instance if you have questions >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
6. What key information do you need to find out? Word limit (500 words, 1000 words, 2000 words) Due date and specific time (4 March by 4.00 pm) Structure (essay, report, oral presentation?) >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
7. Key information, continued Marking criteria/schedule Course objectives What’s it worth (10%, 25%, 40%, more?) Referencing requirements (APA style? Chicago? MLA?) >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
8. Analysing a question: what are you being asked to do? Instruction words tell you how to answer the question >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
9. Figure Figure 2: Office Chair. (The Hire Business, n.d.) Define Evaluate Describe
10. Analysing a question for: instruction words andkeywords Instruction words: tell you how to answer the question Outlinethe procedures of… Comparesome of…
11. Key words: tell you what the question is about …the strategic importance of productivity improvement in the organisation …how key principles of project management may be utilised >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
12. Sample question: Describe the organisation you have chosen briefly. Identify the chosen organisation as either a service organisation or manufacturing organisation. Fully explain why it is a service or manufacturing by discussing the unique characteristics of these categories. Clearly demonstrate why the classification you have identified is true. >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
13. Sample question: Describe the organisation you have chosen briefly. Identify the chosen organisation as either a service organisation or manufacturing organisation. Fully explain why it is a service or manufacturing by discussing the unique characteristics of these categories. Clearly demonstrate why the classification you have identified is true. >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
14. 5 WH technique for brainstorming What? Where? Who? When? Why? How? >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
15. The 5 WH questions help to draw out two kinds of information: Facts Questions that start with What, When, Who andWhere Examples: What is a service organisation? What is a manufacturing organisation? >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
16. Critical Thought: Questions that require critical thought may start with Why and How. Why is xxxx a service organisation? How does xxxx as a unique characteristic align with xxxx as a service organisation? >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
17. What are markers looking for? An answer to the question that they have asked A logical argument supported by evidence A clear structure and writing style Analysis and evidence of your own thinking Acknowledgement of any sources you have referred to (referencing) >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
18. Make a plan Explore the question: for example, use the 5 WH technique for brainstorming Use the marking criteria: check your plan against the marking criteria. Have you left anything out? Focus questions: what do you know already? What do you need to find out? Where will you look? Allocate words: which are the most important parts? How will you allocate the words? >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
19. Making plans A handy planning tool >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
20. Where do students often go wrong? Misinterpret the question or don’t answer all of it. Too much description and not enough analysis Poor organisation and argument Not enough supporting evidence Irrelevant information Too many quotes >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
21. An assignment strategy Decide what you want to achieve by doing the assignment e.g. an essay, report or short answers 2. Develop a timetable Read the assignment instructions very carefully and make initial notes 4. Search for the information >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
22. An Assignment Strategy, continued 5.Decide how your answers should be structured 6. Write your draft in a quiet place where you won’t be distracted 7. Edit and proofread your draft 8. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of what you’ve written 9. Hand it in on time and in the correct location 10. Read the feedback comments when the assignment is returned Northedge, A., Thomas,J.., Lane, A. & Peasgood, A. (1997) . The Sciences Good Study Guide. Milton Keynes: Open University. >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
23. Kia kaha! Good luck! >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER
24. References The Hire Business (n.d.). Office chair. Retrieved from http://www.thehirebusiness.com Word Press (n.d.). A+. Retrieved from http://www.wordpress.com >>DEPARTMENT TITLE EDIT IN HEADER & FOOTER