tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55055072366983830102024-03-04T20:05:38.900-08:00Writing in the SciencesFast tracking your writing to a high distinction.Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-19003097007930887732009-03-16T21:49:00.000-07:002009-03-16T22:02:44.424-07:00Writing tips<a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=jiuyong.li">Assoc. Prof. Jiuyong Li</a> is a noted researcher in the field of Data Mining who uses English as an additional language. We asked him for his top five writing tips for students who also use English as an additional language. This is what he had to share:<br /><ol><li>Be confident. If you can write good in your mother tongue, you can write good in English.</li><li>Try not to translate. Translation needs much higher skills than writing in English. Just write in English.</li><li>Write in simple and short sentences. They are effective.</li><li>Use words that you do understand. Try to avoid complicated words.</li><li>Try not to use "can" in scientific writing. The word makes a statement weaker than without it.</li></ol>Simple, easy to follow advice that can be applied to almost any scientific paper.<br /><br />Kirsten<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ9h2QiBdDh8pQ2H0lNlPLa2WNTUB8_-gfCC_W-XWSIgkan3T8t1SbqgUGN7bPYo9dQn3kyn0RejiJ9odTQAFR70MJNB4Ro6sfV4WLOWs6qoDfvp4M1qanqv2iyIj5Pl53aP4he6Hh38/s1600-h/me.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ9h2QiBdDh8pQ2H0lNlPLa2WNTUB8_-gfCC_W-XWSIgkan3T8t1SbqgUGN7bPYo9dQn3kyn0RejiJ9odTQAFR70MJNB4Ro6sfV4WLOWs6qoDfvp4M1qanqv2iyIj5Pl53aP4he6Hh38/s200/me.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314017554206711314" border="0" /></a>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-10273909341785557482008-10-15T21:41:00.000-07:002008-10-15T22:41:07.199-07:00Writing with pictures, voice AND wordsAn academic by the name of <a href="http://www.expertguide.com.au/%21ProfessorEricaMcWilliam%21_2410.aspx">Erica McWilliam</a> (2007) recently suggested something radical. That is, in the new internet age (commonly referred to as Web 2.0), pictures and sound are just as important as words in communicating.<br /><br />Some first year students in Electrical and Energy Systems here at Mawson Lakes are showing that learning is a fluid and dynamic process. The production of e-clips required the writing up of storyboards and uses the written word for feedback and introductions. The product, though, is visual. Thanks, James, for this one:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lSR2WiuJnu0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />The concept of using <a href="http://au.youtube.com/user/EEET1025">e-clips</a> at Mawson Lakes was engineered by <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=diana.quinn">Diana Quinn</a> from the Learning and Teaching Unit and Course Coordinator, <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Staff/homepage.asp?Name=Zorica.Nedic">Zorica Nedic</a>.<br /><br />The students were asked to take a key concept in their course and produce a 3 minute YouTube video which would, in turn, teach other students. Diana said 'the clips were to represent the students personal take on the topic and they were encouraged to put their personalities into the e-clip'.<br /><br />Now - that's thinking outside the square! AND aren't our students CLEVER! You can see more <a href="http://au.youtube.com/user/EEET1025">e-clips</a> here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-31820895674387087002008-09-17T17:20:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:45:59.170-07:00Kicking goals with referencing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRtYSyBPaRzoDTQTUQfRUa_aIvaPFn_-x9aOs0Tvz4WyszSFuOTdloQwCuvuiVNyqYD0o8gGxHpg7J4g_c56ltMTrKP9hyphenhyphenpRnJbr4wMEq4mFmE4D2nkbfjKVisRaI2z4prYLyuFbszcAG/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRtYSyBPaRzoDTQTUQfRUa_aIvaPFn_-x9aOs0Tvz4WyszSFuOTdloQwCuvuiVNyqYD0o8gGxHpg7J4g_c56ltMTrKP9hyphenhyphenpRnJbr4wMEq4mFmE4D2nkbfjKVisRaI2z4prYLyuFbszcAG/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247149903786877346" border="0" /></a><br />One of the best ways to attract high marks is to demonstrate your skill, creativity and understanding when it comes to using references. <br /><br />A favorite starting point for a lecturer who marks your work is often your reference list. If you can show breadth of reading (evidence), use quality sources and show you know how to use the literature critically and constructively, your chances of scoring goals (or marks) will be higher. It's as simple as that.<br /><br />In all cases, you can regard the literature as the chief defender of your point of view or position on a particular subject. Without good supporting references, properly presented (with a recognised referencing system), your chances of scoring goals are significantly diminished.<br /><br />Learning advisers have produced some 'must have' resources for referencing:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.unisa.edu.au/ltu/student/learningAdvisors/documents/harvard-referencing.pdf">Harvard Referencing Guide</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_paraphrasing.pdf">Paraphrasing</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_readlog.pdf">Reading Log</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.unisa.edu.au/ltu/student/learningAdvisors/plagiarism.asp">Avoiding plagiarism</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_subj-obj%20scale.pdf">The subjectivity/objectivity scale</a><br /><br />Andrea's <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/Writing%20in%20the%20sciences%2007/Sources%20in%20scientific%20writing.ppt">'Kicking Goals' </a>PowerPoint<br /><br />Best of luck with your writing adventures.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=andrea.duff"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Andrea</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-88041271105253861032008-09-14T18:08:00.000-07:002008-09-14T18:11:38.879-07:00Is your future in research?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrojNLuli5VWsKxq5_kknqxxX8M10hp-j6yLuPj4NwphgVE661aq57ozXlSpexvZQwxoEl-DjDLP-xFzWhSooN8SLqcTPtwrWj8-6emB9fNGeEikn7o9nrHxPPZx3TBHGPyKySxTxK4tu/s1600-h/Living+books.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" 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<w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0cm; margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:20;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The <span style="font-style: italic;">Living Research Book Library</span> starts this week!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:180%;" ><a href="http://lby235020.ml.unisa.edu.au/research/livingbook/default.asp">Book now</a> for your opportunity to meet a <span style="font-weight: bold;">famous researcher </span>and ask for advice on your research career.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:16;" > </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-59045022527853469592008-08-31T18:29:00.000-07:002008-12-08T21:23:30.915-08:00Map your way through the 'thought' jungle<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:180%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">From this</span></span>:
<br /></div>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_M3ULeJ2i8h_DeCcUFcsDe_rcpKMITYXEkbyna5bx3yuHHXNqS9Zm32xG3iDf-owm79wXGdbHbv0si9U718y74OGwNBm7HH8zRvIhfi_liLXhFJsO9BaqoGtnrxPypI_q8xKPv5elYmu/s1600-h/Jungle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240864205663165490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_M3ULeJ2i8h_DeCcUFcsDe_rcpKMITYXEkbyna5bx3yuHHXNqS9Zm32xG3iDf-owm79wXGdbHbv0si9U718y74OGwNBm7HH8zRvIhfi_liLXhFJsO9BaqoGtnrxPypI_q8xKPv5elYmu/s400/Jungle.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(<a href="http://www.transit-port.net/Galleries/New.Zealand/pages/Jungle.htm">Zimmer</a>, n.d.)
<br /></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:180%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">
<br />To this</span></span>:
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUViCOIdWk9Wrx1WoPjORCUTXjbgnbWJTREPmWcUPfVwulAukiRLQZfsRMmdhR9EKbx8paHEolshcqsElHbFOBhDKFpDhyMWXtHNkeXjF74y7bTqo4wWmu5VjxN_U3cupmxkYl1m3TVD1i/s1600-h/Better+path.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240863890277753858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUViCOIdWk9Wrx1WoPjORCUTXjbgnbWJTREPmWcUPfVwulAukiRLQZfsRMmdhR9EKbx8paHEolshcqsElHbFOBhDKFpDhyMWXtHNkeXjF74y7bTqo4wWmu5VjxN_U3cupmxkYl1m3TVD1i/s400/Better+path.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(<a href="http://virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us/ghayes/images/DSC04589%20Jungle%20path%20on%20the%20island%20b.JPG">Hayes</a>, G n.d. )</span> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" equiv="Content-Type"><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cduffah%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cduffah%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cduffah%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#0070C0;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style></div>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DuBzduPwjQCbBTyBkynWdVHAg9heWTHrYF1FU0pUeQoLnUN30Y9Llg84dkHoUBlMdbljyxgOw264zX7xKbmAw3dCIXCnVEqC82aHOnB61tCNjhksq_Ya8_Rp3BicSMdYzGccaLtHhgcg/s1600-h/SusannaCarter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240864593134099490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DuBzduPwjQCbBTyBkynWdVHAg9heWTHrYF1FU0pUeQoLnUN30Y9Llg84dkHoUBlMdbljyxgOw264zX7xKbmAw3dCIXCnVEqC82aHOnB61tCNjhksq_Ya8_Rp3BicSMdYzGccaLtHhgcg/s400/SusannaCarter.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />Writing in the Sciences devotees were recently treated to <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=susanna.carter">Susanna Carter's </a>popular Mind Mapping workshop where she explored the work of Mind Mapping Guru, <a href="http://www.buzan.com.au/">Tony Buzan</a>.
<br />
<br />Mind Mapping is definitely <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">the</span> buzz in planning work and synthesising knowledge at the moment. Susanna described it as 'enjoyable' and 'highly effective because it uses many parts of the brain'. She also explained how Mind Mapping cuts down on words, paper, superfluous notes and wasted time as concepts are chrystalised and simplified into colourful diagrams.
<br />
<br />Here are some links from Susanna's homepage:
<br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="http://www.buzan.com.au/">Tony Buzan's website</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="http://www.fuzz2buzz.com/">Mind map exchange website</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/mbe?open=2007#year2007">Mind Brain Education</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="http://www.lumosity.com/">Lumosity - games to speed up your brain!</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="http://scienceblogs.com/developingintelligence/">Neuroscience and cognition - an excellent blog</a></span></p>Thanks, Susanna!
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<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Andrea</span></span>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-67114337704874773882008-08-26T18:42:00.000-07:002008-08-26T19:28:41.354-07:00The 7 C's of highly effective oral presentations for engineering students<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVak6XoD0ns8gZG9T1oulxzwoWpJZ85kaAdopqO1630vuKj1aOtuqJRVZeZ190n2OSkMZ3pNPuWzoI0TPo5_VT6Rpuuim3wOiZT06Rziuh48Np_efiI2nYK_zU1gruKlFNh7JwpcbSqqAs/s1600-h/Oral.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVak6XoD0ns8gZG9T1oulxzwoWpJZ85kaAdopqO1630vuKj1aOtuqJRVZeZ190n2OSkMZ3pNPuWzoI0TPo5_VT6Rpuuim3wOiZT06Rziuh48Np_efiI2nYK_zU1gruKlFNh7JwpcbSqqAs/s400/Oral.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239016062377116450" border="0" /></a><br />A recent workshop with some Advanced Mechanical Engineering students from Singapore (hi guys!) reminded me of the famous 5 C's which I encountered when I used to teach there a few years back.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">C= Credit Card</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">C= Condominium</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">C= Cash</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">C= Car</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">C= Career</span></span><br /><br />When I asked the students to come up with some attributes of what they thought were the hallmarks of effective oral presentations, the C's came to the fore again. Here's what they came up with:<br /><br />Be <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Concise</span></span> and <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Compress </span></span>what you need to say:<br /><br />Nobody wants to sit through a boring speech. Eliminate waffle through rehearsal and careful planning.<br /><br />Think structure in the same way you would for a piece of written work. Rehearsal will enable you to give your presentation to time.<br /><br />Sometimes it helps to start with a little anecdote or survey the audience with a quick poll to get them involved. The introduction should address each small section of your presentation in the order in which it comes in your presentation. In the summary, it is good to look to the future: what needs to be done next? What does the future hold? What are some of the implications of what you found.<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" > <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Clarify:</span></span><br /><br />Explain technical terms well - don't make assumptions of your listener. Use everyday anecdotes and examples to show how what you are doing is linked to industry and 'real life' so that it becomes meaningful for your audience. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">'Academese'</span> (dense terminology and convoluted language) bores the listener. Simplifying complex terms and applications shows how clever you really are!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contrast:</span></span><br /><br />Use a mixture of styles. Sometimes it helps to move from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PowerPoint</span> slides to overhead transparencies to little stories which move the audience attention from wall to wall to speaker.<br /><br />Also, make sure you use plenty of modulation in your voice when you speak. Pause for emphasis and avoid the monotone. This can be achieved by not relying on your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PowerPoint</span> slides or transparencies too much.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Courtesy:</span></span><br /><br />A smile is worth a great deal in a presentation. Connect with your audience so that they feel you value them. Create a respectful environment by dressing for the occasion. (Do avoid leaning on the wall/tables etc - I have seen this. It is NOT a good look! :) ) Also, look as though you are actually enjoying yourself!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Criticism:</span></span><br /><br />One of the most often rewarded aspects of academic writing is where the student can point out limitations, weaknesses or areas where the experiment or project could have been 'done better'.<br /><br />What worked? What was good? What was surprising? What were the limitations or constraints? What needs to be done for the future? What did you learn about yourself or the project as a researcher?<br /><br />These questions are the stuff of higher order thinking and lecturers are pleased when they crop up.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><br />Conviction:</span></span><br /><br />Once again - avoid the monotone. One way you can convince an audience of your passion for a project is to make eye contact with the audience. Perhaps the most enduring piece of advice I have ever read about oral presentations is to make eye contact with individuals (not walls!)<br /><br />In conclusion, nerves befuddle even the best public speakers. The first time I ever had to speak in front of a large group of students (around 250 at City West) I was perfectly composed from the waist up. However, I was grateful for the lectern as my legs shook uncontrollably - thankfully out of view of the students!<br /><br />I think my best tip is for you to prepare well and rehearse. That way you can be quite <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">CONFIDENT</span> that you will do very well.<br /><br />Do you have any oral presentation stories or tips for other students? You can post anonymously; use your name or log on as a Google Blogger.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRa3T1cbZ-xn9CjgHxweHhS9-pkmxwPIuzSwY-PMGQyJrGiChz_L9mcxbS6eZIDdhAZASvNev63fSChXKrYZGfTmD91tXdPjmXqhHhlLoblE-E8LbcVEaK7bNwfHkHjAbZO6viY5fHnAcD/s1600-h/AndreaDuff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRa3T1cbZ-xn9CjgHxweHhS9-pkmxwPIuzSwY-PMGQyJrGiChz_L9mcxbS6eZIDdhAZASvNev63fSChXKrYZGfTmD91tXdPjmXqhHhlLoblE-E8LbcVEaK7bNwfHkHjAbZO6viY5fHnAcD/s400/AndreaDuff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239016843667701074" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=andrea.duff"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">Andrea Duff</span></span></a>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-85734146499503769372008-08-19T18:53:00.000-07:002008-08-28T21:24:23.929-07:00Wynton's waxings on Wikipedia<div><br /><div><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=wynton.heading"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wynton</span> Heading</a>, (soon-to-be-retired) Manager of Academic <a href="http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/">Library Services</a> at UniSA, launched this year's Writing in the Sciences series with a somewhat scathing attack on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wikipedia</span> - the collaborative 'free encyclopedia that anyone can edit'.</div><br /><div></div>'The problem with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wikipedia</span> is the 'anyone' aspect', says <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wynton</span>. This has led to lots of discussion about whether it should be used in the University context.<br /><div></div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wynton</span> used an example of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wikipedia</span> entry on climate change, to highlight the subjectivity involved in the use of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Wikipedia</span>:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236414190862082594" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 439px; height: 311px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdkwdiDX61sWA0QhRyi6eYhI6Xz39jrl2uBlrljweHTGfS3v7Si_Kp_Hiawq3Y-MTsxojy7CWkVLOQVVii1M6U8RuRwb6m182Id3X8C8LzZzBlW03EXCSvEsNqK_SLr_SH9f8NmF8EIKC/s400/Wikipedia.jpg" width="479" border="0" height="344" /><br />The excerpt here is clearly full of biases which do not add to the serious debate or body of evidence around climate change.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wynton</span> readily <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">acknowledges</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Wikipedia</span> is a useful source for background reading and even praises the mega-website for pointing out parts where 'citation' is needed. However, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Wynton</span> points to the more scholarly sources of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">UniSA</span> <a href="http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/resources/database/default.aspx">library databases</a> * as being the best way to go for an academic piece of writing.<br /><br />Here are but a few:<br /><ul><li>Web of Science (a five star database, according to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Wynton</span>)</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Scopus</span></li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Inspec</span></li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Compendex</span></li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">IEEEXplore</span></li><li>Academic Search Premier</li></ul>He also mentioned <a href="http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/googlescholar/search.asp">Google Scholar</a> as an 'invaluable' tool because it can trawl through most of what is on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">UniSA</span> library web.<br /><br />Best of luck with your retirement, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Wynton</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">Andrea</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">* Apologies to our Writing in the Science visitors who are unable to get into password protected resources at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">UniSA</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-32170247144766383322008-08-07T18:10:00.001-07:002008-08-07T18:37:14.109-07:00Writing in the Sciences - Kicking goals, getting the high marks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ-aSr19LRmeOczL6JU61EWb2C1BVbF7y-5mVcHp3IJv99nxx8hhyTgBmkJC4-SHa52qp3sED7mWw-XWuJ9K-5F0fLXRoBc09zvOvR2f964qf9BTzda7nQRMKDudnoiwiop-1C8RmXrE/s1600-h/final-fetal-cells.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231953613270494210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ-aSr19LRmeOczL6JU61EWb2C1BVbF7y-5mVcHp3IJv99nxx8hhyTgBmkJC4-SHa52qp3sED7mWw-XWuJ9K-5F0fLXRoBc09zvOvR2f964qf9BTzda7nQRMKDudnoiwiop-1C8RmXrE/s400/final-fetal-cells.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>This blog started out as an accompanying reflection on the Writing in the Sciences series which is usually run here at Mawson Lakes in SP5. As you can see, the reflections have rolled on beyond the purpose for which the blog was originally intended!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now the <a href="http://unisanet-apppro.levels.unisa.edu.au/registerit/Students-WorkShops.asp?">face-to-face workshops </a>have returned. Here are the first three offerings, with more to come:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;">Will I or won't I use Wikipedia?</span></strong></div><br /><div>What is a good source for writing in the sciences and engineering? Where do you find the best sources? Is there a place for Wikipedia and why the controversy? To Google or not to Google... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;">Mind mapping</span></strong></div><br /><div>Mind mapping is a wonderful tool to organise your ideas and structure your work. <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=susanna.carter">Susanna Carter </a>is the resident Learning Adviser mind mapping expert. Book early for this popular workshop. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;"><strong>Kicking goals with referencing</strong></span></div><br /><div>One of the best ways to attract good marks is to know how to use references purposefully, correctly and in ways which add authority to your writing. This workshop is a gold passport to moving your work up a grade!</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;"></span></strong></div><br /><div>Book early, avoid disappointment</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong><em>The Writing in the Sciences team</em></strong></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=andrea.duff">Andrea</a>, <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=helen.johnston">Helen</a>, <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=susanna.carter">Susanna</a> and <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=wynton.heading">Wynton</a></div><br /><div></div>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-78526600220042137882008-08-05T17:09:00.000-07:002008-08-19T18:52:50.946-07:00Grappling with grammar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineIMf5ZxweBmOOgJ41QnfOTo4G0lC0bBPrYYjM8mXSKxHh29t_w_GsCEVFgP1ySZ1fjVpENa5AwJMhYix1im4Y_mUjwvRelHBQYq6Ik-x18nIeSr81lDXez3Nin87yUd6ElcaYHn1PYdU/s1600-h/Group.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231196894085665842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineIMf5ZxweBmOOgJ41QnfOTo4G0lC0bBPrYYjM8mXSKxHh29t_w_GsCEVFgP1ySZ1fjVpENa5AwJMhYix1im4Y_mUjwvRelHBQYq6Ik-x18nIeSr81lDXez3Nin87yUd6ElcaYHn1PYdU/s400/Group.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Feeling tense about tense? Are you cool, calm and collected about collectives? Are you singular about getting plurals right?</div><div></div><br /><div>So sorry for the puns - sometimes it's just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">irresistible</span>!!</div><div></div><br /><div>We have lots of resources to get your grammar in shape. Regardless of your sphere of writing (engineering, computer science, maths) nothing cheapens a sentence more than glaring grammar errors. </div><div></div><br /><div>Here is a quick review of some grammar goodies (as you can see, this Learning Adviser is hooked on alliteration).</div><div></div><ul><li><a href="http://unisaquickclicks.blogspot.com/">Quick Clicks </a>is a blog consisting of handy, printable 'quick' tips and tactics for grammar, writing and academic skills. What science writer would not be excited by <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_abstracts,%20introductions,%20conclusions.pdf">Abstracts, Introductions and Conclusions</a>; <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_colon%20semicolon.pdf">Punctuation marks: Colons and Semi-Colons</a> or <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_avoiding%20I.pdf">Presenting your own opinion without using 'I'</a> ?<br /></li><li>Learning Connection's <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/English%20language%20proficiency/default.asp">English Language Proficiency </a>site is a pretty official-sounding name for some very cool resources around <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/English%20language%20proficiency/reading.asp">reading</a>, <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/English%20language%20proficiency/Writing.asp">writing</a>, <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/English%20language%20proficiency/Listening.asp">listening</a> and <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/English%20language%20proficiency/Speaking.asp">speaking</a>.<br /></li><li>Something we are <em>really </em>excited about (and hot off the press) is the <a href="http://thegrammargang.blogspot.com/">Grammar Gang Blog </a>- YOUR writing community. This a venture between our esteemed colleagues at <a href="http://www.purdue.edu/">Purdue University</a> and the Learning Advisers at <a href="http://www.unisa.edu.au/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">UniSA</span></a>. It's early days for the Owls (Purdue) and Possums (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">UniSA</span>), but we'd like you to vote on the poll, sign up and feel free to post your grammar questions (you can check anonymous or sign in with a <a href="https://www.google.com/accounts/Login">Google account</a>).</li></ul><p></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;color:#663366;"><em><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=andrea.duff">Andrea</a> (on behalf of <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=helen.johnston">Helen</a>)</em></span></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231195478653970210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85gsHRBDLaNZQrf8eXKdJvQlobro3aLmuA2Y_RMB88pazQQ8xOr4OEZgZlsZd6__ICwq3BW42z4Pxcs0kaC1uP-tPfB895rr4zq9JIekgoC_Aue0MpIDepzaF2pQ_rS7OmDJkhyphenhyphennj6TF7/s400/AndreaDuff.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231195586235649106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5G9384GHuN77W5TS-krowVo1NqAe1yb40DtIfUKSf_-icy3kUZ6xQ6OamPqghPRM4pZdClCyo2YPaHjrbOrjKr6AWvHAaXh0c6pvCQSVtfDhyIxpwBw03kkLUpn9y_ZAyG5lRs5qgpi6/s400/HelenJohnston.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-52298171836273401832008-07-31T21:33:00.001-07:002008-07-31T21:34:46.734-07:00Should I do a PhD?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fF0XCvgUw_m28RGGT_XWRoy3CAJI9zhtM2BqRhmn7t46hluDTSIthfE7SL6HjsHFNpiN2oA0amPwSUgcnkRiVscrNGViebSwJhX-67NkFHLOdfFSc2ZnRsaR6-ITFzuGXH7R12TyiZ4/s1600-h/LivingBooksFlyer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229402977933725218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fF0XCvgUw_m28RGGT_XWRoy3CAJI9zhtM2BqRhmn7t46hluDTSIthfE7SL6HjsHFNpiN2oA0amPwSUgcnkRiVscrNGViebSwJhX-67NkFHLOdfFSc2ZnRsaR6-ITFzuGXH7R12TyiZ4/s400/LivingBooksFlyer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-47001317983769540862008-07-16T21:14:00.001-07:002008-07-16T21:17:01.275-07:00A deviation from the standardFor those who are befuddled by stats:<br /><br /><embed id="VideoPlayback" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowFullScreen="true" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=489221653835413043&hl=en&fs=true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-65319788910518402282008-07-10T21:06:00.001-07:002008-07-10T21:32:27.756-07:00Dr Helena Ward: Why scientists write!<div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSU53IR02Rd8y13Zlo15uGPEp0uXkv85hn0SgBmRI3b8Pswg0zlWH6WZpjIggXQ66mI9Y5gq83k1b17iKICDRFSBGPzxdLF6O00fMjggxYijmwpWsJ3W5O1epfSeuo2ZQlzWvEYiYsFY/s1600-h/HelenaWard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221605793728846514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSU53IR02Rd8y13Zlo15uGPEp0uXkv85hn0SgBmRI3b8Pswg0zlWH6WZpjIggXQ66mI9Y5gq83k1b17iKICDRFSBGPzxdLF6O00fMjggxYijmwpWsJ3W5O1epfSeuo2ZQlzWvEYiYsFY/s400/HelenaWard.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Helena writes as an academic with a strong publication list. See her </span></em><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=helena.ward"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">home page</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span></em></div><br />I found this quote a couple of years ago and I think it neatly summarises the importance of communication skills for scientists: “Science exists because scientists are writers and speakers” (Montgomery, 2003, The Chicago Guide to Communicating Science, University of Chicago Press, Chicago).<br /><br />Science is not only about doing science, the practical aspects of research and experimentation, but also the communication of the process, the results and perhaps most importantly the failures. Scientists create and share knowledge and so need to develop the skills to reach the various audiences who will read their work. This can be a challenge as the use of specialised, technical language can act as a barrier to clear, concise communication.<br /><br />One of the most important considerations is <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">the audience</span></strong>: who is going to read your work?<br />There are a number of forms of scientific writing and the style and format you use will vary, depending on who is going to read the final product.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/practical.asp">Practical Reports</a>, which summarise scientific experiments, often have the general format of Introduction, Method, Results and Discussion. This provides a framework which follows the various stages of the scientific method and also reflects the format required by many scientific journals. Such reports are usually written in the “passive” voice, e.g. the bacteria were centrifuged, rather than the “active” voice, e.g. I centrifuged the bacteria.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Technical reports</span></strong>, which may require specific recommendations on future actions, may be intended for a scientific audience, such as a company. In some cases reports will be read by a variety of interested parties, including Government, research scientists and the public. This means you will need to carefully consider the type of language you use.<br /><ul><li>Do you need to provide a list of scientific definitions and abbreviations? </li><li>Can you use examples to clearly explain certain concepts? </li><li>How will you use diagrams, tables, etc to illustrate your work?<br /></li></ul><p>Whatever type of scientific writing you do, first consider your audience and then the best way to get your message across. By developing your scientific writing skills, you will be able to communicate your scientific knowledge and take part in the wider scientific community. </p><p><br />I’ll finish with another quote about science, which I think summarises the challenge of scientific research. “Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.” (Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, 1962).</p><p><em><span style="color:#ff6600;">Helen Ward</span></em></p><p><em><span style="color:#ff6600;">Senior Lecturer: Academic Development</span></em></p>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-58758745164232962302008-07-07T18:37:00.000-07:002008-07-07T23:41:34.276-07:00Writing to impress!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhjZ3KyZrONKxGOyhHTFrZBGtqjmcTa4wIHkTVrqYvR-s-X1w_u1v2jZHg6POwDGLvpTZ6X0zM0am7-v4DWwHZXQK1iOPIKYzoGXJiyTXXRuXv_njpMUd2sj-TFMSw5RE_XTjw6cEqUk/s1600-h/comp0603.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220454511164153314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="90" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhjZ3KyZrONKxGOyhHTFrZBGtqjmcTa4wIHkTVrqYvR-s-X1w_u1v2jZHg6POwDGLvpTZ6X0zM0am7-v4DWwHZXQK1iOPIKYzoGXJiyTXXRuXv_njpMUd2sj-TFMSw5RE_XTjw6cEqUk/s400/comp0603.jpg" width="185" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="left">No-one has more interest than students in writing to impress their readers. </p><br /><p>Writing for assessment is your main way of demonstrating what you have learned. No matter how well you can perform technically, whether it’s designing or building equipment, or conducting experimental work, the quality of your writing can make or break you in assessment.<br />The person who reads your work is important to you so you need to think about that reader's needs. Make sure your readers finds reading your work interesting and enjoyable. This means attending to the quality not merely the content of your writing.<br /><br />A few pointers:<br />To ensure that your work is credible you need to read and cite the best sources you can find in your professional field<br /><br /></p><ul><li>Ensure your search skills enable you to find those sources<br /></li></ul><br /><p>Keep comprehensive records of your reading so that you can readily track the best ideas back to their source/s</p><br /><ul><br /><li>Use a Reading Log to develop a more analytical approach to reading<br /></li></ul><br /><p>Make sure you understand the demands of the genre e.g. if you’re writing a report how do you organize the present your information in report form?</p><br /><p>Learn to paraphrase well – see how others do it in the readings that impress you<br /></p><br /><ul><br /><li>Use the recommended referencing system exactly<br /></li></ul><br /><p>Allow yourself enough time to revise your work comprehensively.<br /><br />If you know you do not write well in English you will need to allow extra revision time. Final papers that include spelling and grammatical errors make it very difficult for your reader/marker to understand what, if anything, you have learned. Avoid sabotaging yourself.<br /><br />Tip: plan your writing schedule to allow for revision time. For example you may need at least one full day between the drafting and revising stages when writing a major paper. Taking a break between these stages allows you to see your draft more objectively.</p><br /><p>I hope you find that any extra care you put into writing about your learning is worth every minute.</p><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#6666cc;"><strong>Helen</strong></span></p><br /><p>Helen Johnston</p><br /><p>Lecturer: Learning Adviser</p><br /><p>Learning Connection: Mawson Lakes</p>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-11643159728218738162008-06-11T23:31:00.000-07:002008-06-15T18:33:59.342-07:00Visiting from Singapore<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZmW0evvstBozUrTJFW08eE4xDYRFB6IoU1_oze5UG0fdPM3gMJ9NE2eua0Ftxllff5-Rof23t8DGux-pBo86L3BZBbe_Fjvd2z4o6UCnuFVyZlVi2FzdZFBykFGuZZHI8xPJgiOnXzQ/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210882810521693714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZmW0evvstBozUrTJFW08eE4xDYRFB6IoU1_oze5UG0fdPM3gMJ9NE2eua0Ftxllff5-Rof23t8DGux-pBo86L3BZBbe_Fjvd2z4o6UCnuFVyZlVi2FzdZFBykFGuZZHI8xPJgiOnXzQ/s400/images.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>At present at Mawson Lakes campus we are hosting a group of senior Mechanical Engineering students who are here from Singapore for two weeks intensive study. </div><br /><div></div><div>Welcome everyone! You've chosen a cold time of year to visit Adelaide. You will find life in and around Mawson Lakes very quiet after Singapore. </div><div><br /></div><div>As you're expected to learn a lot about researching and writing you will find plenty of material on and linked to this blog to interest you. Check the link further down in the adjacent column to resources used in our classes last week. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>There are several postings in this blog that are directly relevent to you as you write up your current work. See in particular the previous entry on writing a literature review and an earlier posting on paraphrasing. Both elaborate on points made in our class on </div><ul><li>the importance of writing to you as scientists </li><li>the relevance of in-text citations and referencing to improving the credibility of your work. </li></ul><div></div><div>All the best, </div><div></div><div>Helen</div>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-38552704851012451022008-05-04T18:35:00.000-07:002008-05-04T18:58:42.214-07:00Literature reviews and button collections<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/infoskills/litreviews.asp">Literature reviews</a> are tricky to write and some are very boring to read. The most boring ones are those that list each item, one after the other, like entries in a book catalogue.<br /><br />Before I throw out my old clothes, or turn them into cleaning rags, I cut off the buttons and put them in a jar. You never know when you’re going to need a spare button. After many years of doing this, I have quite a collection.<br /><br />Writing a literature review is like describing my button collection. I could do that by picking up each of the hundred or so buttons in turn and describing them all individually. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bor</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ing</span>! Even if you lasted the distance, you probably <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wouldn</span>’t remember too much of what I’d said.<br /><br />Now, if I’d sorted them into some sort of pattern, that would be more interesting and more memorable. The biggest group are the tiny round plastic ones which have probably come from old shirts. This suggests that shirts are my most common article of discarded clothing. Similar in some ways to this group are the large round buttons which probably came from coats. The larger size may indicate the need to hold thicker fabric or that they were subject to larger forces. Another group again are the ornate buttons, some of which are made from a combination of materials and many of which have looped shanks on the back. And so on.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196704757876021586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="122" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNBvkMClJs-7jR2RxwrwFjBcZYoAae4s_CS3sm8UYGD0KNtch6maIeDUFc7iiVfObZFa3PDiyzUJqXqsYEAfPpc9ERlkPHV1dgkLI9adsrIjzt7X0uET9djXgEeyswlQuzhYOSGytWDU/s400/buttons.jpg" width="121" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Image from Global b2b (2008) </span><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.global-b2b-network.com/">http://www.global-b2b-network.com/</a></span></p><p align="left">In writing your literature review, think of ways you might organize the readings, rather than just reporting each one in turn. Has an issue been investigated from a range of theoretical positions? Using different methodologies? Considering different aspects? In a range of different contexts? What are the similarities and differences of these different approaches? What are their relative strengths and weaknesses? How do the approaches support or challenge each other?<br /><br />As you organise your literature review, think of my button collection.</span><br /></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#663366;"><em><strong>Kerry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">O'Regan</span></strong></em></span><br /><br /><br /><strong>Learning Adviser</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Kerry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">O'Regan</span> is our special guest blogger for this month. Kerry has had a long history of working with engineering students - firstly at the Institute of Technology and then the University of South Australia and Adelaide University. Kerry mentioned in her recent presentation to Engineering Research Methods students that she completed a Masters Thesis looking at women in engineering. She also has a keen interest in online teaching and learning.</span></em>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-10819027118018247952008-04-09T17:44:00.001-07:002008-04-09T18:14:24.435-07:00In praise of the paraphrase<a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_paraphrasing.pdf">Paraphrasing</a> is a skill which is kind of tricky when you first start Uni. Often, students are under the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">misapprehension</span> that paraphrasing means <a href="http://learningconnectionunisa.blogspot.com/">'changing a few words'</a> - swapping nouns and adjectives or shuffling things around.<br /><div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Paraphrasing is, in fact, somewhat more complex than merely re-wording. It is about extracting the <em>meaning </em>of what has been said by reading the text, putting it aside and then asking (and noting) 'What does this really mean?'</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>It is important to highlight a couple of things:</div><div></div><ul><br /><li>No two students' paraphrases will be the same</li><br /><li>Each student writer extracts the 'meaning' to suit the purpose - to support their own arguments or positions about a point-of-view</li><br /><li>It's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span> to 'quote' a couple of colourful words in a paraphrase (see the examples below)</li><br /><li>Always attribute the paraphrase to a source</li></ul><div><br /></div><p><span style="font-size:180%;">Example A: The text </span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></p></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187413312344954274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxRRd05n7qWhyphenhypheniQMcj_8d-BNQKZddKSj3vK_YHUDrY35-vvnp7cdeBqLI-GEsT7hzRJlbWu_Htpf0apdkWNFfJzUXig2JEZQPWd7pKVyxauY3-h9OkgrvS0bTUt66eDCJHDEPS_jxAKg/s400/Paraphrase1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:180%;">Example B: The paraphrase </span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></p></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187413514208417202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfPZiUakgARY7rH1Icmqq8due1OeUsgUe1nBWHkkVHqonXpFSTafalsyQHM2SQ5Pl6MJYd_xXnniB5xVC0hXDJw7_LqAqQ9yOoVPTpLT6TZePebPdeRq-9W62sLFHLJKpLP3DUirceWQ/s400/Paraphrase_2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:180%;">Example C: The paraphrase with interpretation </span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></p></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187413776201422274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi7mRZJOiytUshIXIv1Q0XV_V_1eHLBfqTX8f0WjQo3X4W7ysp4DbePA1j0eOKZWxGAPjepd3GH2h75YurdRwnd5SzkRxNgharY-C_oc1KcxN_UD42DyEq6JyL0CnSyUaUAXrhJYIHGw/s400/Paraphrase+3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>That's all for now. Best of luck!</p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;color:#663366;"><em><strong>Helen and Andrea</strong></em></span></p></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"><em></em></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330099;"></span></em></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330099;">PS Post your questions about the art of paraphrasing by clicking <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5505507236698383010&postID=1081902711801824795">'comments'</a> </div></span></em></span>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-11127413922163566232008-04-02T21:12:00.000-07:002008-04-02T21:20:54.419-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSvjChmPuzF_Hjp9_QFrTX73QQeGMJp-B4GZttlUhjbYQxpJawaXHFTxX-4uaC3ycAWyRe_sBUQZNANUdoI4pIJutNzqyE-xWbpvU-A_IsUjrxTUDHoN9Vg_GQzIfhoOqIKz6ZrMiuTk/s1600-h/cooltext84644570.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184868566092104082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="48" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_uaCBJio2TzJN-vrgiDAOQCUUJZc3gzAiQ7lqzlXRltyxVax0S1Co9iBzMQRCZuGq6J4nhYMRBqKvpMW2y9bWEy9irOkGoPxO1dqmBsi0nwv8MsroO38qj1Vg5S8yI6v8gASDcT4B-Q/s400/cooltext84644570.jpg" width="413" border="0" /> <div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong>For all students who speak English as second language<br /></strong><br />When<br />Monday 14th – Thursday 17th April 2008<br /><br />Session Times<br />10.00am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm - 4:00pm<br />Where<br />UniSA City West campus<br /><br />Cost: Free </div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184868832380076450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj3miyTjb8jNuYWMhb8b2gy5-mNBBpVcxuy2m3zC44K6tO3OgQihQ50Qlny458JdY5mOFiPTZl4D3Qtr4OeabRUE9HN-zqJU7bxOO7lTZx1sx4-Ki_uC2hVm9PcbAyY3Wc4Jg7OjTnLQ/s200/Lecture.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="center"><br /><strong>Content</strong><br />English grammar, Academic speaking skills, Academic writing, Referencing, Academic reading, Online techniques for language learning and Mind mapping<br /><br /><br />Classes are held over 3 mornings and 4 afternoons for students who want to improve their English language and academic skills. You can attend any, or all of the sessions.<br /><br />Please register online for the sessions you wish to attend:<br /><br /><a title="blocked::http://unisanet-apppro.levels.unisa.edu.au/registerit/Students-WorkShops.asp" href="http://unisanet-apppro.levels.unisa.edu.au/registerit/Students-WorkShops.asp">http://unisanet-apppro.levels.unisa.edu.au/registerit/Students-WorkShops.asp</a>? </div><br /><br /><div align="center">(These workshops are listed under City West and designated by “AELDP” in the title) </div>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-51203047413715969922008-04-01T21:36:00.000-07:002008-04-07T20:56:23.825-07:00A winning proposal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyM0jsg9c9mWPy0D-XfFTdR1Cd0AqDiUmk7bomor5QmXO1pD3b3m0tPTdCbR2xdataeC2vIZy_CohK7GduXNAwcHY3NILOGaGbdO2rh0N3eAhmc_SbKl3HJfTRjdEjvu1yXd3lWX4pNU/s1600-h/eng0513.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186676249107513810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyM0jsg9c9mWPy0D-XfFTdR1Cd0AqDiUmk7bomor5QmXO1pD3b3m0tPTdCbR2xdataeC2vIZy_CohK7GduXNAwcHY3NILOGaGbdO2rh0N3eAhmc_SbKl3HJfTRjdEjvu1yXd3lWX4pNU/s400/eng0513.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Few if any Masters students will leave their studies <em>without </em>having to write a research proposal for their research or minor thesis.</div><div></div><br /><div>To write an excellent research proposal, it's best to start by thinking about the <em>role </em>of the proposal. The document is intended to persuade the reader that your research is worthwhile doing. In working life, this may translate into persuading a funding body or your boss to support your work. In life at university, it might mean the difference between receiving a high distinction or a credit or a grant or scholarship.</div><div></div><br /><div>A good research proposal will have some or all of the following elements:</div><br /><ul><br /><li>A persuasive piece of writing which leaves the reader in no doubt as to the intent of and need for your research (<strong>Key sections: </strong><em>The significance of the problem</em> and <em><a href="http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/infoskills/litreviews.asp">The literature review</a></em>)<br /></li><br /><li>A demonstration that the research proposed is do-able. While it would be impractical to solve world water shortages, you might be able to research a technology which will enable the saving of water under particular conditions in a particular location. (<strong>Key sections:</strong> <em>The methodology </em>and <em>The problem or sub problems)</em><br /></li><br /><li>Critical exploration of the current and key literature surrounding your topic. <em>Critical </em>is the most important word here. Simply providing accounts of what so-and-so said or found will not convince the reader of the need for research or the approach you are deciding to take. You must say <em>why </em>a finding or study was useful and examine its weaknesses, limitations and how it will be of use to your writing. (<strong>Key section:</strong> <em><a href="http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/infoskills/litreviews.asp">The literature review</a></em>)</li></ul><br /><p>Finally, 'all roads must lead to your research'. This means that a research proposal <em>must </em>at its core, convince the reader of the need for your research.<br /></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learn/LearningConnection/?PATH=/Resources/la/Writing+the+ERP+and+ERM+Research+Proposal/&default=Welcome.htm">Writing the Research Proposal</a> is a useful read. Although written for students of <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/courses/course.asp?Course=009326">Engineering Research Practice</a> and Engineering Research Methods, it has some handy links and approaches for all research writing. A word of caution: check with your course coordinator about the headings they would like you to use. The approach suggested in this particular online resource has been taken from Leedy and Ormond (2005).</p><br /><p>Best of luck with writing your persuasive and winning proposal.</p><br /><p><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#663366;"><em><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=liz.horrocks"><span style="font-size:130%;">Liz Horrocks</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, </span><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=andrea.duff"><span style="font-size:130%;">Andrea Duff </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">and </span><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=helen.johnston"><span style="font-size:130%;">Helen Johnston</span></a></em></span></strong></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/about/teams/advice.asp">Learning Advisers City East and Mawson Lakes</a></p>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-90588585360236690552008-03-19T17:31:00.001-07:002008-03-19T19:34:05.345-07:00A few summary points<div><div>The skill of <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/summarise.asp">summarising</a> is such a handy one to have. The student or employee who is able to summarise a complex document for another reader is highly valued.<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>As we speak, students in Communication for <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/courses/course.asp?Course=100910">Information Systems and Technology </a>are busily trying to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">distill</span> an entire article into 350 - 450 words. There are some simple guidelines to help with this seemingly tough task.</div><ul><li>First draw a <a href="http://writinginthesciences07.blogspot.com/2007/08/hi-readers-mind-mapping-workshop.html">concept map </a>or picture of the main ideas. Your picture might look something like this:</li></ul><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179635066837549186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ah4XxVtKdQgmiTbxNqcY_L9HcT_VSJs6pMX-Xqn0BhlI1n94fVYqQRvLySf2P87NoNHEl-rWnezmdDFH05JoqDySDpgep_BINO3_2fxOSx4brrB-daicRGSkbTSpuuQYpsv3acScDeQ/s400/diagram.gif" border="0" /></p><ul><li>Secondly, when you begin to write, introduce the main ideas in the order in which they appear in the article.</li><br /><li>Thirdly, make good use of words which list such as firstly, secondly, thirdly and so on.</li><br /><li>Fourth, look for opposites and similarities...<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote><span style="color:#330099;"><span style="font-size:85%;">One view taken...however....on one hand...on the other...similarly...likewise...in contrast</span><br /></span></li><li>Finally, you should deal with one idea per paragraph.</li></ul><p>Good summarising relies on sometimes ruthless <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_editing.pdf">editing skills</a>. A useful device is to just refer to the actual article and author once (in the opening sentence where you might cite bibliographic details):</p><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333399;">In the chapter 'Climate Change - an inevitable reality' (Thompson, 2002), the author underlines three main reasons why we should take heed of rising temperatures.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333399;">Firstly, as temperatures rise, sea levels will rise. This means....</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333399;">Secondly, </span></p><p><span style="color:#330000;">Hone this important skill and reap the rewards!</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;color:#333399;"></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg002Vv8O46zKt8jcUvbRZb-uhegAf3OdnDJ2HNgM8TtI4P7iUM36G8NYe8trTfdV0VUzUwHBI5FEDchBQONqouytb5-fLh_SWCeX16o5_K62ahnExGc_NFpfftz0bNoQQgFZygU1YZvhM/s1600-h/AndreaDuff.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179645211550302370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg002Vv8O46zKt8jcUvbRZb-uhegAf3OdnDJ2HNgM8TtI4P7iUM36G8NYe8trTfdV0VUzUwHBI5FEDchBQONqouytb5-fLh_SWCeX16o5_K62ahnExGc_NFpfftz0bNoQQgFZygU1YZvhM/s200/AndreaDuff.jpg" border="0" /></a>Andrea on behalf of the <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/about/teams/advice.asp">Learning Advisers</a></span></p><span style="color:#330099;"></span></div>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-65710209779404275002008-03-11T19:46:00.001-07:002008-03-11T21:04:25.291-07:00The fundamentals of report writing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEYi4W3J8PdyACrVKPkfkWZL9ZMbhpVy02KlhgMkUHXYon2MaEL-tvAcA48fkxbby0rzjhEnZwm2oAb3iFk4RvqYImowK5679RQD5kuQvIVkKDTQ49b3w2hDmyRaZNbsEPwrKfAFdj3c/s1600-h/report.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176700580686546354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEYi4W3J8PdyACrVKPkfkWZL9ZMbhpVy02KlhgMkUHXYon2MaEL-tvAcA48fkxbby0rzjhEnZwm2oAb3iFk4RvqYImowK5679RQD5kuQvIVkKDTQ49b3w2hDmyRaZNbsEPwrKfAFdj3c/s400/report.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><br /><div>As many of our engineering and computer science students prepare their first reports, it is worth visiting some of the basic requirements of report writing. As we speak, we know that students in <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/courses/course.asp?Course=101752">Sustainable Engineering Practice</a> and <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/courses/course.asp?Course=101002">Introduction to Information Technology Studies</a> are busy contemplating their first reports or drafts.</div><div></div><br /><div>The first thing to say is that there are 'reports' and there are 'reports'. </div><div></div><br /><div>If you are reporting on an experiment, then you will produce what is known as a <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/practical.asp">'practical report'</a>. If you are reporting on an issue under an investigation, then it is likely to be a <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/documents/report-writing-engineering.pdf">'technical report' </a>. Reports are also produced for things like software specification.</div><div></div><br /><div>Secondly, reports are tightly structured. They use:</div><ul><li>Section headings which are well understood (such as 'abstract' or 'executive summary'; 'introduction'; 'conclusion'; recommendations)</li><br /><li>Numbered headings and subheadings</li><br /><li>Cohesive <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_linking%20words.pdf">'linking'</a> language - firstly, secondly, thirdly...therefore, in conclusion</li></ul><p>Thirdly, they use an <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_subj-obj%20scale.pdf">objective 'tone'</a>. There is no place for the first person 'I' in report writing. Nor is there any place for:</p><ul><li>Vague and imprecise terms (various, numerous...)</li><br /><li>Flowery language with out support (excellent! wonderful! super!)</li><br /><li>Unsubstantiated claims without references.</li></ul><p>Perhaps the most important piece of advice we can offer is to think of yourself as making the job easier for the reader. Reports are often read by busy people. Careful construction of sections combined with precise cohesive sentences will make for a more enjoyable and persuasive document.</p><p>There is no doubt that being able to construct a good report is highly valued by employers. If you can get it right, not only will your report attract great marks, but it will contribute to your success in the job market.</p><p>Best of luck with your first assignments.</p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"><em><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=helen.johnston">Helen</a> and <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=andrea.duff">Andrea</a></em></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Your resident <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mawson</span> Lakes <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/about/teams/advice.asp">Learning Advisers </a>and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bloggers</span>.</span></p></div>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-53204925233135713512008-03-03T21:59:00.000-08:002008-03-03T22:26:13.257-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7fQ08AHhRiZChyb8Eix113WLBVbdJMbabgJPG25CvzhO3nQ0d6FC6pzeVph4u5vfT-HB605GLYeKSQFzL8-fUWCRUD4AYlE7khFTJdJvUD-g3ddh_XFOMf5p84sdB3lGOPI1ZebeNtI/s1600-h/Newsflash.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173762538984264626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7fQ08AHhRiZChyb8Eix113WLBVbdJMbabgJPG25CvzhO3nQ0d6FC6pzeVph4u5vfT-HB605GLYeKSQFzL8-fUWCRUD4AYlE7khFTJdJvUD-g3ddh_XFOMf5p84sdB3lGOPI1ZebeNtI/s400/Newsflash.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Following the success of the <em>Writing in the Sciences workshops</em> at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mawson</span> Lakes, City East Learning Connection is offering a new <em>Writing in the Sciences</em> series during Study Period 2, 2008. </div><div></div><br /><div>Workshop topics include: </div><ul><li>Surviving at Uni</li><li>Speed reading</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mindmapping</span></li><li>Assessments are they all the same?</li><li>Finding your critical voice</li><li>Self-editing </li><li>Using sources strongly and wisely.</li></ul><br /><p>You are invited to <a href="https://my.unisa.edu.au/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://unisanet-apppro.levels.unisa.edu.au/registerit/Students-WorkShops.asp?" target="_blank">book into the sessions</a> and come to <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/about/location/default.asp">Learning Connection, City East </a>to hear great speakers present interesting sessions! We would love to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mawson</span> Lakes students at City East.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173764480309482434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnBREhkLe8tWUDRExv5FfKVFyiaP_IfW2MDTDMzPLnUGTnFn9UWGWJ_Zz92tQxOScIrD_zBmTldclOXcy3g4bOvFyAfkvsc0apZJZfZzWroTMChfNIFfGxxETNsmMlbH1yvPx6ndRkYs/s400/LizHorrocks.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=liz.horrocks">Liz <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Horrocks</span> </a>and <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/homepage.asp?Name=Susanna.Carter">Susanna Carter</a></span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;">Lecturers: Learning Advice</span></em></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173764686467912658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEits1FXM7UHisql_v_x-nI3Qhc-0_RLy-BJ_yH5DbSWgWdLA6_AqgG9Y3b1b9vPlDfhng7vdXFGVhWUeCpC1svaK9F6lpdHIL7XmsTMcGHZeiDztGPxC-9IDr71lCoUOABs5PVXdDzvlDQ/s400/SusannaCarter.jpg" border="0" /></p>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-78394457880711077342008-02-17T18:49:00.000-08:002008-02-19T21:58:47.304-08:00Advanced project writing - being the best you can be<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgoVte7WJDFkdMqq8rTUZTNsv6I-B7HEI4FTEwXhUJMiaH-TIZ2S06EIAl7Tsa8VyPaJuSMSQRVYLSk-XF4ZYilRItDJTdZhAWT891UAOzopQ2Je2Dex2htaLgvKAGk1PHWPsinpt0kE/s1600-h/triangle_.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168147237013020610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgoVte7WJDFkdMqq8rTUZTNsv6I-B7HEI4FTEwXhUJMiaH-TIZ2S06EIAl7Tsa8VyPaJuSMSQRVYLSk-XF4ZYilRItDJTdZhAWT891UAOzopQ2Je2Dex2htaLgvKAGk1PHWPsinpt0kE/s400/triangle_.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Early this week, I had the pleasure of meeting some Mechanical Engineering students who are here on a special visit from Singapore with the School of Advanced Mechanical Engineering.<br /><br /><br />Over a barbie* on Monday we chatted about numerous** things, such as the cricket at Adelaide oval; what do do when you're in Adelaide; the food; the merits of doing a day trip to Kangaroo Island and the Weather (a popular topic when it's 39 degrees).<br /><br /><br />Today the weather is cooler and I'm turning my attention to preparing for the the Technical and Advanced Writing Project workshop for our Singaporean guests over the next two days.<br /><br /><br />Most of the workshop materials are linked to the side navigation, but I just wanted to say a couple of things.<br /><br /><br />Firstly, to the Writing in the Sciences community, what is posted up here relates to universal principles of good technical and academic writing - and is not specific to any particular sub-discipline (Advanced Mechanical Engineers, in this case). In other words, all you see up here will be of some use to all writers.<br /><br /><br />Secondly, I would like to point you to the <em>Academic Writing Triangle</em> which encapsulates the approach Learning Advisers and other lecturers take when looking at work. There are a heirachy of elements and each one must be fulfilled. These are the building blocks of good academic writing - Scientific or not.<br /><br /><br />Thirdly, a very WARM welcome to our Singaporean students who are here for a taste of Mawson Lakes and South Australia. Please regard this as your techinical writing online 'home' and feel free to post any questions or observations. I (or others in this community) can respond in due course.<br /><br />Do you <em>have </em>any writing questions?<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* Barbie, of course, is a shortened form of barbeque. Aussies are fond of using 'ie' at the end of words. Breakie = breakfast; Pressie=present</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">** Numerous is a word which scientific writers should avoid. Try to use words which quantify such as 'Today we spoke about five things. These were...'</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=andrea.duff"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168854695436083154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFfgaNFt_KAYbCMmSeSySXZdboYjdkU-8yQsVlkrPOahW9vw32ugtOr5G7HF4zYGOWiAPk7TiFxA944GMF4C0Xu1vvGVomWPsbxo7UTCUnEUUCxrSka9i-ziD-lPoBGKoq1YsNs7lEZU/s400/AndreaDuff.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=andrea.duff">Andrea Duff</a></em></span>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-59996841437487739322007-11-08T18:18:00.000-08:002007-11-08T18:44:51.930-08:00Editing - the ultimate writing makeover<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9ZJjlweLiIq3kCE_mzwmuPl72aGUhyphenhyphen1VQBkKaMjUBlQ8AeuovJjre-tQyokoSp7w8bou0Kj5lxM93ciq_eYA-rmBwTe2eLUk0nvFmvRJeY4aHsqIw9gMFRcUapE6H7sNqlMcymUJFDo/s1600-h/study+editing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130664626631681858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9ZJjlweLiIq3kCE_mzwmuPl72aGUhyphenhyphen1VQBkKaMjUBlQ8AeuovJjre-tQyokoSp7w8bou0Kj5lxM93ciq_eYA-rmBwTe2eLUk0nvFmvRJeY4aHsqIw9gMFRcUapE6H7sNqlMcymUJFDo/s400/study+editing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div>Makeovers can offer good value!<br /><br />Everyone has seen programs on TV and articles in magazines where ordinary people improve themselves by changing their looks, their bodies, and sometimes their total appearance. You see young singers made over if you watch Idol where see awkward ugly ducklings are transformed into pop stars.<br /><br />When you draft an assignment it could be fairly ordinary until you give it a makeover with your editing and proof-reading. </div><br /><div>Keep in mind that a good makeover takes time and effort.<br /></div><div> </div><div>If possible:</div><ul><br /><li><strong>Take a break</strong> between writing and editing. This allows you to re-examine it as an editor rather than a writer.</li><br /><br /><li><strong>Read your paper at least a couple of times</strong>: separate <em>reading for meaning</em> from your <em>proof-reading</em> for expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Proof-reading needs to be done sentence by sentence.</li><br /><br /><li>Note: spell-checkers don’t pick up incorrect words or homonyms e.g. ewe for you.</li><br /><br /><li>Ensure your <strong>headings and text match</strong>.</li><br /><br /><li>In your text <strong>refer to tables and figures</strong> and <strong>ensure all tables and figures are correctly labelled</strong></li><br /><br /><li><strong>Schedule referencing time</strong>. If you have a lot of sources you may need several hours to ensure every in-text reference is correct and has a corresponding acknowledgement in the Reference List. </li><br /><br /><li><strong>Don’t mix and match referencing styles</strong>. You can’t simply copy and paste citations from other sources. You’ll need to adjust every one to the required style. See the Referencing Guide</li><br /><br /><li>Attend to <strong>presentation features like matching headings and sub-headings</strong></li><br /><br /><li>Find <strong>a critical friend</strong>, someone who understands the content area to see if they understand what you have written. Ask them to point out any sections which confuse them but also ask them to avoid correcting the text. That’s your job.</li><br /><br /><li>Meeting the deadline is part of the task so make sure you know how and where to submit to ensure you meet the requirements. </li></ul><p>Here's an <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_editing.pdf">editing resource </a>developed by <a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/about/teams/advice.asp">learning advisers </a>to help you on your way to a writing makeover.</p><p>Your assignment makeover will help your reader see the quality of your learning. Then work done, you can enjoy your holidays.</p><p>Best of luck</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_U3bGO40-kBb_TO41zRL6dibIiLWM4MeqNUDvo4OkGe67zyfIX04UobIK22kfygFElYsLivICrSVBIlzqNpe0OKYzK2NrXQ0xFVEFJKKl4mpXoVtJ9F9UCCoa15306bzYH3pBGIiRDc/s1600-h/HelenJohnston.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130660756866148146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_U3bGO40-kBb_TO41zRL6dibIiLWM4MeqNUDvo4OkGe67zyfIX04UobIK22kfygFElYsLivICrSVBIlzqNpe0OKYzK2NrXQ0xFVEFJKKl4mpXoVtJ9F9UCCoa15306bzYH3pBGIiRDc/s200/HelenJohnston.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p><em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#006600;"><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=Helen.Johnston">Helen</a></span></strong></em></p></div>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-77482670643062813822007-11-04T14:47:00.000-08:002007-11-04T18:56:41.108-08:00Students of distinction<div></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlOzAQOUTV1ImEHBWAXXsfUc_xUHq9pbtjqlHfnP3G-6ul-H31gu1jUmtP9VtD0fP5lmNvzAwGROBYrlKLz4lsU608fWN72Uey3InR4oSHxWn0I7mU4zvgEusB_A7c0H1DdjWBsVDMO8/s1600-h/Thinker.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129183264379842946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlOzAQOUTV1ImEHBWAXXsfUc_xUHq9pbtjqlHfnP3G-6ul-H31gu1jUmtP9VtD0fP5lmNvzAwGROBYrlKLz4lsU608fWN72Uey3InR4oSHxWn0I7mU4zvgEusB_A7c0H1DdjWBsVDMO8/s320/Thinker.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div> </div><div>Thanks to those of you who voted on our poll. We are keen to 'open the floor', as it were, to our fellow lecturers who are immersed in papers (your papers!) as we speak. As Learning Advisers, we see some students who want to take their work up to the next notch of excellence. Some students have studied in another country and find the strategies used at home don't seem to work as well in Oz. Others have come from secondary school and have a similar experience.</div><br /><div>Is there a magic ingredient to writing a distinction level paper? If you are already a good student, what does it take to shift to the next grade? How can students get extra marks in exams?</div><div><br />Share your thoughts with us by posting a comment.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhCUTWBongkTu_AGQi-LE_OSUFGsXNXc24FEuOt4Tbh4Pxr4fPi94UQxn0jtVWFmCmcBn8lJ2YRCv25fpSWTycC2KUkRTe4d6POjdJi46sgOppEvGFkIdgLHZBdeXGPrhqO4xcyodgiI/s1600-h/HelenJohnston.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129184170617942418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhCUTWBongkTu_AGQi-LE_OSUFGsXNXc24FEuOt4Tbh4Pxr4fPi94UQxn0jtVWFmCmcBn8lJ2YRCv25fpSWTycC2KUkRTe4d6POjdJi46sgOppEvGFkIdgLHZBdeXGPrhqO4xcyodgiI/s200/HelenJohnston.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ6g9DbP91T07KRNINf1JKN-nH-Iv3BbgGuc5-5FtEivF7mOg-9IsRZXrdeSu8gWaCAF1Gtg93nXRofx6niDIRCUJjtGWGhYsDQxKVsTiy6dT-Vek5bPUzqSHBq4ujwXg2MtTLWJbTLs/s1600-h/AndreaDuff.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129184243632386466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ6g9DbP91T07KRNINf1JKN-nH-Iv3BbgGuc5-5FtEivF7mOg-9IsRZXrdeSu8gWaCAF1Gtg93nXRofx6niDIRCUJjtGWGhYsDQxKVsTiy6dT-Vek5bPUzqSHBq4ujwXg2MtTLWJbTLs/s200/AndreaDuff.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=helen.johnston">Helen</a></span> and <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;"><em><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=andrea.duff">Andrea</a></em></span></strong></div>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505507236698383010.post-9584582299379737742007-11-01T21:09:00.000-07:002007-11-01T21:33:49.979-07:00Clear and concise writing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1X4tpbdYE3HD5UgAfW7iokcz2xDp9DWZFa0SvwyVvuVS2QD-_mm2qgTOrCbuS8uI9zYKk4l1NiN857fZ-E3hOf6u4pRPsktrByru0AfCQloWOvG83tqbEC2qVHYKJ6POBCf6LzZy-tI/s1600-h/Hand.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128096457265328402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1X4tpbdYE3HD5UgAfW7iokcz2xDp9DWZFa0SvwyVvuVS2QD-_mm2qgTOrCbuS8uI9zYKk4l1NiN857fZ-E3hOf6u4pRPsktrByru0AfCQloWOvG83tqbEC2qVHYKJ6POBCf6LzZy-tI/s400/Hand.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It is an unfortunate misconception that writing academically means writing long winded sentences (I know, I fell for this one when I first started Uni).<br /><br />Simplicity, clarity and cohesive writing is almost always rewarded by lecturers who often have to wade through papers (and might I add, academic journal articles) which do not always follow principles of clear and lucid written communication. Before I post some resources, here are a few pointers which Learning Advisers pass on. These pointers apply to ALL types of writing, not just SCIENTIFIC writing.<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Use <strong>short sentences</strong>. I have read sentences which go for a paragraph. You will lose your reader.</li><br /><li>Remember <strong>structure in writing</strong>. I have learnt a great deal about this from my engineering colleagues who have this down to a fine art. Never underestimate the humble <strong>'Firstly, secondly and thirdly'</strong> as a way to introduce ideas.</li><br /><li>Make sure you then talk about your Firstly, secondly and thirdly in this <strong>order </strong>throughout your paper, report, proposal or thesis.</li><br /><li>Remember <strong>one idea per paragraph.</strong></li><br /><li>Always <strong>explain your key terms</strong>. This means... An example of this is... A rule of thumb is to write for an intelligent audience. There will be a certain amount of specialist knowledge but lecturers are often testing your ability to explain key concepts.</li><br /><li><strong>Read your work out loud</strong>. Everyone should do this. You will be surprised at how effective this is in assessing the clarity of your expression. (If you run out of breath after a sentence, you know it's too long!!!)</li></ul><br /><p>Here is a selection of resources. Some of these are very, very simple but highly prized by student and academic, alike.</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_linking%20words.pdf">Linking words </a>(I love this one)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_steps%20to%20para.pdf">Paragraph writing</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learn/LearningConnection/?PATH=/Resources/la/Shorter+sentences+for+better+writing/&default=Welcome.htm">Shorter sentences for better writing</a></li></ul><p>Thanks to those of you who voted for this post. Please continue to cast your votes or post comments about areas of interest and we will post up some ideas and resources. Does anyone have another writing tip to share?</p><p>Yours in clarity!</p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><em><a href="http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=andrea.duff">Andrea</a></em></span></p><br /><p></p></div>Learning Connectionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08228005665144583213noreply@blogger.com1