Academic Learning Support p: 4921 5350 e: learningsupport@newcastle.edu.au

Academic Writing Skills Zoom workshops July 2020

For returning undergraduate students, 1st- 4th year

(NEW 1st yr students should attend the Orientation and Study Skills workshops in

O’ week & week 1)

Mon 20 July

10.30am-12md

Wed 22 July

10.30am-12md

Thurs 23 July

10.30am-12md

Fri 24 July

10.30am-12md Plan

assignments Read

critically Make useful

notes Structure the

argument How to understand what is expected,

and plan the task in manageable steps.

How to read efficiently and with purpose for your

assignment.

How to make notes that develop an answer for your

assignment.

How to develop an argument that ‘flows’ (essays are the focus).

1.30-3pm 1.30-3pm 1.30-3pm 1.30-3pm Your own

words Effective

paragraphs Critical

writing Referencing

How to show understanding of

readings and avoid plagiarism.

How to structure a paragraph to

develop a single idea with clarity.

How to use academic evidence

to show critical analysis.

How to find citation details and follow a

style guide for correct referencing.

Academic Writing Skills

For more about workshops, advisers & resources go to our webpage: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/support/academic

https://careerhub.newcastle.edu.au/s/centre-for-teaching-and-learning/events/search?query=&EventType=2&campus=651https://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/support/academichttps://careerhub.newcastle.edu.au/s/centre-for-teaching-and-learning/events/search?query=&EventType=2&campus=651

ACADEMIC WRITING WORKSHOPS ACADEMIC LEARNING SUPPORT

ACADEMIC LEARNING SUPPORT

Academic Writing Skills

Online Zoom Workshops July 2020

These workshops are for CURRENT undergraduate students enrolled in coursework. You can attend one or all of them, at no cost.

The July break topics are part of a larger series we will present during semester:

ASSIGNMENT STEPS ASSIGNMENT TYPES WRITING SKILLS

Plan assignments “I’m not sure what the question means. How do I start?” Know what is expected and plan the task in manageable steps.

Groupwork “Being in a group was one of the worst experiences of my life.” Learn essential principles of team work and communication.

Critical thinking “How can I critically analyse anything? I’m not an expert!” Learn what ‘critical analysis’ really means, and how you can do it. Better reading “Academic texts are difficult. How can I improve my understanding?” Learn ways to improve your reading for clearer thinking and better writing Your own words “How can I use ideas without copying? When should I quote?” Paraphrase and quote to show understanding, not plagiarism. Effective paragraphs “I know a paragraph should focus on one idea, but how?” Structure a clear point, and show a logical ‘flow’ of ideas. Critical writing “Can I express my opinion? How do I write critically & analytically?” Use evidence to construct and express your own position. Clear sentences “I thought it was clear, but my tutor says it doesn’t make sense.” Say what you mean in clear, concise, logical sentences.

Read critically “I have so much to read! How can I identify the ideas I need?” Read efficiently and with purpose for your assignment.

Reflective writing “What does this mean? How do I write academically about myself?” Reflective blogs, learning journals and essays in academic context.

Make useful notes “Why do I need to make notes? How do I know what’s important?” Make useful notes to complete assignments confidently.

Presenting “How can I make it clear and interesting? I’m a bit nervous.” Gain confidence with clear structure and strong delivery.

Structure the argument “How do I make the argument flow? How can I structure it?” Take a position and organise a sustained argument. Reference well “I’ve used the guide, but I’m not sure if I’ve referenced properly.” Find citation details and follow a style guide for correct referencing.

Reports “I’ve never written a report before. What is an executive summary?” Logical structure of reports in IT, engineering, psych, business. Lab Reports “How can I fit all this into the word limit? There’s a lot in the lab book.” Know the purpose of each section, and what to focus on.

Review & edit “Have I answered the question? Is my writing clear? Making sense?” Review your work with an objective eye.

Literature Review “I have to write a critical Literature Review. How do I do that?” Focus and structure the literature review as an argument.

Slides & Handouts from all workshops are on our Blackboard: UoNline > Blackboard > My other sites > Academic Learning Support

HOW TO REGISTER: UoN Current students > Support > Academic Support > Workshops-Consultations-Advisors

https://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/support/academic/workshops-consultations-advisors

Academic Writing SkillsAcademic Writing Skills