2nd Writing Class July 25 2011

Looking forward to seeing what is in store Monday night... Here is some information that I had in earlier blogs about academic writing


Also - if you have not already - check out the level descriptors that MDX use for assessment.


Here is a definition I really like... 
The idea of being 'critical' is also to talk about what things mean. You might even add an argument. "The word argument in higher education means a proposition or propositions (or conclusion/s) combined with a reason or reasons. A proposition is a statement, a way of thinking, or an idea that you believe to be true. It is also a way of persuading a reader of your views" (Institute of Education, 2008).


Structure in writing is important, because formal structure (sentences and paragraphs) allow you to say what you mean in a way that communicates well. My rule of thumb 'american style' is the classic essay form of an introductory sentence, key points, and a concluding sentence... so at least three to five sentences in the paragraph (you may have more). 


Critical thinking is process that is used to think about topics and issues.

Glaser (influenced by Dewey) said “Critical thinking calls for a persistent effort to examine any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the evidence that supports it and the further conclusions to which it tends” (extract from Fisher 2001).

“Critical thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do” (Norris and Ennis, 1989,extracts from Fisher 2001).

Stella Cottrell (The Study Skills Handbook 3rd ed., 1999) says that Glaser emphasises 3 main points about critical thinking: 1. persistence 2. evidence 3. implications

You use critical reasoning to:

• Identify elements of a reasoned case
• Identify and evaluate assumptions
• Clarify and interpret expressions and ideas
• Judge the acceptability and credibility of the claims
• Evaluate the arguments of different kinds
• Analyse, evaluate and produce explanations
• Analyse, evaluate and make decisions
• Draw inferences
• Produce arguments (Fisher 2001)

Cottrell also suggests applying analytical thinking - being able to do things like
• “ looking for possible flaws in the reasoning of evidence, or the way in which the conclusions were drawn”
• “comparing the same issue from the point of view of other theorists or writers” and “checking for hidden assumptions” (Cottrell 1999).

These ideas are linked to what I call critical curiosity, your ability to want to know about something using a framework that is wider than what you already know…(Nottingham, 2009). This means extending your knowledge and understanding to learning that includes sources that go beyond the self to peers, professional networks and academic-related literature.

Writing Class Wiki 1

Please add to the writing wiki about a writing style that you like... Just click on the link that is embedded in the title. It is a public wiki.

Please leave a comment on the blog to say how you are getting on with the writing outside of the workshops.

Also add a comment on this blog if you are having any problems accessing the wiki or contact Paula on p.nottingham@mdx.ac.uk

Good luck with the writing.

Where has the time gone?

Apologies for not posting - we have been looking at all the hard work people have been doing and it has been rather intense for the past few weeks.

I saw this blog about a primary school dancing in the am - so it was a bit of a wake up call if you don't mind the pun.

Boards are coming up to finalise marking process, so I will be posting things on the BAPP site soon about when to expect marks, ethical approval, and the next module up.

My thesis work is going into overdrive as I too am trying to complete in before the summer terms ends.

Salute

Oral Presentations 19th May 2011

I previously did  blog in January about presentations.

We have done 20 minutes slots to allow for a flow and transition time between presentations, However the presentation is 5-10 minutes. Try to highlight to major things yo want people to go away with for your project. We will try to have read all of the projects by then, so tutors might ask about something more specific.

Please get in touch with you adviser this week if you have any questions.  I am at home reading projects and inquiry plans - so contact me on my mobile, email or skype.

Have you put references at the end of your plan in 3835

this might be a good idea
You will find information about Harvard referencing in your Programme Handbook - it is up on BAPP Libguides...

Hyperlinks on in documents

I like to keep up with the news - in word documents you go into INSERT and the HYPERLINK to add hyperlinks to your text.

SAMPLE Consent Form

There is a sample consent form under the 3861 tab as well as a sample title sheet - these are just for guidance and can be changed for your work.