Planning Your Assignment This workshop will... Identify what ‘planning’ means when tackling an assignment and its impact on marks Examine the planning process, where a plan fits and when to do it Offer some practical strategies and examples for the planning stage of writing. Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser 16/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice The Plan… The difference between planning an assignment and an assignment plan The benefits of an assignment plan on your marks Tips to help with the planning process 16/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Activity 1: Assignment planning and developing a plan 1. Difference between Planning and A Plan TALKING POINT Let’s plan for a holiday Activity 1: Assignment planning and developing a plan With a neighbour or in a small group, discuss your planning for a successful assignment. Jot down the planning process in the space below. Create a plan from one of the tasks you have just listed. Discuss your planning and plan with the broader group. Click for tp Click for activity 16/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice 1. Difference between Planning and A Plan The Planning Process 16/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice 1. Difference between Planning and A Plan Definitions Planning is a process involving many stages which include the development of an assignment plan. Writing is a part of the process too. Every student has their own way of planning; even if they say they don’t, they do. An assignment plan is a stage in the planning process. It is a conscious ordering of your research material and notes into a coherent structure so your marker can follow your argument. 16/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Activity 3: What markers think is important 2. Benefits of Planning and a Plan Activity 3: What markers think is important 1Answering the question – analysing the question to break down exactly what is required of you will mean you provide the answers the markers are looking for (Stage 1 of the process) 2Understanding of the subject – identifying gaps in your notes and filling those gaps with research followed by organising all your notes will help you identify the key points in the subject (Stages 2-5 of the process) 3Clear point of view or ‘argument’ – when you know what is being asked of you, you can make a decision on your stance, whatever it may be. This will then be developed into your map or plan (Stages 1 and 6) 4Relevant information – This links to ‘understanding of the subject’ as you need to match the key points with relevant evidence (Stage 5) 5Clear structure and organisation – It does exactly what it says on the tin (Stage 6) 16/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice 3. Tips and Hints For Planning Your Assignment Plan your time Beware of too much planning Work when you work best Develop your argument as early as possible 16/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice References Clanchy, J., and Ballard, B. (1992) How to Write Essays. Melbourne: Longman Cheshire Pty Ltd. Cottrell, S. (2013) The Study Skills Handbook. 4th Ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Greasley,P. (2011) Doing Essays and Assignments. London: Sage Publications Ltd. Norton, L.S. (1990) Essay-writing: what really counts? Higher Education, vol. 20, pp.411-442. Redman, P. (2006) Good Essay Writing. 3rd Ed. London: Sage Publications Ltd. All visuals are from Clip Art 16/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice Service Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23. Give us a call or come speak to us Monday- Friday 9am-5pm (closing at 4pm Fridays). Who am I? Louise, the dedicated workshop adviser. Who can help me with study and writing skills? Lucy and Russell run Instant Study Skills Advice sessions every weekday and Writing Skills Clinics three times a week. You can also access self-help resources on our webpage. Who can give me maths advice? Helen and Michael specialise in Maths support for students though clinics and pre-booked appointment. How do I get in touch? Email: academic-skills@brad.ac.uk Telephone: 01274 236849 16/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice Any questions? 16/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice