1 This resource contains example(s) of critical analysis in Education-related disciplines. Follow the steps below to customise the slides for your course: 1.Choose an appropriate example extract from a student assignment (graded A) 2.Copy the extract into the example slides (slides 4&5) 3.Highlight words and phrases that illustrate effective use of critical analysis 4.Provide the full version of the assignment  students identify further examples (slide 6) 5.Encourage the students to bring in their own writing (slide 6) 6.Delete guidance slide 1 in this resource before using in your sessions Guidance on customising this resource How to demonstrate critical analysis in assignments PAD team for further guidance In this resource: Critical analysis implies breaking down the topic in a logical way and careful in-depth examination of its components and the relationship between these, using evidence.

Write to attract a higher grade: How to demonstrate critical analysis in assignments 2

Discussion: How do we demonstrate critical analysis in academic writing? How to demonstrate critical analysis in academic writing 3 o What do we mean by critical analysis? o Why would your lecturers want to see this in your work? o Think of various instances/ parts of assignments - where would it be most suitable to demonstrate critical analysis? o How might you be able show evidence of critical analysis in your assignments?

Example: How does the author demonstrate critical analysis in this extract? 4 Reflective Diary Bradford (2009) suggests that asking children questions when reading stories supports their learning and enhances their understanding of the text. However, the types of questions asked and their timing significantly affect what children learn during shared stories (Wasik et al 2002), therefore appropriateness is important. The EYP used open-ended questions, which Siraj-Blatchford et al (2002) believe are an aspect of effective pedagogy, to support, encourage, challenge, and extend children’s thinking and thus learning. How to demonstrate critical analysis in academic writing

Example: How does the author demonstrate critical analysis in this extract? 5 Reflective Diary Bruce (2011) acknowledges that there is a difference between adults interfering and adults intervening to help children. The EYP appeared to intervene in the children’s play not interfere, this suggests that she recognised when the children needed to be independent and when they required help, intervening appropriately. Dixon and Day (2004)stress the importance of ensuring intervention does not become interference and change the nature of children’s play, the practitioner appeared to achieve an effective balance between supporting the children’s play and consequently their learning by observing and sensitively intervening through interaction when necessary, and allowing them to play and learn independently, by taking a ‘back seat’ (Bruce, 2001). How to demonstrate critical analysis in academic writing

Task 1: Can you identify other examples of critical analysis in the provided text? Justify your answer. 6 Task 2: Identify evidence of critical analysis in both your own and your peers’ writing. Is it sufficient? Can you go more in- depth? How to demonstrate critical analysis in academic writing