1. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University1 Essay Writing A workshop for ASW 3102: Critical Social Work Theories

2. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University2 Outline Why write an essay A strategy Note-taking tips

3. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University3 Why write an essay You know what you are writing about You own the knowledge You can communicate clearly You can follow academic conventions

4. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University4 A strategy Getting started Analyse the topic Collect and group ideas Research Develop an outline Introduction and conclusion

5. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University5 Getting started Collect all the information you have about the assignment Presenting the essay The topic Specific requirements Additional guidance Ask Already known and the unknown

6. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University6 Analyse the topic The ‘D, C, A’ model ‘D’ words Tell you what to do ‘C’ words Tell you to do it about what ‘L’ words Give you limits

7. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University7 ExampleExample 1 Example Topic: Analyse the different perspectives that are expressed in the debate, in terms of the theoretical perspectives from which different parties are arguing.

8. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University8 Example 1 Topic: Analyse the different perspectives that are expressed in the debate, in terms of the theoretical perspectives from which different parties are arguing. ‘D’ Word Analyse = Separate into component parts Understand the nature of it (the theory) – its parts, their relationships, relationships to environment Evaluate

9. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University9 Example 1 Topic: Analyse the different perspectives that are expressed in the debate, in terms of the theoretical perspectives from which different parties are arguing. ‘C ‘ Word(s) the debate (professionalism) Questions Which definition? Who defines? Why is definition important? Why is professionalism important?

10. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University10 Example 1 Topic: Analyse the different perspectives that are expressed in the debate, in terms of the theoretical perspectives from which different parties are arguing. ‘L ‘ Word(s) theoretical perspectives different parties Questions What parties ? How do I recognise them? What theories and with whom?

11. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University11 Example 2 Topic: What is social work?

12. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University12 Example 2 Topic: What is social work? ‘D’ Word – make one Discuss = Identify and describe/define Analyse Compare and contrast Evaluate Paint your picture

13. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University13 Example 2 Topic: What is social work? ‘C ‘ Word(s) Social work Questions What different ways can I look at social work? Why are there different perspectives? How do different perspectives -help/hinder practice -influence policy/ funding… - ? Why is social work?

14. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University14 Example 2 Topic: What is social work? ‘l ‘ Word(s) What are the limits? (see notes on the topic)

15. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University15 Collect and group ideas What do you already know about this topic? Brainstorm Short, sharp burst of free association Review lecture notes Extract key, relevant ideas (avoid detail) Group ideas Identify themes and group ideas under themes

16. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University16 Research Start at home Lectures and lecture notes Course reading collections Reading lists and recommendations (particularly for relevant lectures)

17. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University17 Research Shopping lists – what to look for Key terms from: analysing the topic additional instructions collecting and grouping ideas

18. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University18 Research Shopping – where to look Library catalogue Library database Internet search

19. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University19 Research Shopping – Only what you want Be organised Record your searches Prioritise Notes

20. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University20 Research – Be organised Plan List of terms Record results Flexibility?

21. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University21 Research – Keep records Interesting references Additional expressions

22. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University22 Research – Prioritise Mark interesting or relevant sources A four level system *** -check today ** -check later * -maybe -what can I say?what can I say? Find and refine

23. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University23 Research – Notes Four parts in a nutshell and three columns 1 – main ideas 2 – supporting ideas, details, quotes 3 – comments

24. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University24 Develop an outline Establish purpose Identify main ideas needed Organise support ideas Ask questions

25. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University25 Outline –establish purpose Who Lecturer – educated layperson I know what I’m writing about Thesis statement

26. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University26 Outline – main ideas – support ideas

27. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University27 Outline – Questions Use questions to: Add detail Organise what you know Identify the unknown Evaluate your logic

28. Rob Walker, May 2008Student Learning Unit Victoria University28 Some weblinks SLU CALM resources VU del.icio.us OWL at Purdue