Assignment Hints
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One of the main interactions between staff and students is the assignment. In this Department assignments are as varied as the staff and courses offered. Assignment instructions are specific to individual courses and it is your responsibility to gain the knowledge to fulfil the assignment requirements. The assessment instruments are usually designed to test the understanding of concepts, ideas, and techniques in the discipline area of the course. Presentation criteria varies from course to course and possibly assignment to assignment, and may be different from the other university courses that you have taken. It is your responsibility to obtain the correct information concerning assignment due dates and presentation format.
Learning Skills Programme
The Learning Skills Centre provides a service for all students to upgrade their writing skills. A short course in writing and study skills is on-going in terms I and II. The course is conducted in a large class lecture style for general information concerning the basics of acceptable formal English. During term time, you can get individual help with your written assignments by making an appointment. Please visit the Learning Skills website for further information.
Assignment Time Management
Plan your assignment strategies early. All students have multiple commitments throughout the academic year, therefore, managing time is as important as assessment. It is probably good to estimate that half-year courses will take twice as much time each week as the full-year courses. Each of the management courses has a suggested average amount of time you should expect to spend on the course each week. Any time over and above that suggested, is your choice!
If you find that a number of assignments are due at the beginning or end of a term (which is common), plan the use of your time for the whole term. Hand-in some assignments before the due date. Remember, the due date is the LAST day that an assignment is to be submitted. Avoid the stress and submit your assignment before the due date!
Read your course outline carefully for the percentage of the final grade for each assignment, test or exam. Take the relative proportion of each assignment mark into account when you plan your work schedule. Put more time into an assignment worth 40% than into one assignment worth 10%.
Assignment Due Dates
Things happen that cannot be foreseen - do not wait until the due date to explain to your lecturer/tutor why an assignment is not ready. Part of your education is to learn to take responsibility for your commitments. It is your responsibility to contact lecturers or tutors concerning unforeseen circumstances which may affect your assignments. Assessment is based on a number of criteria, one of those criteria is meeting deadlines.
Assignments are due on the date specified, however, late assignments are accepted with a medical certificate.
Written Assignment Preparation
Before you begin, check with the lecturer or tutor for required standard of presentation necessary in your assignment.
Computers: Most courses require computer generated assignments, others do not. However, for your university assignments, the use of a computer is an asset. Markers want an assignment that is easy to read. An assignment that is easy to read has two characteristics; legibility, and a defined structure. Spending excessive amounts of time on formatting your assignment does not add to legibility or a clearly defined structure.
The probability of lost files or difficulties in printing or non-compatibility of programs must be taken into account when a deadline looms. Keep your program on a 3 minute auto-backup, keep backup copies of disks, check that your backup disk is not faulty, and save all documents before sending them to the printer. If you are using one of the University computer workrooms on the night before an assignment is due, be prepared for the rest of your class to be doing the same thing. This is not good time management!
Typists: Typists may be cost efficient in terms of time; they have an array of computer software which they know how to use! You will find advertisements on most University notice boards.
Referencing
A distinguishing feature of academic information is the referencing of the source of the information. However, most academic disciplines have a preferred referencing style. Check with THE PERSON WHO IS GOING TO MARK your assignment which notation style is preferred (e.g. APA style). When in doubt, be consistent throughout your assignment; only use references are those which you have personally read or seen.
Inclusive Language
In written assignments and verbal presentations the University and Department expect adherence to the provision for inclusive language. Sexist language, racist language, or language which denies or diminishes any person is not acceptable. Focus your awareness on common words that exclude; in a mixed audience "mothering" might exclude those men who perceive themselves as "care givers". Instead of "the best man for the job" use "the best person for the job". Use a noun, "the decision of the manager" instead of a pronoun, "his decision". Use inclusive pronouns; his/hers, s/he. Employees and managers come in all sizes, shapes, and colours; include them in the words you use.
Hints from the Wise
Remember to use "reader friendly" strategies for your assignments. Assume a lack of knowledge on the part of the reader; give relevant information. In your assignments define your terms, write out questions in full, show all calculations, label tables and charts, reference any quotations, follow a cause and effect pattern with clear linkages.
And of course, WHAT CAN GO WRONG WILL GO WRONG. Leaving the final preparation of assignments to the last minute is often a cause, not just of stress, but also of disaster.