academic skills
Academic Skills Week 2 Tasks
Task 1
Example of a good introduction:
Over the last five years, higher education lecturers have experienced a significant downturn in the quality of written work produced by students. For example, one of the important sections of any essay, the introduction, is often poorly written, providing nothing more than background information, or not included. McDonald has identified that: ‘Academic introductions are becoming a neglected part of an assignment by many students’ (2008). Traditionally, these skills have been taught prior to students attending university. There is an increasing concern amongst academic staff that the lack of a clear introduction, demonstrates poor attention to detail and effort on the part of the student. However, research has shown that first year students have not attained the necessary understanding of academic writing to incorporate the necessary sections into their written work. The objective of this research is to determine through the use of questionnaires the level of knowledge students have in writing introductions when entering university. The questionnaires will be provided to students to complete during their induction to university, prior to their programme of study commencing. The data collected from the questionnaires will be analysed to identify where the gaps are in the students knowledge where writing introductions are concerned. Once these gaps have been identified, appropriate training and study skills sessions can be implemented by universities to increase the student’s ability to write introductions.
Example of a poor introduction:
All students have poor study skills. Study skills can make a real difference for students. They can help students to complete their work and allow for more time for them to socialise with their friends. I like to socialise with my friends as it is an important part of life. One of my friends likes to socialise far more than the others, so it is difficult
Task 1
Example of a good introduction:
Over the last five years, higher education lecturers have experienced a significant downturn in the quality of written work produced by students. For example, one of the important sections of any essay, the introduction, is often poorly written, providing nothing more than background information, or not included. McDonald has identified that: ‘Academic introductions are becoming a neglected part of an assignment by many students’ (2008). Traditionally, these skills have been taught prior to students attending university. There is an increasing concern amongst academic staff that the lack of a clear introduction, demonstrates poor attention to detail and effort on the part of the student. However, research has shown that first year students have not attained the necessary understanding of academic writing to incorporate the necessary sections into their written work. The objective of this research is to determine through the use of questionnaires the level of knowledge students have in writing introductions when entering university. The questionnaires will be provided to students to complete during their induction to university, prior to their programme of study commencing. The data collected from the questionnaires will be analysed to identify where the gaps are in the students knowledge where writing introductions are concerned. Once these gaps have been identified, appropriate training and study skills sessions can be implemented by universities to increase the student’s ability to write introductions.
Example of a poor introduction:
All students have poor study skills. Study skills can make a real difference for students. They can help students to complete their work and allow for more time for them to socialise with their friends. I like to socialise with my friends as it is an important part of life. One of my friends likes to socialise far more than the others, so it is difficult