Academic Writing Skills - Assignment Example

Academic writing skills Your full name Your ID no. Unit code and name Lecturer name Assignment August 21, 2015 Table of Contents 1 Tasks 1 3 Tasks 2 6 Task3- Reflection 9 References 11 Tasks 1 2 Tasks 2 Summary of Taffs et al. (2013) ‘Investigating student use and value of e-learning resources to develop academic writing within the discipline of environmental science’ Taffs et al presented an article that focused on a students use and value and e-learning resources to develop academic writing within the discipline of environmental science. He represented values of online learning as well as their academic e-learning resources. Taffs presents information from a questionnaire in form of tables and graphs as well as analysis in order to show the outcome of the study. According to Taffs et al student’s access to e-learning resource such as podcasts, e-readings, online videos and lectures have become useful to students in environmental science. They point out that most students are accustomed to e-learning resources which are available in the university. Most students considered e-reading and online videos as important e-learning resources. They have further indicated that majority of the students were confident in repairing literature reviews because of easier access-ability of e-learning resources. However, in some sections of their paper they have indicated that language barrier played an important role in affecting some students to access and present ideas in e-resource materials. According to Taffs et al, there are many advantages associated with e-learning resources to develop academic writing such as podcasts. The writers have properly presented the value, effectiveness and quality of e-learning resources exploited by students undertaking environmental science. They have presented a clear picture by indicating that most students had most studies from home due to availability of e-learning while they spend the parity four hours a week in college. Indicating that students taking environmental studies are effectively used e-learning resources. According to Taffs et al a questionnaire and help files students considered e-learning as important as hard copy resources. Most students were able to complete literature review effectively due to proper use of e-learning resources. Summary of Vekaric et al. (2013). Raising Students' Awareness of the Importance of English Language Writing Skills. Vekaric et al 2013 presents an article that aims to highlight the importance of increasing writing abilities in English language at all levels for university levels. They have represented the importance of English courses in motivating and increasing interests of students for class activities such as writing skills. The writers have exploited questionnaires of two groups of second year students taking courses in the faculty of sports and physical education and other groups studying ICT. According to an important feature of the study is that learners did not have the chance to use English outside the classroom. Data were gathered for comparisons and analyses which determine writing skills. Three phases of comparison were used for early and later learners. The results signify that the learning rate among older learners is quicker in the first stages and that learners attain better results as they grow older and acquired more hours of teaching. According to the writers most students improved their writing skills when they used various writing strategies as a method of improving writing. When they used pencil and paper most students appeared to have improved their writing skills. However, computer based writing appeared to have the highest effect on writing. The study indicates that writing strategies improves, motivate, and increases interests in students writing skills. There are other countless reasons that can really perk up interest in people to take up writing skills. Motivation is the main denominator for optimal writing skills and english language learning. Even a student who is not intented in learning writing skills will have meager progress. Only those with the greatest stake will rigorously pursue the intricate studying of the complex set of rules presented by writing skills.The writers have concluded that it is important for students to be given an opportunity to attend writing skills regardless their cost. Summary of Eriksson et al (2013). Referencing as practice: Learning to write and reason with other people's texts in environmental engineering education Eriksson et al (2013) has provided a paper which explains why referencing is important in helping students learn to write and reason with other peoples work. According to Eriksson et al students use accumulated knowledge in making literature review. The Eriksson et al have exploited survey form of data analysis whereby various participants were interactively engaged in literature review writing and the outcome was recorded. The results indicated that referencing was very critical. Referencing shows a students ability to understand and digest the message in other peoples literature or texts as well as ability to produce their own texts. According to the writer, this helped to show that the student is able to text primary text into own work without copying the work directly. In this article, Eriksson et al relied largely on his expertise and experiences in writing the paper. Eriksson et al have the authority and expertise to write the article, considering their credentials as writers. Eriksson et al presents process-outcome researches study, linking referencing to learning to write and reason using other people's texts. The article examines data from various studies regarding referencing quality in environmental engineering education. Writers effectiveness and article quality are discussed in the article, which the author claims are different. A writer’s effectiveness is measured by the ability to elicit good use of other people texts. This article discusses the need for writers to be able to apply the reference skills and techniques acquired in college to writing settings. By using research from various studies, the article supports chosen topic, in that referencing is an important aspect of effective writing skills. In using research from different sources, the author discusses the issue from different perspectives, thus the findings give an accurate account of the issue. Task3- Reflection The three articles is skillfully written, in the sense that the author does not seem bossy and all-knowing in spite of their expertise. The discussions are done in an informal and down to earth manner, implying that readers may take his statements at face value as they like. The author’s conclusion does not provide a recap of the salient points he discussed. Rather, he provides tips on privacy rights that are effective in conveying that the writer is conveying the information as a peer or as a friend. The article is apparently intended for more experienced writers, as non-writers would struggle to read the article to the end because it is very boring. A strong strain of bias may be perceived from the article because everything is from the author’s perspective and does not present other points of view. The source of the bias is the author’s (over-) confidence in his expertise and credentials. In general, the authors make logical connection of their arguments to the findings of the research. His statements are rational and more progressive, providing a backbone to dismantle the counterarguments made by findings of the result. Apart from this, the holistic reference to the existing literature contents and emphasis on three topics are solid foundations that provide strong grounds for their assertions. For instance Eriksson et al (2013) does not discount the fact or make straw-man arguments about referencing as practice. Applications The new learning, coupled with the course knowledge and the research articles have various applications in my case. With regard to my program of studies, they will help me to determine what to focus on in order to excel. At the same time, they will act as a reference point for research on areas in which the information was scanty. In relation to my personal growth, the lessons from the course work and research will help me to improve the quality of my instruction in my class. In addition, I will also be able to evaluate skills in light of what I have learnt so far. In my role as a writer, the information will help me to develop a better understanding of writing skills, both in the college work and the writing setting. The information will also help me to monitor my academic progress, which is a reflection of effective writing skills. This activity relates to me as an individual, given that it has given me invaluable insight regarding effective writing skills. I can therefore be able to apply this information to different settings in my interactions with students and tutors. In a professional context, this activity will show me the areas to improve on in my professional life, based on the knowledge I have gained. I can also apply this information in different levels, in accordance with the insight from the research. References Taffs, K. H. & Holt, J. (2013). Investigating student use and value of e-learning resources to develop academic writing within the discipline of environmental science. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 2013, Vol. 37, No. 4, 500-514, Vekaric, G. & Jelie, G. Raising Students' Awareness Of The Importance Of English Language Writing Skills. Activities in Pitysical Education and Sport Federation of the Sports Pedagogues of the Republic of Macedonia Vol.3,No.lpp.29-31 Eriksson, A. & Mäkitalo, Å., 2013. Referencing as practice: Learning to write and reason with other people's texts in environmental engineering education. Learning, Culture and Social Interaction 2 (2013) 171–183 Read More