Transcript Academic Writing - foundationsofadvancedpractice

Thinking about
academic writing
Ann Winter
Writing reflects our
thinking
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Taking chances
Playing around with ideas until
a solution is found
Careful examination of what
turns up until a solution is
found – generate many
possible solutions
Assessment of results –
careful
May impose limits upon chance
i.e. matchboxes could be
dropped out of the window (if
it opened) to see if they fell
into a correct pattern
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Rational/logical
Identify a rule/general
principle that can be applied
Using experience
Drawing upon past/previous
solutions and modifying them
to the new current problem
The same solution can be
reached in different ways
Matchboxes
Arrange the 6 boxes so that each
touches 2 and only 2!
Matchboxes 2
Arrange the 6 boxes so that each
touches 3 and only 3!
Critical thinking (CT)
• As Indiana Jones bridge
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=C-c8_OFwZoY
Think of CT as that invisible bridge as it is intangible
PLUS CT is individual and requires effort
CT – Pebbles 1
Definition –
• Analysing – separating/breaking whole into parts
• Discriminating – recognising differences and similarities
• Information seeking – searching for evidence, facts or
knowledge
• Logical reasoning – drawing inferences and conclusions that
are supported/justified by evidence – evaluating
• Predicting – envisioning a plan
• Transforming knowledge – changing as a function of
concepts
Pebble 2
Analysis –
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Dissecting
Breaking things down so that you can understand them
Reduce into manageable units
Schema/drawing
Looking for parts
Setting it out 1, 2 3…..
Looking at each piece individually
Studying bit by bit
Seeing the trees not just the forest
Pebble 3
STIR FRY
Start with the ?
Time management
Information gathering
References
First plan
Re-write first draft
Your response to feedback
Essay checklist
One paragraph = 1 topic
Arrange ideas and topics into boxes eg 8 boxes for a
2,000 word essay
Main topicDefinition/s
Supporting views
Contrasting evidence
Critique literature
• Name+date+verb
• Dawn(1999) argues for
Reporting verbs:
suggest, argue, claim, propose, think, describe, note, analyse, discuss,
show, explain, point out, demonstrate, report, develop
Similarity in evidence: equally, likewise, in the same way, indeed,
correspondingly, in the same line
Stronger reinforcing similarity: furthermore, moreover, indeed, what is
more
Alternative evidence: alternatively, a different perspective on this..,
others argue that.., it might be argued that..,
Rebutting alternative evidence: however, on the other hand,
nevertheless, in any case, despite this, in spite of this, even though
Contrasting: by contrast, on the other hand, in fact
Words
+ Introduction
Signpost reader
Position taken
+ Conclusion
Connecting ideas
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JjI8G6gA65w
A good argument
• State your point of view in 1 clear sentence
• There may be strong arguments on both sides of
the fence but come off it and state which side
has convinced you
• Support your argument with points and for each
point give evidence
• Consider the other side of the fence/opposition
and what evidence your opposers would produce
Analysis and evaluation
• Similarities and differences
• Contrasting views highlighting the
differences
• What is the significance of the
differences
• What difference it makes to the price of fish
• Criteria used to reach a judgement ?
conclusion
Start writing
For the last 5 mins now start writing
anything around your developing AP
role
acknowledgements to university of
Bradford School of Management
Learning service guides and other
sources