Type
Step
Time
Step title
Instructions
Links
general
1
0.02
Step 1: Gather all relevant assignment documents.

The first step to a successful case study is to make sure you have all the information you need about your assignment. Your Subject Outline should be your first port of call. You may also find additional information on your unit vUWS site and in class discussions. If you need to, contact your teacher to clarify what you need to do.

If you are doing a clinical case study that involves you observing a case over an extended period of time (e.g. a whole semester), you will need to adjust this schedule to take into account the number of weeks you need to spend on observations and data collection (steps 3 and 4).

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

www.google.com/

www.westernsydney.edu.au

general
2
0.07
Step 2: Understand your assignment; select and focus your topic; select your case to study.

University assignments usually ask you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of particular topic areas related to the unit you are studying. Case study tasks are often quite complex, so you will need to pay careful attention to what you are being asked to do. If you don't respond to the task instructions as given, you won't get a good mark even if you write really well. If you have to choose from a range of questions, topics, or cases, you might need to do some introductory reading (e.g. from your textbook) at this stage to help you decide.

If you need to find your own case to examine and/or conduct an interview or observation, you will need to spend longer at this step, so adjust your dates accordingly (e.g. combine steps 2 and 3).

Use the resources linked below to help you get a good understanding of the task at hand. If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

For groups: You should also allocate roles and plan meeting times now.

Useful resources

Use these resources to help you get a good understanding of the task at hand. If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

general
3
0.08
Step 3: Brainstorm your ideas on the topic. Start to examine the case.

Read the case carefully, ideally more than once, and make a note of any questions you have or information that you need to find. If you have been given specific questions to answer, make some preliminary notes about each question using the information in the case.

Create a mind map of everything you know about the topic and focus areas related to your case (see step 2 and the resources on analysing your assignment question). You could use an online tool such as MindMup or Bubbl.us (both require Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). Brainstorm links between the case and relevant concepts or theories you are learning about in your unit. Pay particular attention to any concepts or theories mentioned in your assignment instructions. Also think about how the unit readings relate to your case.

Look at your mind map and see if there are any key areas that have gaps. This will help guide your research (the next step) so you don't waste time looking for the wrong things.

For groups: Consider using Google Drive or another online platform to share your ideas as you research.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

general
4
0.20
Step 4: Design research strategy. Find and evaluate evidence and sources to further understand your case.

Read the case carefully, ideally more than once, and make a note of any questions you have or information that you need to find. If you have been given specific questions to answer, make some preliminary notes about each question using the information in the case.

Create a mind map of everything you know about the topic and focus areas related to your case (see step 2 and the resources on analysing your assignment question). You could use an online tool such as MindMup or Bubbl.us (both require Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). Brainstorm links between the case and relevant concepts or theories you are learning about in your unit. Pay particular attention to any concepts or theories mentioned in your assignment instructions. Also think about how the unit readings relate to your case.

Look at your mind map and see if there are any key areas that have gaps. This will help guide your research (the next step) so you don't waste time looking for the wrong things.

For groups: Consider using Google Drive or another online platform to share your ideas as you research.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

general
5
0.22
Step 5: Critically read and further evaluate sources.

Once you have a range of scholarly sources relevant to your case study, read them carefully and take notes. Ensure you keep the citation information for each source with your notes so that you can cite your sources correctly. Take note of what points the sources agree on and what points they differ about – this is part of reading critically. Once you have done your reading, go back and look at your research question, and revise it if necessary.

For groups: consider using an online collaboration platform such as Google Docs so you can continue working on your research collaboratively even when you’re not together in person.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

general
6
0.05
Step 6: Develop overall case study structure. Draft segments of report. Organise sources.

Check your Subject Outline to see if you are required to use a particular structure for your assignment. For example, you may have been asked to use particular headings to organise your response. If not, you might use this general structure for your case study. Plan what you will write in each section. What will be your main points? What evidence will you use to support those points? Which point should come first, and which should come last? Write a topic sentence for each main point and use them to start drafting your paragraphs.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

general
7
0.20
Step 7: Write first draft.

Draft one paragraph for each main point, with explanation and evidence for the point you are making. You might need more than one paragraph for each section of case study, but each paragraph should contain one main idea. Then write your introduction and concluding section, which may include recommendations (check your assignment instructions). Ensure that you cite the ideas you have used from your sources and include each source in your reference list. Use the referencing style specified in your Subject Outline.

For groups: When writing together, offer constructive feedback to each other. Make sure you think of ways to encourage each other as well as suggesting ways to improve.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

general
8
0.10
Step 8: Revise & rewrite – focus on content. Submit draft to Turnitin for Originality Report.

Read back over your case study report and check your content, editing where necessary. Does your argument make sense? Have you explained everything enough? Do your ideas flow logically?

When you’re ready, submit your draft to Turnitin (check your Subject Outline to see if your subject allows this). The Originality Report (video, 2:59) will help you see where you need to paraphrase more carefully to integrate the ideas from your sources into your own argument.

You could also submit your draft to Studiosity (allow 24-48 hours) for feedback. Access this service via the Study Smart Online link in your subject vUWS site.

Compare your assignment against the instructions and the marking rubric in the Subject Outline: Have you completed all aspects of the task?

Useful resources

You could also submit your draft to Studiosity (allow 24-48 hours) for feedback. Access this service via the Study Smart Online link in your subject vUWS site.

general
9
0.05
Step 9: Polish and put paper in final form.

Review the Originality Report (video, 2:46) and/or feedback from Studiosityor Study Smart Events tutors and peers, editing where necessary. You may need to rewrite some sections and correct any grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors (use the spelling and grammar checker in your word processor as a start). If possible, ask a trusted friend to proofread for you. Then make any final corrections that are needed.

For groups: Ensure that you know how you are supposed to submit your group assignment (do you all submit it? Or does just one person submit it?) and are clear about who is responsible for doing so.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

general
10
0.01
Step 10: Submit your final case study.

Save your final version and you’re ready to submit! You should already be familiar with the submission requirements – take a moment to check whether you need to submit to Turnitin via a link in your unit vUWS site, or perhaps via another method. Do you need to provide a printed copy? If you need an updated Turnitin Originality Report (video, 2:59), allow for the 24 hour delay on this, although the digital receipt will confirm submission straight away.

Once you’ve submitted your case study, celebrate and reward yourself for getting it done!

When you receive your marked assignment, don’t forget to read the feedback and reflect on how you can use it to improve next time.

For groups: Debrief the assignment process as a group (see page 4 in the Track, progress, success PDF). Make sure you have a group celebration as well!

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

essay
1
0.02
Step 1: Gather all relevant assignment documents.

The first step to a successful essay is to make sure you have all the information you need about your assignment. Your Subject Outline should be your first port of call. You may also find additional information on your unit vUWS site and in class discussions. If you need to, contact your tutor to clarify what you need to do.

If this is a group assignment, work out who is in your group and make sure you know how to contact them.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

essay
2
0.07
Step 2: Understand your assignment; select and focus your topic.

University assignments usually ask you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of particular topic areas related to the unit you are studying. Essay questions are often quite complex, so you will need to pay careful attention to what you are being asked to do. If you don't answer the question asked, you won't get a good mark even if you write really well. If you have to choose from a range of questions or topics, you might need to do some introductory reading (e.g. from your textbook) at this stage to help you decide.

Use the resources linked below to help you get a good understanding of the task at hand. If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

For groups: You should also allocate roles and plan meeting times now.

Useful resources

Use these resources to help you get a good understanding of the task at hand. If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

essay
3
0.08
Step 3: Write your working thesis or preliminary research question.

If your research questions have not been provided in the assignment instructions, you can try to formulate a working question or questions. You could first try creating a mind map of everything you know about the topic and focus areas you identified in step 2. You could use an online tool such as MindMup or Bubbl.us (both require Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). Include key concepts from the unit and sources from your unit reading list that might be relevant. Look at your mind map and see if there are any key areas that have gaps.

Then ask yourself ‘what do I want to find out?’, and formulate an initial statement about how the essay question will be answered (a 'working' thesis statement). This will help guide your research (the next step) so you don't waste time looking for the wrong things.

Once you have done your research, your ideas might have changed (this is a good thing!). You can then come back and change your question or thesis statement in light of what you have read and how your ideas have changed.

For groups: Consider using Google Docs or another online platform to share your ideas as you research.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit theStudy Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

essay
4
0.20
Step 4: Design research strategy. Find and evaluate evidence and sources to address your research question.

Researching effectively is a skill you can learn, and there are lots of resources to help you get started. For tips on searching the Library's resources, complete the online tutorials on Successful Searching. Your future self will thank you!

Do a quick scan of the articles you find to check if they are relevant. This will mean you don't have to spend time carefully reading something that turns out not to be relevant. Don't forget to evaluate what you find to ensure that it has scholarly APPEAL (video, 6:26).

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

essay
5
0.22
Step 5: Critically read and further evaluate sources.

Once you have a range of scholarly sources relevant to your essay, read them carefully and take notes. Ensure you keep the citation information for each source with your notes so that you can cite your sources correctly. Take note of what points the sources agree on and what points they differ about – this is part of reading critically. Once you have done your reading, go back and look at your working thesis statement or research question (see step 3), and revise it if necessary.

For groups: consider using an online collaboration platform such as Google Docs so you can continue working on your research collaboratively even when you’re not together in person.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

essay
6
0.05
Step 6: Develop overall essay structure. Draft segments of essay. Organise sources.

Using your revised thesis statement, develop a structure for your essay. What will be your main points? What evidence will you use to support those points? Which point should come first, and which should come last? Write a topic sentence for each main point and use them to start drafting your paragraphs.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit theStudy Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

essay
7
0.20
Step 7: Write first draft.

Draft one paragraph for each main point, with an explanation and evidence for the point you are making. Then write your introduction and conclusion. Ensure that you cite the ideas you have used from your sources and include each source in your reference list. Use the referencing style specified in your Subject Outline.

For groups: When writing together, offer constructive feedback to each other. Make sure you think of ways to encourage each other as well as suggesting ways to improve.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

essay
8
0.10
Step 8: Revise & rewrite – focus on content. Submit draft to Turnitin for Originality Report.

Read back over your essay and check your content, editing where necessary. Does your argument make sense? Have you explained everything enough? Do your ideas flow logically?

When you’re ready, submit your draft to Turnitin (check your Subject Outline to see if your unit allows this). The Originality Report will help you see where you need to paraphrase more carefully to integrate the ideas from your sources into your own argument.

You could also submit your draft to Studiosity (allow 24-48 hours) for feedback. Access this service via the Study Smart Online link in your subject vUWS site.

Compare your assignment against the instructions and the marking rubric: Have you completed all aspects of the task? Have you completed them to the level you are aiming for according to the marking rubric?

Useful resources

You could also submit your draft to Studiosity (allow 24-48 hours) for feedback. Access this service via the Study Smart Online link in your subject vUWS site.

essay
9
0.05
Step 9: Polish and put paper in final form.

Review the Originality Report (video, 2:46) and/or feedback from Studiosityor Study Smart Events tutors and peers, editing where necessary. You may need to rewrite some sections and correct any grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors (use the spelling and grammar checker in your word processor as a start). If possible, ask a trusted friend to proofread for you. Then make any final corrections that are needed.

For groups: Ensure that you know how you are supposed to submit your group assignment (do you all submit it? Or does just one person submit it?) and are clear about who is responsible for doing so.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

essay
10
0.01
Step 10: Submit your final essay.

Save your final version and you’re ready to submit! You should already be familiar with the submission requirements – take a moment to check whether you need to submit to Turnitin via a link in your unit vUWS site, or perhaps via another method. Do you need to provide a printed copy? If you need an updated Turnitin Originality Report, allow for the 24 hour delay on this, although the digital receipt will confirm submission straight away.

Once you’ve submitted your essay, celebrate and reward yourself for getting it done!

When you receive your marked assignment, don’t forget to read the feedback and reflect on how you can use it to improve next time.

For groups: Debrief the assignment process as a roup (see page 4 in the Track, progress, success PDF). Make sure you have a group celebration as well!

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit theStudy Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

report
1
0.02
Step 1: Gather all relevant assignment documents.

The first step to a successful report is to make sure you have all the information you need about your assignment. Your Subject Outline should be your first port of call. You may also find additional information on your unit vUWS site and in class discussions. If you need to, contact your tutor to clarify what you need to do.

If this is a group assignment, work out who is in your group and make sure you know how to contact them.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

report
2
0.07
Step 2: Understand your assignment; select and focus your topic.

University assignments usually ask you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of particular topic areas related to the unit you are studying. Report tasks are often quite complex, so you will need to pay careful attention to what you are being asked to do. If you don't respond to the task instructions as given, you won't get a good mark even if you write really well. If you have to choose from a range of questions or topics, you might need to do some introductory reading (e.g. from your textbook) at this stage to help you decide.

Use the resources linked below to help you get a good understanding of the task at hand. If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

For groups: You should also allocate roles and plan meeting times now.

Useful resources

Use these resources to help you get a good understanding of the task at hand. If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

report
3
0.08
Step 3: Write your working thesis or preliminary research question.

If your research questions have not been provided in the assignment instructions, you can try to formulate a working question or questions. You could first try creating a mind map of everything you know about the topic and focus areas you identified in step 2. You could use an online tool such as MindMup or Bubbl.us (both require Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). Include key concepts from the unit and sources from your unit reading list that might be relevant. Look at your mind map and see if there are any key areas that have gaps.

Then ask yourself ‘what do I want to find out?’, and formulate an initial statement about how the research question will be answered (a 'working' thesis statement). This will help guide your research (the next step) so you don't waste time looking for the wrong things.

Once you have done your research, your ideas might have changed (this is a good thing!). You can then come back and change your question or thesis statement in light of what you have read and how your ideas have changed.

For groups: Consider using Google Drive or another online platform to share your ideas as you research.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

report
4
0.20
Step 4: Design research strategy. Find and evaluate evidence and sources to address your research question.

Researching effectively is a skill you can learn, and there are lots of resources to help you get started. For tips on searching the Library's resources, complete the online tutorials on Successful Searching. Your future self will thank you!

Do a quick scan of the articles you find to check if they are relevant. This will mean you don't have to spend time carefully reading something that turns out not to be relevant. Don't forget to evaluate what you find to ensure that it has scholarly APPEAL (video, 6:26).

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

report
5
0.22
Step 5: Critically read and further evaluate sources.

Once you have a range of scholarly sources relevant to your report, read them carefully and take notes. Ensure you keep the citation information for each source with your notes so that you can cite your sources correctly. Take note of what points the sources agree on and what points they differ about – this is part of reading critically. Once you have done your reading, go back and look at your working thesis statement or research question (see step 3), and revise it if necessary.

For groups: consider using an online collaboration platform such as Google Docs so you can continue working on your research collaboratively even when you’re not together in person.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

report
6
0.05
Step 6: Develop overall report structure. Draft segments of report. Organise sources.

Once you have revised your thesis statement, develop a structure for your report. This can be a very specific structure or very open, so now is the time to confirm what structure is required, e.g. by checking your Subject Outline or asking your teacher.

Once you know your structure, what will be your main points? What evidence will you use to support those points? Which point should come first, and which should come last? Write a topic sentence for each main point and use these to start drafting your paragraphs.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

report
7
0.20
Step 7: Write first draft.

Draft one paragraph for each main point, with explanation and evidence for the point you are making. You might need more than one paragraph for each section of the report (e.g. method, results), but each paragraph should focus on one main idea. Then write your introduction and conclusion. Ensure that you cite the ideas you have used from your sources and include each source in your reference list. Use the referencing style specified in your Subject Outline.

For groups: When writing together, offer constructive feedback to each other. Make sure you think of ways to encourage each other as well as suggesting ways to improve.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

report
8
0.10
Step 8: Revise & rewrite – focus on content. Submit draft to Turnitin for Originality Report.

Read back over your report and check your content, editing where necessary. Does your argument or explanation make sense? Have you explained everything enough? Do your ideas flow logically?

When you’re ready, submit your draft to Turnitin (check your Subject Outline to see if your unit allows this). The Originality Report will help you see where you need to paraphrase more carefully to integrate the ideas from your sources into your own argument.

You could also submit your draft to Studiosity (allow 24-48 hours) for feedback. Access this service via the Study Smart Online link in your subject vUWS site.

Compare your assignment against the instructions and the marking rubric: Have you completed all aspects of the task? Have you completed them to the level you are aiming for according to the marking rubric?

Useful resources

You could also submit your draft to Studiosity (allow 24-48 hours) for feedback. Access this service via the Study Smart Online link in your subject vUWS site.

report
9
0.05
Step 9: Polish and put paper in final form.

Review the Originality Report (video, 2:46) and/or feedback from Studiosityor Study Smart Events tutors and peers, editing where necessary. You may need to rewrite some sections and correct any grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors (use the spelling and grammar checker in your word processor as a start). If possible, ask a trusted friend to proofread for you. Then make any final corrections that are needed.

For groups: Ensure that you know how you are supposed to submit your group assignment (do you all submit it? Or does just one person submit it?) and are clear about who is responsible for doing so.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

report
10
0.01
Step 10: Submit your final report.

Save your final version and you’re ready to submit! You should already be familiar with the submission requirements – take a moment to check whether you need to submit to Turnitin via a link in your unit vUWS site, or perhaps via another method. Do you need to provide a printed copy? If you need an updated Turnitin Originality Report, allow for the 24 hour delay on this, although the digital receipt will confirm submission straight away.

Once you’ve submitted your report, celebrate and reward yourself for getting it done!

When you receive your marked assignment, don’t forget to read the feedback and reflect on how you can use it to improve next time.

For groups: Debrief the assignment process as a group (see page 4 in the Track, progress, success PDF). Make sure you have a group celebration as well!

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

presentation
1
0.02
Step 1: Gather all relevant assignment information.

The first step to a successful presentation is to make sure you have all the information you need about your assignment. Your Subject Outline should be your first port of call. You may also find additional information on your unit vUWS site and in class discussions. If you need to, contact your tutor to clarify what you need to do.

Find out if there will be internet access in the room where you will present, and if you will need to bring your own computer or device.

If this is a group assignment, work out who is in your group and make sure you know how to contact them.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

presentation
2
0.07
Step 2: Understand your presentation task.

University assignments usually ask you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of particular topic areas related to the unit you are studying. The assignment questions are often quite complex, so you will need to pay careful attention to what the assignment is asking you to do. If you don't respond to the task as asked, you won't get a good mark even if you present it really well.

Use the resources linked below to help you get a good understanding of the task at hand. If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

For groups: You should also allocate roles and plan meeting times now.

Useful resources

Use these resources to help you get a good understanding of the task at hand. If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

presentation
3
0.08
Step 3: Write your working thesis or preliminary research question.

If you have to choose from a range of questions or topics, you might need to do some introductory reading (e.g. from your textbook) at this stage to help you decide which one to do.

Once you have decided on your topic, do some background reading to familiarise yourself with it, and collect relevant information to analyse or evaluate - literature, data, artefacts, etc. Analyse and/or evaluate the information.

For groups: Consider using Google Drive or another online platform to share your ideas as you research.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

presentation
4
0.20
Step 4: Design research strategy. Find and evaluate evidence and sources to address your research question.

Try brainstorming all your ideas for the content, and anything else that is important to keep in mind. Remember, there’s no right or wrong in brainstorming, so write down everything you can think of.

Now you have a basis from which to write an outline and organise your presentation. As you are brainstorming and writing, think about your audience. Who are they? What might they already know? Do you need to explain some basic concepts, or can you assume they know the context of your topic? The nature of the audience will inform how you write and position your content.

You need to organise any presentation that you give in the way that best communicates your messages. You can structure your presentation a bit like you would an essay, with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The Study Smart resource on Structuring your presentation (PDF, 107 KB) has more information on how to do this.

Consider these questions:

  • What is your main 'take home' point?
  • What will be your opening move?
  • What will be the body of your argument?
  • How will you conclude?
Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

presentation
5
0.22
Step 5: Design your visual aids.

[Note: steps 5 & 6 can be done in reverse order, or even at the same time.]

Decide on whether you will use visual aids, and if so, what kind of visual aids you will use. You might use a slideshow, whiteboard, artefacts/props, or handouts. Think about what would be most appropriate for the presentation task you have been assigned and the audience you will be addressing.

If using a slideshow, design your slides with text and images, including slide transitions and animations if necessary. Consider integrity and copyright issues when you use images or videos. Ensure you acknowledge all your sources - for both text and images.

For groups: consider using an online presentation platform such as MS Powerpoint Online, Google Slides, or Prezi, so you can continue working on your slides collaboratively even when you’re not together in person.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

presentation
6
0.05
Step 6: Plan your talking points and timing.

[Note: steps 5 & 6 can be done in reverse order, or even at the same time.]

Make notes for what to say about each slide, and how long you will spend on each slide.

As you start to write notes for your presentation, remember that speaking requires different language patterns to writing. If you write your presentation in the language of a formal essay and read it aloud without changing anything, you’ll sound overly formal and stiff. Not only that, but the audience will have trouble following what you’re saying, because you designed your words to be read. You’ll need to adjust the words you use and the length of your sentences so that you speak in a more natural manner and your audience can understand you.

Also think about how to gain and maintain your audience's attention. You might use surprising facts or pictures for novelty, opposing viewpoints for a bit of conflict, exaggeration or puns for humour, or provocative questions to create suspense (University of Minnesota, 2011-2012). Make sure you use these in a relevant way and take care not to use offensive language or themes.

Useful resources
References

University of Minnesota. (2010-2012). Assignment Calculator: Oral Speech/Presentation. Retrieved from https://www.lib.umn.edu/services/ac/speech#s-11441

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 7: Practise for content, flow, and timing (without an audience).

Practise without an audience to check that the organisation and timing of your content works well. It can be helpful to video yourself (e.g. using your phone) or practise in front of a mirror so you can see what the audience sees.

Reflect on how it went:

  • What worked well?
  • What didn’t work so well?
  • At what points were there problems in the flow?
  • How did you feel?

Make changes to your presentation based on your reflections. Think of questions the audience might ask and prepare some answers.

For groups: If you take turns to speak, you could offer constructive feedback to each other. Make sure you think of ways to encourage each other as well as suggesting ways to improve.

Each group member should come up with two questions the audience could ask (a hard one and an easy one!). Then select a few questions at random and brainstorm some answers as a group.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 8: Practise with an audience.

Practise your presentation with one or more onlookers. Invite them to ask questions so you can practise answering on the spot.

Reflect on the feedback from your audience and how you felt giving your presentation in front of other people. Make changes to your presentation based on your reflections.

Useful resources

You could also submit your draft to Studiosity (allow 24-48 hours) for feedback. Access this service via the Study Smart Online link in your subject vUWS site.

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Step 9: Get ready to present.

Ensure you have all your materials ready to present. Gather your slideshow files, handouts, or props.

If using a slideshow, load your presentation onto a portable data storage device, e.g. USB stick, or ensure it is stored in a 'cloud' storage platform that you can access from the room you will present in. It's good to have multiple copies of it in case one version becomes inaccessible for some reason.

If you’re planning to present from your own computer or device, ensure you also bring any necessary adaptors so that you can connect your computer or device to the projector.

Think about what you will wear and ensure it's appropriate for the context. Check the assignment instructions for this, e.g. are you meant to be presenting as if to a business or industry audience, or a potential client? If so, you'll need to dress the part.

For groups: Ensure that each of you has the most recent version of the presentation. Make sure you know who is responsible for bringing a computer and adaptor, if necessary, or any other props.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 10: Final rehearsal and presentation.

Rehearse once more on the day, then present to your class and teacher. Don’t forget afterwards to reflect on your audience’s feedback and reflect on your own experience, and make some brief notes so that you can improve for your next presentation! Reward yourself afterwards for a job well done.

For groups: Debrief the presentation as a group (see page 4 in the ‘Track, progress, success’ PDF). Make sure you have a group celebration as well!

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 1: Gather all relevant assignment documents.

The first step to a successful reflective assignment is to make sure you have all the information you need about your assignment. Your Subject Outline should be your first port of call. You may also find additional information on your unit vUWS site and in class discussions. If you need to, contact your tutor to clarify what you need to do.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 2: Understand your assignment; select and focus your topic.

University assignments usually ask you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of particular topic areas related to the unit you are studying. Reflective writing tasks are often quite complex, so you will need to pay careful attention to what you are being asked to do. If you don't respond to the task instructions as given, you won't get a good mark even if you write it really well. If you have to choose from a range of questions or topics, you might need to do some introductory reading (e.g. from your textbook) or some initial reflection at this stage to help you decide.

Use the resources linked below to help you get a good understanding of the task at hand. If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides.

Useful resources

Use these resources to help you get a good understanding of the task at hand. If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 3: Develop a general reflective statement in response to the task.

Even though your task is a reflective one, you will usually need to incorporate an understanding of the theories and concepts you have been learning in your unit. Create a mind map of everything you know about the topic and focus areas related to your assessment task (see step 2 and the resources on analysing your assignment question). You could brainstorm links between the topic for reflection and key concepts from the unit, as well as any sources from your unit reading list that might be relevant. Look at your mind map and decide on a few key areas that you would like to cover in your reflection.

Then ask yourself ‘what have I learnt or experienced in these areas?’. You could also try some Activities to guide reflection to help you with this stage. Then formulate a general statement about how you could respond to the task (a 'working' reflective statement). This will help guide your research (the next step) so you don't waste time looking for the wrong information.

Once you have done your research, your ideas might have changed (this is a good thing!). You can then come back and change your reflective statement in light of what you have read and how your ideas have changed.

Useful resources
  • Critical thinking (PDF, 112 KB) – see the mind map on page 2 for some points to consider as you start out

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 4: Design reflective process. Find and evaluate evidence and sources to address your reflective task.

Use your mind map from Step 3 to identify areas where you need to do some further research, reading, and reflection.

Researching effectively is a skill you can learn, and there are lots of resources to help you get started. If you haven't tried searching the Library's resources before, do the online tutorials on Successful Searching. Your future self will thank you!

Do a quick scan of the articles you find to check if they are relevant. This will mean you don't have to spend time carefully reading something that turns out not to be relevant. Don't forget to evaluate what you find to ensure that it has scholarly APPEAL (video, 6:26).

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 5: Critically read and further evaluate sources.

Once you have a range of scholarly sources relevant to your reflective writing, read them carefully and take notes. Ensure you keep the citation information for each source with your notes so that you can cite your sources correctly. Take note of what points the sources agree on and what points they differ about – this is part of reading critically. Once you have done your reading, go back and look at your working thesis statement or research question, and revise it if necessary.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 6: Develop overall reflective writing structure. Draft segments of reflective writing. Organise sources.

Sometimes your assignment instructions will prescribe a particular structure or headings for you to use. If this is the case, follow those instructions for structuring your reflecting writing and move on to Step 7. If there is no prescribed structure for your assignment, keep reading.

Using your revised reflective statement (see Step 5), develop a structure for your reflective writing. Plan what you will write in each section. What will be your main points? What theory and literature will you link with these points? Which point should come first, and which should come last? Write a topic sentence for each main point and use them to start drafting your paragraphs.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 7: Write first draft.

Draft one paragraph for each main point, with explanation and evidence for the point you are making. You might need more than one paragraph for each section of the report (e.g. method, results, or other sections specified in the task instructions), but each paragraph should still make one main point. Then write your introduction and conclusion.

Ensure that you cite the ideas you have used from your sources and include the source in your reference list. Use the referencing style specified in your Subject Outline.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 8: Revise & rewrite – focus on content. Submit draft to Turnitin for Originality Report.

Read back over your reflective writing and check your content. Does your writing make sense? Have you explained everything enough? Do your ideas flow logically? Are your reflections linked to key concepts and literature from your unit?

When you’re ready, submit your draft to Turnitin (check your Subject Outline to see if your unit allows this). The Originality Report will help you see where you need to paraphrase more carefully to integrate the ideas from your sources into your own argument.

You could also submit your draft to Studiosity (allow 24-48 hours) for feedback. Access this service via the Study Smart Online link in your subject vUWS site.

Useful resources

You could also submit your draft to Studiosity (allow 24-48 hours) for feedback. Access this service via the Study Smart Online link in your subject vUWS site.

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Step 9: Polish and put paper in final form.

Review the Originality Report (video, 2:46) and/or feedback from a Study Smart Officer or Study Smart Online, editing where necessary. You may need to rewrite some sections and correct any grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors (use the spelling and grammar checker in your word processor as a start). If possible, ask a trusted friend to proofread for you. Then make any final corrections that are needed.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

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Step 10: Submit your final version.

Save your final version and you’re ready to submit! You should already be familiar with the submission requirements – take a moment to check whether you need to submit to Turnitin via a link in your unit vUWS site, or perhaps via another method. Do you need to provide a printed copy? If you need an updated Turnitin Originality Report (video, 2:59), allow for the 24 hour delay on this, although the digital receipt will confirm submission straight away.

Once you’ve submitted your reflective writing, celebrate and reward yourself for getting it done!

When you receive your marked assignment, don’t forget to read the feedback and reflect on how you can use it to improve next time.

Useful resources

If you get stuck, you can also visit the Study Smart website for events, appointments, and how-to guides, chat with an Online Librarian, or visit your campus library.

Based on the original Assignment Calculator from the University of Minnesota Libraries