Feedback on Assignment 1     Go to feedback Assignment 2     Home

Some great ideas, but just a few general comments.

  1. Read the Assessment Instructions, Criteria and Topic very carefully.

  2. Check you have answered the whole topic, especially the beginning and end.  Reread the topic.

  3. If you substantially alter your thread ie. more than the removal of sentences or minor spelling and grammar changes, please resubmit a copy to the forum.
  4. Make sure the date of submission to the forum is on your assignment.  Refer to Instruction 2 on the back of the Criteria sheet.
  5. The assignment refers to Australian schools, so your answer should reflect Australia's particular achievement and retention issues. 
  6. You need to show understanding of the factors chosen.  You will need to look at references outside the readings to develop a broader understanding of views on your topic.  "Wide reading" is one of the criteria.
  7. Some forum threads are lists- eg Bloggs says this, Bloggs says that. You must interpret what you have read.  What does the information mean for teachers trying to foster achievement and retention?  Draw your own conclusions.
  8. Do not use attachments.  Copy from your word files into the forums.  The attachments are causing problems.
  9. Some of the referencing needs work..  You need to choose an accepted method eg. APA, and use it consistently.  "Reading 1.1" is not a correct way to reference.  These should be referenced fully as at the front of the Readings.  Try this site for help- http://www.wisc.edu/writetest/Handbook/DocAPA.html
  10. Some of the English expression, such as spelling and grammar, needs attention.
  11. Remember, the quality of your arguments is important.  Are your thoughts logical?  Have you supported your conclusions?  If you are using "I" frequently, check that you are using research to back up your ideas.  Refer back to the criteria sheet, especially the sections on "Quality of thinking" and "Research."  Have you used strong examples to support your ideas?  For example, a major academic research project carries more weight than one personal experience. 
  12. Some of the threads are too long.  Remember the 800 word limit for all 4 items.  The ability to express ideas concisely requires considerable skill and effort.
  13. Answers to student queries-

The forums are to be submitted in print form on March 21, either in person to the tutor or in the marked box- (number 12 for my groups) in the Department office.  Extensions will not be granted on the basis of the different tutorial times.  Only the Unit coordinator can grant extensions.

Responses should be made to original threads as stated in the Study Guide, not to responses.

It would be useful to include a copy of the thread to which you are responding when you submit the hardcopy of your assignment.

Feedback on Assignment 1, Part 2 ( The Quiz)

Use of Quotes

There is no set rule for the percentage of an assignment which may consist of quotes.  However, QUT suggests a general guideline of 10%.  Direct quotations should be used to support a point.  However, it is up to you as the writer to make the point.  Many of you are using far too many quotes.  Too many quotes will soak up your word count, which could be better used to develop your argument.

Direct quotes need page numbers

Is the quote a major addition to your argument?  No? Then leave it out.

How important are the factors you chose? Why?- Did you explain this?

Have you looked at both sides of an issue?

Referencing is still an issue for many.  I recently used this site and found it easy to follow.  Take Me There   

Many student problems relate to organisation and explanation of ideas.  Try this site on Paragraphs and Topic sentences http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/paragraphs.html Same site, how to use evidence- http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/evidence.html

Griffith provides help with writing and other skills.  Go to www.griffith.edu.au/learningskills or phone them on 3875 5578.

Feedback on Assignment 1, Part 3 ( The Quiz )

  1. Plan ideas.

  2. How important are the factors chosen?

  3. Look at both sides of the argument.

  4. Too many quotes, or quotes chosen that were weak and did not advance the argument

  5.  Work inconsistent by the same person- some very thoughtful work backed with evidence, other sections based on personal opinion.

  6. Failing to relate all pieces to the topic.

  7. Failing to understand that retention also means” keeping at school” as explained in the first lecture.

  8.  Many students repeat the ideas found in the research in their own words.  They do not relate the material to the topic or show understanding of what it means.  Thus it is essentially a summary of an author’s work.  

  9.  Some students didn’t address the last part of the question well.  Students often list programmes that have been put in place, but do not answer how these will work to improve retention and achievement.  They also do not consider if they are likely to be effective.

  10.  Some students needed to do more research.  Relying on one (or even a few) readings can result in understanding only part of an issue.  It is a higher skill to be able to see the advantages and disadvantages of different teaching strategies, and how they may vary in different contexts.

  11.  Statements or opinions need to be supported by quality evidence or research.