2. Aims of this session… Understand what critical thinking is and how it applies to your work General information on structuring your assignment
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5. Being ‘critical’ at university Same thinking process Learn not to take academic texts at face value Read more than one source to gain a rounded critical perspective Remember that the author is ‘selling’ you their argument
6. Five Steps to Critical Analysis Critical Thinking Step 5 Does it add up? Is the proof valid? Step 4 Step 3 Where’s the proof? Who is making the claim? Step 2 What is the main point of the text? Step 1 Adapted from Cottrell (2003)
7. Exercise How critical a reader and self critical a writer are you already? Please complete short ‘tick box’ exercise in hand out. How can you improve on your weak areas? (Wallace and Wray, 2006)
9. Fundamental What do I think I know about X? Connecting How does X relate to Y or Z? Hypothesis If X relates to Y or/and Z then A. Critical In evaluating X, Y, Z and A what is my argument? Adapted from Jones (2009: 8)
10. Fundamental What difficulties do pupils with English as an additional language (EAL) face in a classroom setting? Connecting What methods are used to reduce these difficulties? Hypothesis What are the implications of using these methods in a classroom setting? Critical Evaluate the methods used to reduce the difficulties that pupils with EAL face in the classroom setting. Adapted from Jones (2009: 8)
11. Critical reading – assess the extent to which adequate justification has been provided for the claims made. This depends on the author’s argument and on your own knowledge, experience & understanding Critical writing – convince your tutor of your argument by adequate reasons and evidence.
12. Remember You will not be able to include EVERYTHING in your assignment Choose which points you think are important Focus on QUALITY and not quantity
13. Assignment question 2. Reading/research 3. Planning 4. Introduction 10% of the total word count Main body 75-80% of the total word count Conclusion 10-15% of the total word count 5. Proof reading
14. Answering the question Avoid deviating – answer must relate to the question Answer all parts of the question – divide the word count between the sections Assignment question 2. Reading/research 3. Planning Assignment question Break it down - look for key words 1. Academic key words: http://www.uefap.com/writing/writfram.htm 2. Identify the topic/s and the focus 4. Introduction 10% of the total word count Main body 75-80% of the total word count Conclusion 10-15% of the total word count 5. Proof reading
15. Assignment question 2. Reading/research 3. Planning Reading around the subject area Develop your arguments Need evidence to back up your points. 4. Introduction 10% of the total word count Main body 75-80% of the total word count Conclusion 10-15% of the total word count 5. Proof reading
16. Assignment question 2. Reading/research 3. Planning Your argument should follow a logical order What information should you keep in and what should you to leave out 4. Introduction 10% of the total word count Main body 75-80% of the total word count Conclusion 10-15% of the total word count 5. Proof reading
18. Assignment question 2. Reading/research 3. Planning General background information on the assignment Contents of your essay? What are the main points? What order have they been addressed? 4. Introduction 10% of the total word count Main body 75-80% of the total word count Conclusion 10-15% of the total word count 5. Proof reading
19. Assignment question 2. Reading/research 3. Planning Develop your argument and put forward your line of reasoning. Structure your argument! Each paragraph should cover one theme 4. Introduction 10% of the total word count Main body 75-80% of the total word count Conclusion 10-15% of the total word count 5. Proof reading
20. Assignment question 2. Reading/research 3. Planning Draw together the main points Do NOT introduce new material 4. Introduction 10% of the total word count Main body 75-80% of the total word count Conclusion 10-15% of the total word count 5. Proof reading
21. Assignment question 2. Reading/research 3. Planning 4. Introduction 10% of the total word count Main body 75-80% of the total word count Conclusion 10-15% of the total word count 5. Proof reading
22. Top tips Make sure you leave enoughtime to complete your assignment Don’t leave your reference list until the end – do it as you do your research/ writing
25. References Cottrell, S. (2003) The Study Skills Handbook. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Jones, S. (2009) Critical learning for social work student. Exeter: Learning Matters Warren, M. and Wray, A. (2006) Critical reading and writing for postgraduates. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Editor's Notes
You need to critically read all the sources that you use. These questions will help with assignment activity 2. You may not include the answers in your written summary and reflection.
For all three of your tasks and the essay, you’ll need to ensure that you don’t just describe what happened but that you reflect and critically evaluate.
