Assignment planner

1.  Understand your assignment

·  First, you need to make sure you understand your assignment

·  Brainstorm and review your current knowledge by answering a series of WH questions

·  Write down some ideas using the PICO(T) tool or a mind map

·  Not all assignments are the same, so make sure you understand what you are being asked to do

3% from start to deadline

Ex: 0.5 days for a 2-week assignment

2.      Start your research and take notes

·   Build a search strategy

·   Identify the databases you will use based on the types of sources you need

·   Keep track of the resources you found by exporting them to Zotero.

·   Pass by the library or book a librarian for more help

14% from start to deadline

Ex: 2 days for a 2-week assignment

3.      Draft a preliminary structure

·   Each assignment has its own structure. To make sure you apply the proper one, refer to the assessment outline provided by the faculty!

·   Go back to your preliminary ideas (PICO(T) tool or mind map you created in step 1)

·   Create a linear plan

10% from start to deadline

Ex: 2 days for a 2-week assignment

4.      Write your first draft

·   Start writing: paraphrase and don’t forget to reference every piece of information you use to avoid unintentional plagiarism

·   Refer to the Academic Phrasebank

·   Use academic style with clear and well-structured paragraphs

·   Get feedback on your draft by contacting the faculty member or the learning support manager

24% from start to deadline

Ex: 3 days for a 2-week assignment

5.      Continue your research

·   Don’t hesitate to go back to step 2 and do additional research. You need to have sufficient information on your subject from academic and reliable sources.

·   Make sure your sources are peer-reviewed.

17% from start to deadline

Ex: 2 days for a 2-week assignment

6.      Edit your draft and revise the structure if necessary

·   Revise your first draft and adapt the structure if necessary

·   Refer to the Project Outline on the Moodle course page

17% from start to deadline

Ex: 2 days for a 2-week assignment

7.      Edit logical flow

·   Verify the structure, the meaning, and the completeness.

·   Make sure your paragraphs are well structured

·   Crosscheck the academic style you should use in all your paper.

7% from start to deadline

Ex: 1 day for a 2-week assignment

8.      Proofread and format your paper

·   Elaborate your reference list at the end of your paper and verify all your in-text citations.

·   You can use a spell and grammar checker if you feel the need to.

·   Check the punctuation.

·   Make sure you applied the relevant formatting and meet the GIHE submission requirements (see the Project Outline on the Moodle course page).

3% from start to deadline

Ex: 2 days for a 2-week assignment

9.      Submit your final paper

·   Anticipate any last-minute problems you may experience and don’t wait for the last minute to submit your final paper! Plan ahead.

3% from start to deadline

Ex: 0.5 days for a 2-week assignment