Assignment planner
BACKBelow are the 9 steps along with the time you should spend on each step:
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 deadlineEx: 0.5 days for a 2-week assignment |
2. Start your research and take notes· 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 deadlineEx: 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 deadlineEx: 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 deadlineEx: 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 deadlineEx: 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 deadlineEx: 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 deadlineEx: 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 deadlineEx: 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 deadlineEx: 0.5 days for a 2-week assignment |