One of our main services to you, as the University Library, is providing access to high-quality academic resources and we do this in abundance – although at present you cannot access the physical book stock, you do have access to nearly 250,000 online resources!
Accessing
Online Resources
The best place to start accessing your online resources is your Online Reading List, as your tutors will have compiled a list of great materials to begin your research journey. But really great research doesn’t limit itself to just one place, so be sure to make the most of all your resources via the Library Catalogue, Discover More and your online specialist subject databases.
Lots of eBooks remain multi-user, where available, with many extended to unlimited access until 30th June. We are also continuing to prioritise eBook purchases, looking into further electronic provisions and have a handy eBooks Guide to help you read online, or download, at your leisure.
If you come across any materials, such as books or journal articles, that are not currently accessible online then don’t despair – this isn’t the end of the line! Simply place a request via our You Want It, We Get It service, select the electronic option and we will do our best* to source a copy for you.
*Please note not all requests can be fulfilled electronically, but we will always try out best
Additional
Resources
Many publishers around the world are still making additional content temporarily available to support teaching and learning where access to physical books and resources may be limited. Keep up to date with all of these extra resources, and how to access them, on the additional access to eResources webpage.
UniSkills
So, all these resources, and lots of ways to access them, may feel a little overwhelming but don’t worry because that’s another great service we provide – helping you find, navigate and make the most of all your online resources!
A great
place to start is our Digital
Library Induction and UniSkills
Finding Academic Information webpages. On here we have created a package of
online tutorials to guide you through how to access, and make the most of, your
key learning resources. And don’t forget you can also book
a UniSkills virtual 1-2-1 appointment for support with library search
skills, finding resources and improving your search strategy, including:
Finding resources for your assignment
Searching the Library Catalogue for books and eBooks
Using Discover More to find online journal articles and other online resources
Discuss and develop search strategies
Further
Help & Support
If you need any further help or support with your online resources, or any other library related queries, get in touch with us via email or live chat.
For a lot of students, the online assessment
period started on Monday 18th May and will run until Friday 5th
June, so it’s important to know how to access support should you need it…
Subject
Specific Support: if you need any
help with your subject specific content, the first person you should contact is
your tutor or academic department. This includes if you are struggling with any
deadline dates or understanding what you have been asked to do. Your tutors
will be able to offer further guidance on these types of queries.
Technical Problems: the Catalyst Helpdesk team are offering extended opening hours, and will be open from 7am on all assessment submission days, to support you as you complete and submit your assessment. You can contact the Catalyst Helpdesk virtually, via email or live chat, if you have any technical issues such as accessing Blackboard or your university email account, opening documents, downloading/installing the FREE EHU Microsoft Office 365 software or any problems when you come to submit your work in TurnItIn. Don’t forget we have also produced a number of Online Assessment guides to help you successfully submit your work but if you do need to talk to someone you can get in touch…
Getting online assessment ready: there is lots of great assessment preparation advice available on the UniSkills webpages, including guides on setting goals, advice on how to stay motivated and helpful tools and techniques you can use for successful revision. We even have an interactive online learning package for your Online Assessments, which includes an online assessment checklist!
Additional support needs: We understand that working towards assessments at this time can be challenging, and if you have a specific learning difficulties (SpLD) such as Dyslexia our SpLD team are keen to support you towards feeling positive about this way of working and any upcoming assessments. If you need any additional support get in touch with the SpLD team to arrange an appointment or ask any questions you may have about the services and support available.
Academic
Skills Support
UniSkills: you can continue to access all your academic skills support online for help with everything from academic writing, being critical, paraphrasing, referencing, finding and navigating your online resources to creating effective search strategies. There are several ways you can access our support including:
Guidance, videos and toolkits are available 24/7 via the UniSkills webpages
SpLD and Learning Support Service: are committed to supporting students at the university who have or may have an SpLD, such as Dyslexia or Dyspraxia, to develop study skills strategies and navigate your academic journey. There are many ways these teams can help you with exam preparation and assignment writing and our team of specialist study skills advisors are happy to meet with you through a virtual appointment to develop your study skills techniques. Contact the SpLD team to arrange an appointment or ask any questions you may have about the services and support available.
All of us in Library & Learning Services would like to wish you the very best of luck in your online assessments and remainder of your academic year!
Online Assessments will soon be here (Monday 18th May to Friday 5th June 2020) and we want to help you feel as prepared as possible for them. Usually this time of year we are supporting you with a Revision Central campaign but, this being a year like no other, we are bringing out the big guns to combine two campaigns, and will also be including all the great support from our Keep Calm and Submit campaign!
Preparing for your online assessment…
Assessments can be a daunting part of university life, and it is only
natural that you will want to perform at your very best. When it comes to
revision there are no right or wrongs, so you might find what works for your
course mates doesn’t work for you.
Before lockdown our Student Advisors created this video for you with lots of great revision study tips that work for them – take a look to discover if any could also work for you!
LS Student Advisors Ready, Set, Revise Tips – filmed on campus March 2020
There is lots more advice and guidance available on the UniSkills Exam Preparation webpages, but we’ve pulled out some good starting points for you below:
Clearly mark the date, time and essential details of how you’re being assessed in your diary or calendar.
Speak with your tutor well in advance if you are unsure of what to expect or to clarify any content you do not understand.
Set some SMART Goals to help you visualise what you want to achieve but also take time to reflect on your achievements so far, look how far you’ve come!
Take a look at our Exam Preparation Checklist to help develop your unique revision intentions to keep you motivated.
During a busy assessment period, it is important to take some time out of your day to relax, read more about maintaining a good study-life balance in our Top Tips for Studying Off Campus blog.
There are lots of revision tools and techniques you can try – read more about these in our Effective Tools & Techniques guide to discover which ones work best for you.
We know that this round of assessments will be different, so if you need some extra guidance take a look at our Getting Online Assessment Ready blog for lots of great advice.
This is a great life tip in general, but ensure you get a good night’s sleep and eat a brain-fuelling breakfast on the morning of your assessment.
Another great way to prepare for your online assessment would be to complete our UniSkills Online Assessment Toolkit. In here you will find lots more advice, tips, videos and even an online assessment checklist quiz!
Accessing Help & Support…
Even though you cannot physically see us right now, there is still lots of help and support available to you online:
Visit our ehu.ac.uk/OnlineAssessment webpages for lots of useful guidance when accessing technology at home for learning and assessment.
Read your online submission assessment guide before your assessment date to make sure you are ready to submit!
Time Limited Assessment Paper Submission
Time Limited Assessment Handwritten Submission
Timed Blackboard Online Test
Video Submission
You can continue to access academic skills support online – visit the UniSkills webpages for more info.
If you need any technical assistance, experience any technical problems or would just like some guidance on how to set up your technology in an optimum way for your assessment then help is available by contacting the Catalyst Helpdesk virtually via email or live chat.
So remember, we are here for you if you need us and wish you all the very best with your upcoming assessments – you’ve got this guys!
If like all of us in Library & Learning Services you are missing Catalyst, and haven’t quite perfected your new study space, we hope these handy tips will provide some useful guidance on how to make the most of your off campus studying.
Tip 1:
Plan (and adapt) your new study routine
It can be challenging
when your regular routine changes, even more so when it is out of our control,
so taking time to plan a new study routine is a great place to start – think
about what works best for you! Start small and plan a day/week at a time or
look ahead and plan backwards from future deadlines and/or assessment dates.
Although it isn’t always possible to plan for every eventuality it is sensible
to set boundaries and consider other commitments, such as
childcare or employment, when adapting to your ‘new’ routine.
A good daily routine can be as simple as getting up at a set time, changing out of your sleepwear and eating breakfast before starting your day ahead…and don’t forget to include an end routine to bring your study to a close. Take a look at our UniSkills Getting Organised webpages for lots of useful guides and toolkits to help you effectively prioritise your time.
Tip 2:
Study Happy 😊
It is equally important to factor in some downtime alongside your studies to ensure you maintain a good study-life balance. By creating your own physical ‘study’ space (which could be as lavish as a home office, or as simple as a comfy spot on your bedroom floor) it will establish one of those all-important boundaries and help put you in the right mindset to work when you are there…and it will also enable you to ‘leave’ and get some headspace away from your studies. Why not revisit Student Advisor Maisie’s Study Happy Student Tips blog or remind yourself of all our Student Advisors’ top study happy tips in the UniSkills: Be Study Happy! video:
This video footage was recorded on campus in 2019.
Although it can be tempting to sit in front of a screen all day (computer/smartphone/TV) it isn’t healthy nor productive. Make the most of your daily exercise and get outside! Be that on a walk/run/bike ride, sitting in your garden reading or digging up some weeds, it is all extremely beneficial for your mental wellbeing! And if you don’t have access to a garden, why not create your own eco-friendly planters out of old newspapers or empty toilet rolls and grow some seeds on your windowsills!
Tip 3:
Engage with your learning communities
Don’t forget
that as an Edge Hill University student you are part of a wider learning
community, so make sure you are engaging with your peers and wider
support networks. Your tutors will be keeping in touch with you through
online teaching and making sure you have the necessary information about your research,
coursework and assessments, but they are also there for you if you have any
subject specific queries or just feel a little bit overwhelmed by it all – and they
can direct you to other support services, if needed. You could also set up/join
anonline study group with your course mates to discuss research and
keep each other motivated!
UniSkills also offers a learning community where you can take part in online webinars alongside students from a variety of courses and years – a reallygreat way to share knowledge and experience with peers from across the University! There are a wide range of academic skills webinars available for you to join including academic writing, referencing and being critical – check out the latest schedule and book your place online today.
Although it
may feel like you are fully self-isolated right now it is important to remember
you are not alone and there is lots of help and support available…
Keep in contact with your social circle of friends/family through regular video calls or online chats!
Engage with your online learning, speak to your tutors and maintain connections with your peers!
As we find ourselves transitioning to a digital study
environment Library and Learning Services are here to help you know what
online resources are available for you, how to access them and how
to get the most out of them.
Library and Learning Services are no strangers to offering a digital library service and have been supporting students studying online and at distance for many years, so don’t worry if this is a totally new experience for you because we are here to help.
A great place to start your digital learning journey is our Digital Library Induction and UniSkills Finding Academic Information webpages. On here we have created a package of online tutorials to guide you through how to access, and make the most of, your key learning resources.
Most of the eBooks we currently have are now unlimited access (meaning no limits to numbers accessing at any one time), we are prioritising eBook purchases, looking at further electronic provision moving forward and even have a handy eBooks Guide to help you read online and download at your leisure. Many publishers around the world are also making additional content temporarily available to support teaching and learning where access to physical books and resources may be limited. Details of all these extra resources and how to access them can be found on the additional access to eResources webpage.
If you are struggling to get hold of any resources, please
use our You Want It, We Get It service and select the electronic
option and we will do our best to help.
So, remember even though you cannot see us right now we are still here to support you. If you need any further help or support you can keep up to date on our COVID-19 Keeping You Updated webpages or get in touch with us via email or live chat.
It’s true, the biggest of all book-related days is on the horizon and there’s no better way to join in with the festivities than by discovering something new to read (or add to an ever-expanding list of ‘to-be-read’s if you’re anything like me!).
The theme for this year is ‘Reading is Power,’ which encourages everyone to celebrate the ways in which books promote growth, choice, power and knowledge. With that said, here’s an eclectic list of favourites put together by some of the Student Advisor team to give you some ideas of what to read next!
Student Advisor Lauren has chosen… The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde A brief description: A man named Dorian Gray prays on a portrait to stay young and beautiful forever. It works, but whilst he stays pretty the portrait gradually becomes grotesque because of the increasingly immoral things Dorian does.
Why is it your favourite?: The concept is really cool; the way the portrait measures out Dorian’s moral decline is interesting. Oscar Wilde’s writing always mixes pretty and witty tones, and that style works amazingly here. The characters are awesome; especially Dorian’s friend, Basil. This is the only book that I find myself flipping through to re-read specific passages or end up mentally reciting bits of.
Who would you recommend it to?: Anyone who likes morally ambiguous characters and pretty prose.
Student Advisor Arifa has chosen… I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World, Malala Yousafzai A brief description: A courageous memoir on a girl who survived a bullet shot by the Taliban (an extremist group) in the city of Mingora. A young education activist, her refusal of silence lead to World Leaders being inspired by her ambitions to fight for the rights of education for girls. The Taliban took control of the area and dictated how women should live their lives. Despite the struggle of commuting to school with her books hidden under her shawl, she strived to study and excel.
Why is it your favourite?: It was a fantastic read and so well illustrated. I enjoyed the book as it was a chronicle on purity and honesty based on the situation in her village in Pakistan.
Who would you recommend it to?: To anyone that is need of motivation and inspiration!
Student Advisor Dylan has chosen… Deaf Republic, Ilya Kaminsky A brief description: In the fictional town of Vasenka, a protest starts after the tragic murder of a deaf child. The town protest in silence and create their own sign language
Why is it your favourite?: The narrative is told through a series of poems, and through several different characters. I find myself checking, and checking again, that Vasenka is fictional; its nature and issues ring too true with the real world. Kaminsky writes like no other poet I’ve read before.
Who would you recommend it to?: I’d recommend it to people who love poetry, people who love fiction, people who love film and those that love everything in between.
Student Advisor Anna has chosen… Good Vibes, Good Life, Vex King A brief description: This book is all about transforming negative emotions into positive ones to reach a high level of happiness. The book incorporates Vex’s own personal life experiences and explains how he has overcome the more challenging stages in his life. He discusses ways to practise self-care, positive lifestyle habits, taking opportunities, reaching life goals, overcoming possible fears and finding what you feel is your purpose in life.
Why is it your favourite?: I liked this book as it teaches you how to be a positive person and creates a feeling of happiness. His real-life experiences give context to advice that he is saying. I found this book a really good read whilst at university as life can become stressful at times, especially when I had quite a few deadlines to meet. It also gave me a good mindset when reading feedback on my work or talking to my tutors as I took the advice as constructive criticism rather than letting it dishearten me.
Who would you recommend it to?: Everyone! I feel as though it is a good book that can be useful to everyone, it helps you remain positive throughout life. This means it could be beneficial in your personal life, work life or throughout your studies.
Student Advisor Maisie has chosen… To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee A brief description: A first person narrative from perspective of Jean-Louise Finch that follows Jean-Louise, or Scout as she is more affectionately known, and her brother get to learn some crucial lessons about judging others, tolerance and justice throughout the story which is set in Depression era Alabama.
Why is it your favourite?: An oldie but goldie- don’t let the fact it was published in 1960 put you off this is a timeless classic. The simple and child-like narrative helps to convey Scout’s raw emotions throughout the novel which helps readers realise the injustice of the actions that occur. Every time I (re)read it, I am always reminded not to judge a book by its cover and although this book may make you cry it will also fill you with joy!
Who would you recommend it to?: As it is quite an easy read I’d say anyone. Don’t let the memories of it being a school read put you off either.
Student Advisor Jen has chosen… Tall Tales and Wee Stories: The Best of Billy Connolly A brief description: A collection of funny / interesting wee stories about life in Scotland, Billy’s childhood, life in Glasgow and his adventures travelling around the world.
Why is it your favourite?: I think my favourite book changes all the time. I finished this book a few days ago. It gave me comfort and reminded me of home at a time where I was feeling quite home sick. His happy wee stories about life in Scotland made me laugh out loud, which is rare when I read books.
Who would you recommend it to?: Everyone and anyone. I think the way he tells stories can bring us all joy and happiness. You can dip in and out of the chapters, you don’t have to read them in order or fully. Making it perfect to fit into our busy lives.
Whether you spend all your free-time reading or you haven’t picked up a book since high school, World Book Day is all about creating life-long readers! The charity does great work by providing children across the country with access to books, and we can all join in by sharing the stories we love! To find out how to get involved with the charity directly, click here!
There are as many reasons to love books as there are books themselves, so why not get involved in the World Book Day fun and try something new or re-discover an old favourite? Head over to the library catalogue to see what stories are waiting for you in the Catalyst!
Happy reading everyone! Lauren Gallagher – Student Advisor MA English
The early bird may catch the worm, but it’s the Cat(alyst) that’s got the cream!
If you’ve been on campus lately you will have spotted, and hopefully visited, Catalyst…but are you making the most of this fantastic facility and its equally fabulous learning and support services that roost inside?
Club Catalyst – you’re already a member!
Catalyst is your central point of access to Library & Learning Services, Student Services and Careers so there is an abundance of help and support available (take a look below if you don’t believe us) and the building itself has lots to offer!
The Catalyst Helpdesk is your one stop access point for all services and support in the building and you can contact the team weekdays 8am-8pm and weekends 10am-6pm in a number of ways:
😊 Visit the Catalyst Helpdesk ☎️ Telephone (01695 650800) 📱 Text (+4401613751608) 💬 Online Chat 📧 Email And don’t forget our online knowledge base AskUs is available 24/7!
[To the tune of Club Tropicana…] Club Catalyst the books are free, Fun and learning, there’s enough for everyone! All that’s missing is study, But don’t worry, you can bring that!
You will find your print resources (books and a selection of journals) on the first and second floors and self-issue machines here too…as well as two on the ground floor. You can check PC availability or book a study room before you arrive, and discover your perfect study space across the four main floors:
Ground Floor – Social Study
1st Floor – Group Study
2nd Floor – Quiet Study
3rd Floor – Silent Study
It is important to make sure you are also taking effective study breaks – we highly recommend the roof garden (open daily 11am-3pm, weather permitting) for beautiful panoramic views across campus and some mind calming fresh air!
Catalyst itself is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during term time so if you’re an early bird or a night owl there is something for everyone! If you are visiting after hours just remember to bring your UniCard along to swipe access into the building. View current opening hours here…
Making the most of Catalyst support if you’re an Early Bird 🐓
If you’re planning to arrive early on campus, don’t sit in your
car until class begins – be green, turn off your engine and come inside cosy
Catalyst.
Most
important meal: 53.3 Degrees, Catalyst’s fab
coffee shop, is open from 7am every weekday so why not take advantage of a hot
(or cold) breakfast. Throughout the day you can also grab a range of hot and
cold drinks and food, including those all essential study snacks! Tip: their vegan sausage rolls give Greggs a
run for their money!
Get
a head start: Log in and catch up with your emails, check for any module / tutor
updates and prep for your day ahead. You will often be set pre-lesson reading
and it is important to complete this to get the most out of your lectures and
seminars. Use your mornings to familiarise yourself with topics or even do some
wider reading, so you can contribute effectively in your classroom discussions.
Academic Skills Support: If there’s a particular piece of work you’d like some help with, or you need some guidance navigating your reading and research, you can book a UniSkills 1-2-1 appointment weekdays 8am-6pm. Our friendly Academic Skills Advisors are on hand to offer their knowledgeable advice and support on a wide range of academic skills.
Breakfast Club: During key times of the year, you can drop in Tuesday and Thursday mornings 8:15am-8:45am for advice and guidance on all things Careers. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, interested in volunteering, want to know more about the Student Opportunity Fund, or are unsure where to start with graduate job applications – come along for a chat and a free bite to eat!
Find your calm: The Faith and Reflection Room provides a quiet space for reflection, contemplation and prayer for the exclusive use of staff and students at Edge Hill. Open to people of all faiths and none, it offers the opportunity to explore matters of faith and spirituality, or just simply to find your calm before a busy day. You will find the Faith and Reflection Room in the Magnolia Building, next to the Forest Court Halls of Residence.
Making the most of Catalyst support if you’re a Night Owl 🦉
If you’re more productive as the sun goes down 🧛 then here’s
some great tips, activities and support available after hours:
Research, Read and Write: If you find you’re buzzing with ideas after the days classes then why not make a start on your research, reading and assignments. There is lots of academic skills support available 24/7 at ehu.ac.uk/uniskills
You could start by revisiting your lecture / seminar notes to
summarise your key themes, recommended reading or highlight any gaps in your
knowledge you’d like to research further. Quieter evenings lend themselves to
reading and research (especially on the quiet (2nd) and silent (3rd)
floors).
Make an assignment plan, create your search strategy or simply
stop procrastinating and get writing! If you’re nearing submission then
complete your final edits, print it out and proofread before you upload to
TurnitIn.
If you’re not quite ready to knuckle down with your study, or just
need a well-earned break (these are important too!) then there are plenty of
great activities hosted by Catalyst support teams:
Chillout
Tuesdays: meet your Campus Connectors, every other Tuesday evening 5pm-7pm,
in the Catalyst foyer (by the comfy seats!) for chilled-out games, crafts and a
chat!
That Thursday Thing: is the informal weekly meet-up of people who want to meet up with other people. Join in, every Thursday 5pm-7pm, to relax, chat, watch films, play games, listen to music or whatever you fancy doing!
Try Something New: If you fancy trying your hand at 3D printing, or would like to give a new sport a go, look out for TechSkills and Pop-in and Play sessions. Visit the Campus Life Facebook events page for latest updates!
Crack that CV: If you’re unable to attend one of the Careers CV workshops during the day you can book a place on a CV Webinar! Delivered by our exceptional Careers Advisers, the Webinars are a great way to receive information and advice, as well as ask questions, without having to be present.
Other support available in Catalyst…
Of course, there is tonnes of other support available throughout the day in Catalyst too, including…
So, regardless of when you visit don’t be owl by yourself, let us take you under our wing, and help you make the most of Catalyst! In fact, you’d be stork raving mad not to pay us a visit!
As a student in Edge Hill back in 2014, I saw a news article on the Edge Hill website about an amazingly ghostly photograph taken with a pinhole camera, over the course of 312 days, documenting the construction of Creative Edge. The simple camera made from a box with a tiny hole in lieu of a lens, loaded with photographic paper, was left in place on a fence post; enduring all weathers and the construction going on around it to capture the image.
Shortly after the Catalyst Roof garden was opened on the new Library and Learning Services, Student Services and Careers building, giving stunning views across campus and across into Snowdonia, I thought it might be a good idea to try and repeat the process with a pinhole camera on the Catalyst roof.
I contacted Neill Cockwill, Media and Performing Arts Technology Development Manager, who had made the original image to see if it would be possible. Neill was really enthusiastic and supportive of the project and he gave me a crash course on pinhole photography!
Neill Cockwill, Media and Performing Arts Technology Development Manager
The camera could be made from almost any kind of sealed container, so for convenience I recycled three coffee cans and drilled a tiny hole, calculated to allow a clear image to be captured on photographic paper inside the can. These were then situated on the rails on the roof garden, to gather images of the garden over a period of several months, from the start of semester in September 2019 to its end in 2020.
Pinhole Camera in situ
After four months, as the Christmas holidays approached, I decided to take one of the cameras down, to see how successful the project had been so far. On Wednesday 18th December 2019, I carefully removed one of the cans from the rail and dashed over to Neill’s office in Creative Edge. On opening the can we found that water had leaked in, carrying a little rust onto the paper. But to my surprise and delight, the photographic paper had recorded an image of the view from the roof across to Scarth Hill. Neill quickly dried the paper and popped it onto the scanner and reversed and adjusted the image to a positive.
Actual image from pinhole camera
Although the water had damaged the image slightly, the ethereal image of the lake and the corner of Creative Edge appeared, but most importantly, the solography effect caught the passage of the sun across the sky, in beautiful streaks and even caught its reflection in the lake below!
Final processed image – comparison shots below
Final processed image
Comparative view from roof
The two other cameras, capturing views across the roof garden itself will remain in place until the end of the academic year in May 2020. We look forward to sharing more images with you in the new year!
Whilst Catalyst is home to thousands of books and a multitude of journal articles available online, Box of Broadcasts (BoB) is another great resource to help enhance your assignment writing.
BoB contains over 2 million online resources dating back to the 1990s and includes all your favourite channels such as BBC1, BBC2 and Channel 4. TV shows, documentaries and other media formats are great ways to access research if you want to give your reading eyes a break.
With programs dating back over 30 years you can easily
create playlists of topics to suit your needs and analyse trends and patterns
of research to create a wider more informed view that will help in your assignment writing.
Besides assignment writing BoB can also be used to catch up on the latest TV shows and films as well as live programs. Available on all devices you can watch live; request and record and create your own playlists and it perfect for on the go viewing. It even has an easy to search format that helps with academic referencing.
If you’re unsure of how to used BoB it really is simple (especially when you know how), but these helpful video tutorials provide a bit more information on how to make the most of what BoB has to offer: http://bufvc.ac.uk/tvandradio/bob/bob-video-tutorials
So, if you’ve not watched enough festive TV this season why not take a look at what BoB has to offer before you see in the new year!
Maisie Masterman – Student Advisor BSc Primary Education with QTS – 3rd Year
Once you’ve finished your assignment, closed those 300 tabs you’ve had open for days and tidied up the remains of endless coffees and snacks, all you want to do is to upload your work to Turnitin and never see it again. But… you’re not quite finished. There are things to do BEFORE submitting your assignment. Luckily, I’ve put together some tips and tricks for submitting assignments. Trust me, as a fourth year, these are handy!
Check to see
if your references are complete
Depending on what subject you study depends on what referencing style you use. Each referencing style will have their own sets of rules and if used incorrectly, it could lose you a few marks! Make sure you are checking over your references by using a referencing guide – these are available from your My Library tab on Learning Edge. (If you’re struggling with your referencing, you can even book a peer to peer appointment with one of us Student Advisors!)
Use Microsoft
Word’s “Read Aloud” feature
Microsoft Word has a brilliant feature that will read your assignment aloud, helping you to hear where you might’ve made a mistake, or where a sentence is not as clear as you wanted it to be. Make use of this tool! To launch the Read Aloud feature go to Review and locate the Read Aloud feature. Take a look at the Assistive Technology pages for more great support.
Highlight
where you have answered the questions / met the learning outcomes
It
can be easy, especially in essays, to go off topic and start writing about
content that doesn’t answer your topic question. Go through and highlight
places where you have answered your assignment title or question and try to
think of areas where things could be tightened or strengthened.
Check for
incorrect spelling and grammar
Thankfully,
Microsoft Word often does this for you without you having to lift a finger.
However, if you’re like me, you might make spelling or grammatical mistakes
that Word might not pick up. For example, I often use words that are not in the
right place, or use an alternative correct spelling (e.g. there, their,
they’re). Also, make sure that you are avoiding contractions (can’t, shouldn’t,
won’t) and idioms (e.g. at the end of the day).
Check that
the format is correct
Does
your assignment follow the formatting rules for your course? Usually, courses
will outline preferences for the format of assignments, so they look
professional. For example, they might specify a font style, font size, spacing
etc. Check with your module handbook or tutor if you are not sure.
Take a break
If
you have time, leave your assignment for a few days to allow yourself to come
back to it with a clear mind. Looking over your assignments with fresh eyes
will help you notice where you have made mistakes, or where you think your
assignment might need more work.
Look at
previous feedback from tutors
Feedback
from previous assignments is your best way of achieving a better mark. Looking
back over you tutor’s comments and acting upon them will show that you have
developed and improved since your last assignment.
Check your
originality report
Turnitin
will provide you with an originality report that will let you know what
percentage of your assignment is matching other materials. The originality
report shouldn’t be used as a proofreading tool. However, you might want to
have a look through to see if you have referenced all of your quotes and ideas
correctly.
DO NOT LEAVE
UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
Take
this advice from an MA student… submitting your assignment at the last minute
can go awful if Turnitin goes down or is under scheduled maintenance. Make sure
you submit your assignment a few days before the deadline to ensure an easy and
smooth submission.
So…
that’s a wrap on my tips. Of course, there are many more things you could do
before submitting your assignment, but these are the tips I’ve found the most
important.
