As we start trimester two, getting into the swing of that first university assignment can seem a bit daunting. Don’t worry, the Library is here to help you navigate this challenge with four key steps to getting started.
1. Understand your assignment:
To understand your assignment, make sure to thoroughly read and understand your assessment. This can be done by checking the details in your course profile to identify:
- due date
- word count
- formatting guidelines, for example the referencing style
If anything is unclear, make sure to work with your fellow students and ask your academic team for clarification.
2. Break down the topic
Once you understand what is required, you can work on examining your topic by:
- highlighting directive/topic/limiting words eg. ‘Discuss’, ‘Synthesise’
- brainstorming ideas and breaking the task down into questions.
This process will help you focus your research and help you stay on track.
3. Finding resources
From your previous break down of the topic, use key words to create a search statement. From there you can successfully navigate the Library catalogue and evaluate what you will use in your assignment by their currency, relevance, authority, accuracy and purpose.
Hot tip – check out your Library subject guides to see topic specific resources such as academic databases, journals and books. For physical resources, you can place a hold on the item and borrow it from one our campus libraries.
4. Referencing
Citing and referencing your sources is crucial in maintaining academic integrity. It allows you to:
- support your arguments with evidence
- acknowledge the work of others
- avoid plagiarism.
The Library offers workshops on all steps of the assignment process so check out our upcoming events calendar or book a one-on-one session with our helpful Library specialists.
