Using This Paper Guide Template

Using this Paper Guide template

This template provides you with content and suggestions for your paper’s Paper Guide. This template can be adapted for online delivery. If you have a Stream site consider including the student support information there and remove it from the print guide. Please customise for your students/paper.

While all content can be amended to suit your purpose, there are points within the template where italicised ideas and suggestions are made that will require your input – either to tailor them for your student audience or to delete. These points are marked by the STOP icon, which has been inserted so that the suggestions are not accidentally left in. The icon should also be deleted (click on the icon then press delete).

Automatic Format

This template has been formatted using the automatic Table of Contents feature in Word version 97-2003. To make the contents page reformat and repaginate automatically to suit your amendments, follow these instructions:

 Highlight the existing Table of Contents listings.

 Click on “Update Field” tab on your toolbar. If you don’t have it on your toolbar you can add it by doing the following:  Go to “Customize” in “Tools” on the menu bar.  Under “Categories” go to “All Commands”.  On the right under “Commands” look for “UpdateFields”.  Drag the icon up to your toolbar and close the “Customize” box.

If all else fails, the changes can be made manually!

Teaching Consultants from the Centres for Teaching and Learning are available to assist you with the compilation of your Paper Guide.

We also provide guidance on writing Study Guides for Stream and for print, give feedback on drafts, and advice on the integration of print with Stream.

2013 Version Acknowledgement

This template is based on Writing your administration guide: A handbook for extramural teachers, compiled by Claire McLachlan-Smith, Centre for Extramural Studies, 1998, revised by Teaching Consultants Manawatu Campus. [Paper number]

[Paper name]

Paper Guide

[Author name] [Department]

[Year] Acknowledgement

Include any acknowledgements you’d like to make. (Remember to acknowledge the original designer/writer of the paper if this is relevant)

THIS MATERIAL IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT AND HAS BEEN COPIED BY AND SOLELY FOR THE EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES OF THE UNIVERSITY UNDER LICENCE. YOU MAY NOT SELL, ALTER OR FURTHER REPRODUCE OR DISTRIBUTE ANY PART OF THIS COURSE PACK/MATERIAL TO ANY OTHER PERSON. WHERE PROVIDED TO YOU IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT, YOU MAY ONLY PRINT FROM IT FOR YOUR OWN PRIVATE STUDY AND RESEARCH. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THIS WARNING MAY EXPOSE YOU TO LEGAL ACTION FOR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND/OR DISCIPLINARY ACTION BY THE UNIVERSITY.

Contents

Welcome...... 1 Paper coordinator...... 1 Staff...... 2 The paper...... 3 Prescription...... 3 Pre/co requisites...... 3 Learning outcomes...... 3 Topics...... 4

Study resources...... 5 Paper guide...... 5 Study guide...... 6 Textbooks...... 6 Stream: Your online learning environment...... 7 Contact course...... 8 Block course...... 8 How to approach your study...... 8 Suggested study schedule...... 9 Assessment...... 13 Requirements for completing the paper...... 13 Extensions and late assignments...... 13 Assignment submission...... 14 Academic integrity...... 15 Assignments...... 16 Assignment one: (Title)...... 16 Assignment two: (Title)...... 17 Assignment marking guide and feedback...... 17 References...... 19 Presentation of written work...... 22 Final examination...... 22 Conditions for aegrotat pass and impaired performance...... 23 Grievance procedures...... 23 Appendix 1: Student profile...... 25

Paper Guide i Appendix 2: How to access Stream...... 27 Appendix 3: Massey University Library...... 28 Appendix 4: The writing process...... 31 Writing essays...... 31 Writing reports...... 36 Appendix 5: Supporting your learning at Massey University...... 40 Appendix 6: Feeling overwhelmed?...... 44

ii Paper Guide Welcome

Include a welcome to the paper statement (include the paper number). You may prefer to title this section “Introduction”. The use of the first person will assist you to make your statements appear welcoming and will connect directly with individual students.

Give a general overview of the paper, its position in the programme and components in general terms.

If you are intending to obtain student feedback via MOST (Massey Online Survey Tool) let the students know that you value their feedback and when the survey will be available in Stream.

Suggested length: ¼ – ½ page.

You should begin your study by reading through the administrative and assessment details in this guide to get an overview of the paper content and deadlines.

Paper coordinator

Include an introduction to yourself here. Students are likely to be interested in both your professional and personal interests. Keep it brief and general. Use a conversational style with reference to the writer as “I” Photo – Recommended and the student as “you” for instant student engagement.

Include something about what they can expect from you during the semester – in terms of assistance – when you are available etc.

Suggested length: ¼ – ½ page.

Paper Guide 1 Include contact information.

Phone: Fax: Email: Number to leave messages: Postal address:

Remember to introduce others teaching in the paper and indicate which parts of the paper each staff member has written and is responsible for.

2 Paper Guide The paper

Prescription

Include the prescription.

Pre/co requisites

Include this if this is relevant to your paper.

Learning outcomes

List the general learning outcomes for the paper. These are the learning objectives for the paper, expressed as learning outcomes to indicate what students will have learned on successful completion of the paper.

(E.g. On successful completion of the paper you should be able to:

 Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the investigative interview process, including analysing leads, designing questions, and gathering and organising information  Analyse ethical and legal issues in investigations and in publications  Compile, justify and present a story for publication).

It is recommended that you include the specific learning outcomes for each topic/module within the relevant sections of the study guide.

Paper Guide 3 Topics

Give a brief overview of the topics in the study guide here. You might organise material in key themes (manageable chunks) and then use the suggested timetable, to detail a weekly or topic by topic approach.

4 Paper Guide Study resources

Please note: Changes are proposed for the 2013 delivery method for papers and for the names of guides (yet to be confirmed). These changes are:

1. Whether materials/resources will be printed automatically is determined by what online categories you have indicated for papers. Core study resources will be supplied directly to students for categories “None” and “Paper Guide and Administration”. Resources that can be published in print will be supplied to students who request them for the “Partially Taught Online” and “Fully Taught Online” categories. 2. Administration Guides will be called Paper Guides.

Include in this section what study resources students will receive and how they will access the learning and teaching for the paper.

For example:

Along with this Paper Guide your study resources comprise the essential textbook and the hardcopy study guide, and are supported by a voluntary contact course. There is no online learning environment. or

There are a range of study resources for this paper which are explained in this Paper Guide. The textbook is supplemented by the study guide and book of readings in hardcopy. There is an online learning environment where you will access additional study resources and interact with the class.

Include all or some of the following sections here.

Paper guide

Example This guide gives you an overview of the paper and tells you what study resources you can expect. It covers all the administrative aspects of the paper, including the study schedule, assessment activities and how the paper will be taught.

Paper Guide 5 Study guide

Include what is in this guide. Is it all the resources student need or only some. Does it only include the readings? Indicate how students should use the study guide – what sequence of study do you recommend? What expectations do you have?

Textbooks

Remember to list all required and recommended texts.

Note that required and recommended texts should be ordered for both the library and Bennetts.

Order your textbook from:

Bennetts Book Stores Ltd 2011 Massey University Private Bag 11004 Manawatu Box Lobby Palmerston North 4442

Telephone: (06) 354 6020

Recommended reading

Include a reading list somewhere in the guide, either here or within the topics of the study guide. Remember to check that books in reading lists are available in the library. If not, send a book order to the library. (This is particularly important for under graduate students who are not expected to make use of interloan services).

Internet links

Include useful links to web sites with a short description of why you have recommended them. The date you last accessed them is also helpful as they change regularly.

6 Paper Guide Stream: Your online learning environment

If you are using Stream as a component of your paper please include here an indication of the level of use (e.g. Paper Guide and Administration, Partially Taught Online and Fully Taught Online).

Indicate how students will need to interact with the site. Mention if you are providing quizzes or weekly forum postings where students can get valuable formative feedback.

For example:

This paper makes use of the internet to help create an “online learning environment” via Stream. Stream will normally be available 2 weeks before the beginning of semester for administrative information. Other resources will become available at the beginning of the semester.

Accessing Stream helps you do well in the paper in three ways:

1. Lecturer-to-Student Communication: I will post any important notices, instructions and additional readings that arise on Stream. By checking Stream often you will always know ‘what’s going on’. You will also find I have provided self- assessment exercises to give you feedback on your progress. We highly recommend you make use of these tools.

2. Student-to-Lecturer Communication: I encourage you to communicate with me via Stream if you have any questions. Often these questions alert me to potential areas of confusion that the whole class can benefit from. I aim to respond to your inquiries in a timely manner.

3. Student-to-Student Communication: Stream allows you to communicate with other students via a forum. Post a message introducing yourself to the class.

In the appendices you will find information on how to access Stream.

Paper Guide 7 Contact course

Include information on contact course details (city, campus, dates, times) and the nature of attendance. Let students know what they need to have prepared/completed before attending and what to expect, e.g. outline of programme. Answer these questions for them: Why should I attend? (For many, it is a considerable financial outlay.) What will I get out of it?

Note: The contact course categories are changing for 2013 (check with College DTL). The categories assume contact is synchronous whether it is face to face or online. The categories are:

None In Person – Recommended In Person – Compulsory

Online – Recommended Online – Compulsory

Block course

Include details of block courses (city, campus, dates, times) and nature of attendance (normally compulsory face to face, although it might be a combination of face to face and online). Describe for students what to expect. As this is a comprehensive contact period include a programme and indicate what students are required to have completed prior to attending and bring with them. Indicate if an assessment is to take place during the block course.

How to approach your study

Provide an indication of how the students should use the study materials; what to read first, or ‘pick and mix’ the readings whether from textbook, online and hardcopy; any particular teaching philosophy that is important to the way students tackle the paper. Cover what your expectations for the paper are – this is very important.

8 Paper Guide For example

Each week I suggest you read the study guide then the textbook, followed by additional readings on Stream. The self-assessment exercises will help you see how you are progressing and are an important part of your self-directed study. Post a message or respond to a message for each topic forum.

Suggested study schedule

Include a statement about how you expect students to use their study time. You could include a note re 15 credits in a single semester = 10 hours per week in study related to the paper. A 30 credit single semester paper will require 20 hours of study per week.

Example 1

The schedule below, which follows the internal timetable is only a suggested one. You may prefer to work out your own schedule, one that suits your personal requirements. The main point is to work to some schedule so that you don’t fall behind.

Example 2

This is a 15 credit paper. The following table gives a breakdown of how I envisage you allocating your study time. Although the workload varies a little from week to week, you should allocate about 10 hours a week over the semester. If you are aiming for an A pass you may need to spend more time.

Set reading from textbook, and study guide 78 hours

Self-directed study exercise and quizzes and supplementary resources 20 hours

Online discussion 15 hours

Contact course 7 hours

Assessment 30 hours

TOTAL 150 hours

Paper Guide 9 Semester 1, 2013

Include study weeks, exams weeks, contact or block course dates etc. (Remove Text/Readings column if you don’t wish to use it).

Date Weeks Topic Text/Readings Assignments 25 February 1 4 March 2 11 March 3 18 March 4 25 March 5 1 April EASTER, MID SEMESTER BREAK 8 April 15 April 6 22 April 7 29 April 8 6 May 9 13 May 10 20 May 11 27 May 12 3 June STUDY BREAK FINAL EXAMINATION – ??

10 Paper Guide Semester 2, 2013

Include study weeks, exams weeks, contact or block course dates etc. (Remove Text/Readings column if you don’t wish to use it).

Date Weeks Topic Text/Readings Assignments 15 July 1 22 July 2 29 July 3 5 August 4 12 August 5 19 August 6 26 August STUDY BREAK 2 September 6 September 7 16 September 8 23 September 9 30 September 10 7 October 11 14 October 12 21 October STUDY BREAK FINAL EXAMINATION – ??

Paper Guide 11 Summer School, 2013/14

Include exam week and contact or block course dates. You may wish to remind students Summer School covers a compressed timeframe and that the University will be closed between Christmas and New Year. (Remove Text/Readings column if you don’t wish to use it).

Date Topic Text/Readings Assignments 18 November 25 November 2 December 9 December 16 December

UNIVERSITY CLOSED 22 December – 2 January

Thursday 2 January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27 January 3 February STUDY WEEK FINAL EXAMINATION?

12 Paper Guide Assessment

Thought should be given to the scheduling of assessments and the workload implications for students. This is especially important as students often find they have assignments due in the same week for all their papers.

Summarise assessment requirements in an “at a glance” format.

Assignment Due Date Word Limit Weighting

Final Examination (If appropriate)

Requirements for completing the paper

State the minimum requirements for paper completion. Indicate if assignments will be submitted to Turnitin®, text matching software.

Example

To complete this paper you will need to do three assignments and get a pass mark in all. Due dates for assignments is the date assignments are received by Massey.

Extensions and late assignments

What are your expectations? It is important for students to know this at the beginning of the paper.

Students often have assignments due in or around the same week of semester in all their papers. Providing an element of flexibility helps students manage the competing pressures, especially important for those new to university study.

Include details here.

Paper Guide 13 Assignment submission

Inform students of how you want them to submit assignments (e.g. through Stream or by post) and when and how they can expect to get assignments back. The expected turnaround time is 15 working days. Inform students whether assignments will go through Turnitin (text matching software to check for copying) on uploading into Stream.

(Indicate on the Course diary when the material goes to NSATS how you want students to submit assignments)

Example

Please submit electronic versions of your assignments through Stream. Detailed instructions on how to do this will be provided in Stream closer to the submission dates. On submission into our Stream course all assignments will automatically go into Turnitin®, text matching software, to help deal with any academic integrity issues, such as plagiarism, that may arise. See the information under Academic Integrity later in this guide for more details.

Please post your assignments to:

Assignments Office Massey University Private Bag 11555 Manawatu Box Lobby Palmerston North 4442

Or Fax your assignment to (06) 350 5625

Overseas students only can email assignments to [email protected] using word.doc or rts or pdf format.

Remember to complete all coversheet details.

14 Paper Guide Academic integrity

It is mandatory that any assessment items that you submit during your University study are your own work. Massey University takes a firm stance on academic misconduct, such as plagiarism and any form of cheating.

Plagiarism is the copying or paraphrasing of another person’s work, whether published or unpublished, without clearly acknowledging it. It includes copying the work of other students and reusing work previously submitted by yourself for another paper.

Academic integrity breaches impact on students as it disadvantages honest students and undermines the credibility of your qualification. Massey has purchased a licence to utilise Turnitin®, a text matching web application to assist with the detection of copying. Assignments submitted to Turnitin will be compared with material available on the world wide web including electronic books, journals, newspapers, cheat sites (or paper mills), web pages and previously submitted assignments. Your lecturer will let you know if your assignments are going to be submitted to Turnitin.

Plagiarism, and cheating in tests and exams will be penalised; it is likely to lead to loss of marks for that item of assessment and may lead to an automatic failing grade for the paper and/or exclusion from reenrolment at the University.

Please see the Academic Integrity Guide for Students on the University website for more information. The Guide steps you through the University Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures. For example you will find definitions of academic integrity misconduct, such as plagiarism; how misconduct is determined and managed; and where to find resources and assistance to help develop the skills of academic writing, exam preparation and time management. These skills will help you approach university study with academic integrity.

Paper Guide 15 Assignments

Include all assignments.

Ensure your assignments align with your learning outcomes/objectives for the paper.

Outline details, writing instructions and marking criteria for each assignment. This information will guide students as to the range and scope expected; presentation details (see later section), and marking schedule (see example later). This will encourage students to focus time and attention on the important dimensions of assessment tasks.

Assignment one: (Title)

Due date:

Purpose:

Learning outcome/s being assessed: (as per those stated for the paper)

 

Instructions:

Marking criteria:

16 Paper Guide Assignment two: (Title)

Due date:

Purpose:

Learning outcome/s being assessed: (as per those stated for the paper)

 

Instructions:

Marking criteria:

Assignment marking guide and feedback

Feedback is a very important part of the learning process. Provide an indication of how, when and where you will give feedback associated with assignments. If possible construct assessments that take account of how students have implemented aspects of your feedback in future assignments. Inform students that you will be looking to see how they have used your feedback.

Develop and include a marking guide for each assignment. The guide details how marks will be allocated within assignments, or criteria used for marking. The following marker’s guide is used by many papers with an essay component.

Paper Guide 17 18

(Promising) B/B+ (perceptive) (Flair) A-/A/A+ (scholarly) + +

Few flaws. Virtually flawless presentation

A fuller, more systematic Comprehensive exploration of the exploration of the topic which may topic, with sound critical comment include an attempt at critical and a personal synthesis of the comment or appraisal. Regular issues shown. Detailed support support provided from the from literature, including extra literature. references.

Extra references included. Extra references integrated into argument.

Main points elaborated Critical evaluations Paper Paper Guide Paper Paper Guide Listed below are features of an average acceptable essay (C+/B-). Higher or lower grades will differ in some ways listed. Holistic grading may be based on the features listed under scope of essay.

–+ (Average) C+/B- (competent)

Most presentation details met, PRESENTATION 10% e.g. front page, margin, legibility, citations, A4 paper, due date.

A reasonably balanced discussion of the issues as reflected in the course study materials. Acceptable interpretation of topic, some explanation, illustration and SCOPE OF ESSAY 50% support is provided from the literature.

The text of the essay shows that the course materials have been read and acknowledged. An accurate list of references is attached. EVIDENCE OF READING 10%

Main arguments and conclusions outlined in Introduction. Definitions provided in context, main points discussed in logically sequential paragraphs. Summary STRUCTURE 30% in final paragraphs. 19 20

MARKER’S GUIDE [Paper No.]

– REWRITE OR ‘D’ – (Flawed) C (acceptable)

Major presentation flaws. Presentation errors.

Unreflective, personal comment, Topic not fully covered, discussion incoherent argument, entirely too brief, overuse of quotations, copied, complete misinterpretation with little explanation. Insufficient of topic. support from literature.

No evidence of reading in text of Reading not well incorporated into essay. No acknowledgements or text of essay. Limited bibliography. acknowledgements and light bibliography.

Structure confused, not discernible, Opening paragraph simply restates not explained. the topic. Some major points Paper Paper Guide missed. References

Provide an example of your preferred referencing format and please use this for your referencing style throughout the materials. An APA guideline is given here. We suggest you amend the examples to suit your discipline.

Citing References

The reference system used should enable you to indicate the source of facts and opinions without interrupting the flow of your argument, and it must enable a reader to check and pursue these citations quickly and economically. These guidelines are based on the APA (American Psychological Association) referencing system. APA (2009). Publication manual (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

When a reference is made in the body of the assignment it is sufficient to mention the name of the author, the year of publication, and the page number, e.g.:

“..it has been urged (Kotler, 1986, p. 9) that …”, or “..it has been urged by Kotler (1986, p. 9) that …”

Cite electronic sources as for other texts. Where page numbers are not provided, use the paragraph number, if available, preceded by the paragraph symbol or the abbreviation para. If neither paragraph nor page numbers are visible, cite the heading and the number of the paragraph following it to direct the reader to the location of the material.

“.. Myers (2000, p. 5) believes..,” or “.. (Beutler, 2000, Conclusion section, para. 1)..”

Reference List

All references cited in the text must be reported in full standard bibliographical form under a heading “References” at the end of the assignment.

The references should be arranged alphabetically by author’s surname.

Paper Guide 21 When listing references, all lines except the first should be indented five spaces (typically one tab stop). Note the use of italics (or underlining), capitalisation, punctuation and order of elements. For a book, italics should be used for the title. For journal articles, the title of the journal, and the volume number, should be italicised.

The preferred format for different types of publications is as follows:

Biggs, J.B., & Tang, C. (2007). Teaching for quality learning at university: What the student does (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Open University Press.

Kember, D., & McNaught, C. (2007). Enhancing university teaching: Lessons from research info award-winning teachers. London, Great Britain, New York, NY: Routledge.

Ramsden, P. (1997). The context of learning in academic departments. In F. Martin, D. Hounsell, & N. Entwistle (Eds.). The experience of learning (2nd ed.) (pp. 198-216). Edinburgh, Great Britain: Scottish Academic Press.

Stephenson, J. (Ed.). (2001). Teaching and learning online: New pedagogies for new technologies. London, Great Britain: Kogan Page.

Periodicals

Stein, S., & Walker, R. (2010). Tertiary teachers learning about teaching: Integrating theoretical and practical knowledge. Practice and Evidence of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 5(1), 2-22.

Tait, A.R. (2004). Clinical governance in primary care: A literature review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 13, 723-730.

Battling the stress monster. (1996, June/July). Safeguard, 17-22. N.B. use this style when no author is identified or use (n.a.) where author’s name would usually be, date then title.

22 Paper Guide Occasional publications

Bennett, A. (2007). Recognising and providing for Māori values in water allocation. Unpublished masters thesis. Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Irons, B. (1996, April). Quality study guides. Paper presented at the DEANZ Conference, Queenstown, New Zealand.

Electronic periodicals

Cave, N.J., Bridges, J.P., Cogger, N., & Farman, R.S. (2009). A survey of diseases of working farm dogs in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 57(6), 305- 312.

Pooley, C.G., & Pooley, S. (2010). Constructing suburban identity: Youth, femininity and modernity in late-Victorian Merseyside. Journal of Historical Geography, 36(4), 402-410. doi:10.1016/j.jhg.2010.03.003

Internet

All references begin with the same information that would be provided for a printed source (or as much of that information as possible). The web information is then placed at the end of the reference. It is important to use “Retrieved from” because documents on the web may change in content, move, or be removed from a site altogether.

Zheng, L., & Smaldino, S. (2003). Key instructional design elements for distance education. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education 4(2), 153-166. Retrieved from ERIC database. [Provided by Massey University Library]

Health of older people in New Zealand. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.moh.govt.nz/olderpeople Note: (n.d.) = no date Begin with the title when no author is identified.

Court Reporter. (2002, November 21). Alcohol-fuelled driving appals judge. Manawatu Evening Standard. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/eveningstandard/0,2106,2489959a6502,00.html

Paper Guide 23 Stephens, D. (2003, April 24). Why do some people have such a need for control? [Msg 430]. Message posted to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/abuse-survivors-with- ptsd/message/430

Presentation of written work

 All written work must be submitted on A4 (21 cm x 29.7 cm) sized paper.  Please write on one side of the paper only.  Leave a 4 cm margin on the left-hand side for marker’s comments.  Double-spaced or 1½ line spacings are preferred for both typed and handwritten work.  Your work does not need to be typed, but if you do handwrite it please try to write clearly or print.  Using small handwriting or all capitals is very difficult to concentrate on and follow. Please adjust your style to assist the person who marks your work.  Each page should be numbered in one continuous sequence in the top right-hand corner. Commence numbering from the page following the title page. Print your last name at the top of each page.  All sheets should be stapled together at the top left-hand corner. Do not clip, pin or fold pages to secure them.  Do not embellish the paper with a cover. Put the cover page on top of the work. This should give your full name and local address, your student number, the title, paper coordinator, the paper, assignment number and paper title.

Final examination

As electronic copies of previous exam papers are available online through Massey Library suggest students go there to access past papers. http://kea.massey.ac.nz/screens/exams.html.

Include details for exam coverage, type of questions – short answers, essay type answers, solving problems.

24 Paper Guide Conditions for aegrotat pass and impaired perfo rmance

If you are prevented by illness, injury or serious crisis from attending a compulsory learning experience, an examination or completing an element of assessment (worth 10% or more) by the due date, or if you consider that your performance has been seriously impaired by such circumstances, you may apply for aegrotat or impaired performance consideration. You must apply on the Aegrotat & Impaired Performance Application form available from the Massey University website. The completed form must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a health professional, and/or corroborating evidence.

Grievance procedures

A student who claims that he/she has sustained academic disadvantage as a result of the actions of a University staff member should use the University Grievance Procedures. Students, whenever practicable, should in the first instance approach the University staff member concerned. If the grievance is unresolved with the staff member concerned, the student should then contact the relevant Head of Institute/School/Department or College office for further information on the procedures. The procedures can be found on the University website in the University Calendar.

Paper Guide 25 26 Paper Guide APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Student profile

Please complete this student profile and return it to me at your earliest convenience so that I can get to know you. Attach a photo if you like. The information given is for my personal use only and will not be held in the university files.

Note that at the bottom you have the opportunity to allow information on your phone number, address and email address to be circulated as part of a list to other students (this can help with networking in your area, and give you others to turn to when you’re not sure how your work is going).

Name: ......

Address: ......

Home phone: ...... Work phone: ......

Email address: ......

Occupation: ......

Educational background/qualifications: ......

Previous papers taken at Massey: ......

Interests: ......

Reasons for taking this paper: ......

Paper Guide 25 [Delete this if there is no contact or block course] Any particular issues you would like to study this year or at the contact course? ......

Any other comments that you would like to add about yourself (including, for example, learning difficulties that you may face …): ......

I am willing to have my name and the following contact details circulated to other students enrolled in this offering of the paper:

address phone number email address

Signed: ...... Date: ......

Please return this form to me ASAP.

[Include your postal details]

26 Paper Guide Appendix 2: How to access Stream

You can access Stream via any computer connected to the internet. If you have an internet connection at home or elsewhere, you can access the Stream site for this paper at any time. It is also possible to access the online environment from work (seek permission first if from work as there may be access issues, e.g. firewall protection), friends’ computers, libraries or similar public access points such as internet cafes.

You can access Stream from the Massey homepage (through 1 or 2 shown above) or directly at http://stream.massey.ac.nz.

Paper Guide 27 Appendix 3: Massey University Library

The Library provides resources and help to support your study. Please contact us if you need help finding information or requesting Library material.

Phone: 0800 MASSEY (0800 627 739) ask for the Library OR call direct +64 6 350 5670 ext. 2880

Email: [email protected]

There are three key ways to access Library help and resources while studying at a Distance:

 Distance Library Service – our delivery system especially for you  Library Website – access to our resources and services  Visiting the Library in person – make the most of any visits to campus

Distance library service

The Distance Library Service delivers course-related Library materials to students who are eligible (students studying predominantly distance or block mode courses in a semester). For information about using the Distance Library Service, see The Library for Distance Learning section of our website (http://library.massey.ac.nz). If you are uncertain about your eligibility please contact the Distance Library Service.

We will:

 Send books to you and provide access to journal articles. Note: The Library must comply with the Copyright Act which restricts the amount that can be copied or scanned (normally one chapter or article, or 10 percent from any one publication).  Help you to find information that you need for your study.  Teach you how to use databases and resources effectively to do your own research. o Undergraduate students get help from professional librarians over the telephone (use the 0800 number), email or live via the Internet. We will talk

28 Paper Guide you through finding articles, books and other research on your topic. o Postgraduate students book a Research Consultation. This is training with a subject specialist librarian and can be by telephone, email or live via the Internet.

Details and Contacts are available on The Library for Distance Learning section of the website.

Studying outside New Zealand? We will supply materials to help you with your studies, but there may be some restrictions. Please contact us for more information or look for the Services to Offshore students part of the Library for Distance Learning pages.

When you are using the Library from a distance it is especially vital to plan ahead to allow plenty of time just in case the material or assistance you need is not immediately available.

Library website (http://library.massey.ac.nz)

You can use the Library website to find resources by:

 searching Discover – search across our physical collections and a large proportion of our electronic resources (article databases, e-journals, e-books and more) – so you get both books and a selection of articles and other resources in the one search.  searching the Catalogue (using Encore or Classic) to find and request books, theses, DVDs and other items held at any of the Massey Libraries.  using Subject Guides – a quick way to the key resources in your subject area  searching individual Article Databases to find journal and newspaper articles on a topic. This will provide access to our full range of databases.  printing copies of past exam papers – sorry we don’t have the answers!

You can also log in to your MyLibrary record to check your due dates, renew your books, view your reading history and request items from the Catalogue.

There are request forms on the website to request resources and help – look under the Quick Links for Forms.

For advice on finding information see the How to Find section. These pages include

Paper Guide 29 onscreen demonstrations of key information skills that will help you get started. As well as The Library for Distance Learning page, use The Library for Undergraduates or Postgraduates (whichever is appropriate), Subject Guides, Article Databases, and check out our blog Library Out Loud (LOL), follow us on Twitter or Facebook for the latest news from us.

Using the library in person

You’re welcome at any of the Massey Campus Libraries – in Albany, Palmerston North and Wellington. Services available from these libraries include Information Desks where you can get help in using Library resources, research consultations for postgraduate students and EndNote support, access to computers and photocopiers, wireless network from your laptop (setup is required). All Massey libraries provide help and support, but not all resources are held in every Library.

All the details about our libraries, including opening hours, locations and services are available on the Library website, under About Us.

When you are visiting, why not take advantage of our professional help (at the Information Desks) or if you are a postgraduate, book a Research Consultation with a subject specialist Librarian. Details are on The Library for Postgraduates page.

EndNote

EndNote is specialised software for organising the research and articles you find. It allows you to:

1. Create, store, and manage your references 2. Import and store references from electronic databases 3. Annotate, sort and search your references 4. Create bibliographies instantly in a variety of bibliographic styles 5. Insert citations into your Microsoft Word documents.

See the Library’s EndNote webpage (under Quick Links on the website) for further information on ordering the software, and our training and help materials.

30 Paper Guide Paper Guide 31 Appendix 4: The writing process

Include assignment writing guidelines here. The sample essay and report writing guidelines included here may be appropriate for your paper.

Writing essays

If your research has been thorough you will be in a good position to move on to writing your essay.

The structure of an essay

An essay is generally made up of three elements: Introduction, Body and Conclusion. The Introduction and Conclusion each make up about 5-10% of the total essay, while the evidence paragraphs (the body) make up the remainder.

 The Introduction should briefly outline your argument or thesis and/or give your overall position on the topic.

 The Body may be made up of two or more supporting statements, followed by sentences which develop these ideas with evidence.

 The Conclusion is a summarising statement which leads to a final broad statement on the implications or significance of your argument.

32 Paper Guide Paper Guide 33 Opening sentences are broad and general, gradually focusing the reader Introduction on to the topic and finally on to the proposition. 5-10% of total paper

Proposition: Main idea of the essay, summarising the whole point of the essay.

First topic sentence

*Paragraph 1

Sentences developing first topic sentence (definition, explanation, evidence, illustration)

Second topic sentence

*Paragraph 2

Sentences developing second topic sentence

Third topic sentence

*Paragraph 3

Sentences developing third topic sentence

Statement relating back to the conclusion of the previous paragraph

Conclusion 5-10% of total paper Summary leading to a final broad statement on the implications or significance of your argument. *These are all argument paragraphs

Paragraphs

A topic sentence should be used at the beginning of each paragraph. Its purpose is to introduce one idea which is then developed in the rest of the paragraph by:

 explanation  examples  proof  reasons

34 Paper Guide Length

An essay paragraph should not be longer than about 200 words. As a general rule most essay paragraphs have three to 10 sentences.

Make sure you always develop arguments adequately.

Writing the essay

There are five stages in writing an essay.

1. Write an essay plan

Using the essay structure shown above, you should be able to plot a broad essay plan in outline form.

 The introduction: In the briefest way note down the main point, central proposition or argument.

 Main points: Note the main points which support your central idea. At undergraduate level you should be able to identify three to five main points, depending on the kind of essay. Each point will form a separate paragraph.

 Conclusion: Your conclusion should repeat the argument or central idea and summarise the findings or arguments presented by the main points.

2. Draft

Following a broad essay plan will make it easier to write a draft. Never try to write an essay neatly without at least one or two drafts. Few people are good enough writers to be able to produce a well structured essay in one sitting. Try to write as quickly as you can. Don’t think about sentence structure, grammar or spelling at this stage.

Paper Guide 35 3. Revise

Take a break between writing the draft and writing the final version of the essay. This will allow you to disengage from your own writing and evaluate it critically. The things to look out for when revising your draft are:

 Has the question been answered?  Are the central ideas clearly expressed and well supported by your main points?  Is there a logical thought flow from beginning to end?  Is the essay about the right length?

4. Edit

Before you write your final version there are some things you should check first.

 Does each paragraph have a topic sentence and a single subject?  Does sentence length vary?  Is your spelling correct?  Have you avoided using sexist language?  Have you used the first or third person correctly and consistently?  Are your quotes or citations properly integrated into your work? Have you distinguished between your ideas and the ideas of other writers?

5. Write final version

You are now ready to write a final version. I prefer work to be typed on A4 paper. If this option is not available to you, make sure your writing is legible. Markers hate struggling to decipher bad handwriting. Follow the guidelines in the “Presentation of written work” section in this guide.

… and finally TAKE A COPY! Assignments occasionally get lost so a backup copy is always a good bet.

36 Paper Guide Essay checklist

Please check to make sure you have included the following important elements of a good essay.

Introduction

 Does the essay have an introductory paragraph, e.g. the purpose of this essay is to …?  Does your introduction restate the topic and outline your main arguments and conclusions?  From your introduction will your reader understand what your essay is about?

 Do your ideas introduced in each paragraph relate to the essay topic?  Do your ideas proceed logically?  Have you defined terms which have a special meaning?  Are the statements you make supported by what you have read – theory, research …?  Have you written in full sentences?  Does your information come from at least three different books or articles?  If you have used someone else’s idea, have you acknowledged this by citing their name and the date of publication?  If you use an author’s idea in your essay, is their name in your List of References?  If you have used an author’s name in your List of References have you cited their work in your essay?

Conclusion and presentation

 Do you have a conclusion?  Does your conclusion summarise what you have discussed in your essay?  Are you within the word limit?  Have you proofread your essay for spelling errors, punctuation and readability?  Have you included a List of References?  Does your essay have a completed cover sheet?

Paper Guide 37 Writing reports

The following structure can be used for report writing at university level or for report writing in a professional business situation. The principles for research, drafting, editing and rewriting your report are the same as those for essay writing. The only difference is the overall structure.

The core structure of a report has six sections which can be arranged either deductively or inductively, depending on specific requirements. A deductive style is used if you want to present the findings first and the discussion last. Employ the inductive style if you want to lead readers through your argument and convince them of your position.

Deductive Inductive

 Title page  Title page  Introduction  Introduction  Conclusions (Recommendations)  Discussion  Discussion  Conclusions (Recommendations)  References  References

38 Paper Guide Additional possible requirements

In some situations you would be expected to add the following additional sections as follows:

Covering letter/memo Title page Executive summary Table of contents

Introduction Conclusions (Recommendations) Basic Structure Discussion (deductive approach) References

Appendices

 Covering letter/memo is used when a report is going to several readers  Executive summary is for senior management to get a quick overview of the report findings  Appendices provide detailed information for the specialist reader.

Covering letter/memo

 Use a memo if the reader is in the same organisation and a covering letter if not  Identify topic  Identify person who commissioned the report  Acknowledge assistance  Indicate willingness to provide additional information.

Title page

 Title of report  Name of person submitting the report  Name of person to whom the report is being submitted  Date of submission  Paper title and number.

Paper Guide 39 Executive summary

This is used when writing a report in a business context. It summarises the aims, objectives and main findings of the report. It provides a quick overview for the senior manager who does not have time to read the whole report.

Table of contents

Use if the report is longer than six pages.

Introduction

 Briefly details the context and subject of the report  Defines the objectives of the report  Outlines the scope of the investigation  Indicates the broad conclusion reached by the report  Comments on any limitation of the report and assumptions made.

Conclusion

 Relates to the objectives detailed in the introduction  Is a list of numbered points  Shows major conclusions first  Is short but identifies major issues.

Recommendations

 Suggest an action  Are related to discussion and conclusion  Are numbered  Are arranged in order of importance  Are brief.

Discussion

 Explains your conclusions  Justifies your recommendations  Presents evidence for your conclusions

40 Paper Guide  Shows effects of current situations and potential benefits from your recommendations  Is divided into numbered sections with headings  Cites any theoretical arguments which support your position.

References

You will need to provide references in a consistent style for the preferred method used by your department or paper coordinator.

Appendices

 Provide detailed information for specialised people  Relate clearly to the report  Are listed in the contents  Are numbered and have a title.

Paper Guide 41 Appendix 5: Supporting your learning a t Massey University

Whether you are; a distance or internal student, first year or postgraduate, a high achiever or just scraping by, Massey University is committed to helping you reach your full learning potential.

During your studies, you may want to explore effective ways in dealing with the following:

 planning essays and reports  assignment structure and format  using and referencing sources  using Stream to its full effect  enhancing study skills  effective time management strategies  reading and note-taking  exam preparation  postgraduate level writing  inclusive and accessible learning resources

Support is available to help you to advance and further develop your skills in academic writing.

 OWLL (Online Writing and Learning Link) Website The Online Writing and Learning Link is a centralised website for academic writing and study resources. It allows all Massey students to access an extensive range of resources about study skills, assignment writing, avoiding plagiarism, exam skills, FAQs and how to navigate your way through Stream. Utilise the useful tools such as APA interactive and the Assignment Planning calculator. Go to http://owll.massey.ac.nz for more information.

 Academic Support Request Form A web-based Academic Support Request form is located within the OWLL website. Distance students can submit requests, ranging from help about writing assignments to effective ways of learning in the university setting. It does not give specific

42 Paper Guide content based assistance. Consultants will respond to these requests by the following business day. Go to http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic_support.html

 Online Assignment Pre-reading Service If your primary mode of study is distance or if you are an internal student within your first eight papers at Massey, you are entitled to utilise the online assignment pre-reading service. You can submit up to two assignments per semester to Writing Consultants for review and advice related to the structure, focus, style, presentation, and use of outside sources before the assignment is submitted for marking to your lecturer. The turnaround time is three working days. To submit your assignment, go to the Academic Writing and Learning Support course on Stream or contact pre- [email protected]

 Fax or Post Service If any student cannot access the online pre-reading service, a draft assignment can be sent by post or fax to the Manawatu campus. Consultants post back faxed and mailed assignments, so please include a postal address. Faxed and mailed assignments are usually return mailed within 5 working days.

 Academic Q + A To ask any question related to the academic skills of writing, researching, referencing or to see what other students have asked and read the answers, go to the Academic Q + A discussion board which can be found on the Academic Writing and Learning Support course on Stream. A Learning Consultant from the Centre for Teaching and Learning will answer all questions within 24 working hours and other students will often contribute too.

 Internal Individual Appointments You can make an appointment to discuss either study skills, using Stream effectively or the review of an assignment with a Learning/Writing Consultant. Make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

 Workshops Each campus offers a series of workshops to cater to the wide genre of students ranging from first year students to postgraduates. Students will be able to participate in on presentations that cover strategies for writing assignments to effective time management. Students can also attend these workshops off-campus

Paper Guide 43 from wherever they are in the country. For information go to http://owll.massey.ac.nz/about-OWLL/online-workshops.php

 Writing and Study Skills Handouts A large collection of handouts on topics ranging from the correct way of referencing to effective exam strategies is available. View these online at http://owll.massey.ac.nz or request a hard copy if you do not have Internet access.

Centre for Teaching and Learning have created an Academic Writing: A Guide to Tertiary Level Writing booklet which is also downloadable free from the OWLL website. If you would like a hard copy, you can purchase it for $5.00 from Centre for Teaching and Learning, Manawatu.

 On-Campus Days These are offered in Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch on the Saturday before semester starts. Students not only have access to sessions focused on time management, reading and notetaking, researching and writing assignments and referencing but also have the opportunity to get further information from lecturers from the Colleges and consultants specialising in Stream and post-graduate work. The On-Campus days are organised by Centre for Teaching and Learning, Manawatu campus. For further information go to: http://owll.massey.ac.nz/regionalworkshops_ex.html

 Staff supporting your learning at Massey Various staff members who work in the Centre for Teaching and Learning have specialist skills in the areas of learning, postgraduate, writing, Pasifika, ESOL, disability and transitional. To book an appointment to utilise their services see below.

Centre for Teaching and Learning Manawatu Campus (Distance and Manawatu internal students) For any queries regarding any of the services mentioned above, please contact: Phone: +64 6 3502251 Fax: +64 6 3505760 Email: [email protected] Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm Location: Manawatu Campus Student Centre – Level 2

44 Paper Guide Centre for Teaching and Learning – Auckland Campus For all Auckland students who would like to book an appointment to see an advisor, please contact: Phone: +64 9 414 0800 extn 9143 Email: [email protected] Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm Location: Albany Campus Room, SC1.18. Lower Level Study Centre Building East Precinct

Centre for Teaching and Learning Wellington Campus For all Wellington students who would like to book an appointment to see an advisor, please contact:

Phone: +64 4 801 5799 extn 624498 Email: [email protected] Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm Location: Wellington Campus Block 5, Ground Floor (level A) Entrance E, Tasman Street, Wellington

The Extramural Students’ Society (EXMSS) is your distance student support organisation. EXMSS services include scholarships, financial assistance in times of hardship, advocacy support, events, communication with other students, subsidized shuttles to contact courses and much more. To connect with EXMSS, your student society, go to www.exmss.org

Disability Services have offices and staff on the Albany, Manawatu (Turitea) and Wellington Campuses of Massey University. For any enquiries, please contact 0800 Massey (0800 627 739) and ask to be put through to Disability Services or email: [email protected].

Paper Guide 45 Appendix 6: Feeling overwhelmed?

Are you…

 Having doubts, sudden feelings of incompetence?  Having awful realisations of time running out?  In other words, thinking of withdrawing?

Before you do, ask yourself…

 Will I regret this later?  Will I feel better after a cup of coffee/the baby has gone to sleep/the weather has improved?  Do I really have to decide now?  Should I write to or phone my paper coordinator?

Tell yourself…

 I’ve got this far, I might as well finish.  I have the right kind of reasons to ask for an extension of time for the assignment.  I could even send in a draft outline if I am confused and don’t know if I’m on the right track.  There are people around who can help if I ask.

 Talk about it with your paper coordinator. Often students withdraw because, working in isolation, they do not realise that other students are having the same problems and in fact, compared to others, they are doing very well. Make contact and find out how you are going, and what suggestions the paper coordinator can make to help you. Discuss withdrawing with your family, your employer and others important to you.  Get on with what needs to be done now (leave future tasks to the future).

46 Paper Guide If after all that you find you have no alternative but to withd raw then …

 Check the Distance Learning Handbook. Note what date you need to withdraw before if you don’t wish to have the paper recorded as a failure.

 Please contact Massey University at 0800 MASSEY or email [email protected] to withdraw. But contact me too, if you possibly can. I am interested to hear what your problems have been, and whether there is some way I can make it possible for you to take this paper again in a future year.

The only way you can be withdrawn or change your course is to notify the Enrolment Office. Writing to the paper coordinator or tutor does not affect your withdrawal.

Paper Guide 47 48 Paper Guide