Organisation

It is important to start by getting yourself organised, which includes:

  • Setting up systems for organising information so you don’t lose your files (tools available e.g. OneNote, Evernote, or Google Keep).
  • Allocating time for all stages of the assignment. Schedule study hours into your calendar.
  • Getting started early. Don’t leave your assignment to the last minute and aim for the draft submission deadline.
  • Creating a good study environment and avoiding distractions (tools available e.g. Offtime and Flipd)
  • Prioritising tasks, for example using the Eisenhower Matrix:
Urgent Not Urgent
Important Do: Do it now Decide: Schedule a time to do it
Not Important Delegate: Who can do it for you? Delete: Eliminate it

The Assignment Brief

This is the most important document for your success:

1. Task

  • Read the assignment brief carefully! Ensure you understand the task.
  • Discuss it with your peers, tutors, and the ACE Team.

2. Info

  • Gather all the information that you need to answer the brief.
  • Spend time reading and highlighting important/interesting ideas.

3. Outline

  • Make a rough outline of your assignment using the brief to guide you.
  • Make notes about each section as you think of ideas.

4. Write

  • You don’t have to write from start to finish. This process is iterative.
  • Don’t be afraid to edit, delete, and rearrange sections as you go.

Review

  • Revisit the brief multiples to make sure your work is on track.
  • Check the assessment criteria to ensure you are aiming for top marks

Finding your Thread

There are many ways to help you find direction in your writing:

  • Diver writers: 
Just start writing and find your thread as you go.
  • Patchwork writers:
 Work on several sections concurrently, then connect, remove, resequence material.
  • Grand plan writers:
 Read, digest, then write according to a mental sense of direction.
  • Architect writers: 
List ideas and points, perhaps in a mind map (tools available e.g. Padlet, Miro, Canva), before they start to write.

(Creme and Lea, 2008, p. 73 – 76)

Top tips for when you’re stuck

  1. Read the brief again
  2. Speak to a peer, tutor or ACE
  3. Do more reading
  4. Move on to another section.

References

Creme, P. and Lea, M. (2008): Writing at university. [3rd edn.] Maidenhead: Open University Press.