Overview 1: What is expected of you as a student
As a student here at Kings College London you will be expected to be able to produce clear, unambiguous written work that meets the requirements. This might include
- written assignments - essays,
- projects,
- reports,
- exam essays,
- critical reflective accounts,
- accreditation claims,
- or maybe written articles for a wider audience, through publication of your work.
You need to be self-critical and receptive to constructive feedback about your written work [see interpreting feedback]. This means developing an independent approach to your writing by working at it regularly. Frequent, regular practice is the best way. Also, you will improve by making use of the guidance and support offered by teaching staff (particularly your personal tutor), peer-support, experts who are willing to share their know-how and writing tips, and especially through thinking hard about your own learning.
Students often share with us their delight at their success with their written assignments and receiving a good pass grade. What is the secret to their success?
"Getting started early and using available resources effectively."
" Pacing myself. I try to write in stages knowing that I won't have just one draft but several and I constantly refer to the learning outcomes for the course. This also helps me to keep me focused ."
" I sought guidance from my course lecturers on the appropriate writing style. I was pleased that I was able to use my own experiences from practice and include my own thoughts and feelings. I did not forget however that I was still expected to be critical and include analysis of published material."
These students are keen to read the written feedback provided and pick out the descriptive words and phrases that have been used by the marker/s to support the mark/grade awarded - [see interpreting feedback].
Examples of positive feedback from markers:
"Clearly defined key terms and concepts"
"There is clear evidence of effective integration of theory and literature to support the discussion."
"The style of writing used demonstrates the use of short, sharp, meaningful words and there is a lack of repetition and ambiguity."
"The writing style is clear, flowing and easy to read."
"A good degree of self-evaluation is demonstrated within the critical reflective account. A clear rationale for their actions/behaviour has been provided and explored."
Successful students note any additional suggestions for development of their writing style and refer to the written records of academic feedback given to them by the staff concerned on their assignments. They can refer to these records again and again and use the comments to improve their written work in the future.
Next: What are the key elements of a good essay?
