Writing With a Point—Part 3: Literature Reviews in the Humanities Posted on September 22, 2014 by Richard NewtonLiterature reviews offer a chance to experiment with drawing connections. They train students to attentive to what previous research has said. Like a jazz musician, the seasoned learner knows when to hold ponderous silence, when to harmonize, when to bring some dissonance, and when to breakout with a solo. Ultimately, the literature review is an exercise in active listening….
Writing With a Point—Part 2: The Annotated Bibliography 2.0 Posted on September 15, 2014 by Richard NewtonFew things are sadder than the student who cites a work without the foggiest idea of the author’s argument or its relevance to a discourse. To help my undergraduates clarify the reading process, I have them keep an annotated bibliography of course materials and independent research. “Isn’t that a little much?” Here’s the thing. If a student is going to read something for me, I want them to at least get the point of what they’ve read….
Writing With a Point—Part 1: Calculating Introductions Posted on September 8, 2014 by Richard NewtonAs far as I’m concerned, STEM education is not the enemy, it’s one of our best allies. In my experience, students with STEM backgrounds have an easier time at transitioning from descriptive writing to critical writing. Their theses are clearer; their questions, more profound; their topics, beautifully honed. The difference lies in the logic undergirding the scientific method. STEM students hold that a good topic is a defined topic. They presume that a good question is an answerable question. And they maintain that a good thesis is a valid thesis. Once they perceive how all three are functions of each other, they can calculate introductions with this in mind….
The Last Thesis Proposal Guide Your Students Will Ever Need Posted on March 3, 2020 by Richard Newton Pssss…over here. Are you thinking about or currently advising a student thesis project? If so, did you give your student a list of what should be included in their thesis proposal? No student in the history of the world has refused such a list. And even though the list makes advising a whole lot more productive, I bet you can name some profs who have been holding out. At the request of frustrated students everywhere, I’ve created a little guide for you to revise and share as you deem fit.