UNV 104 Week 1 Assignment Brainstorming and Beginning Research Worksheet
UNV 104 Week 1 Assignment Brainstorming and Beginning Research Worksheet
Access and complete the “Brainstorming and Beginning Research Worksheet” assignment.
To assist you with this assignment, be sure to review the “The Writing Process” media; this is a great resource for you to use as you create your essay throughout the course.
Access and complete the “Brainstorming and Beginning Research” worksheet. This assignment will walk you through the writing process steps of choosing a topic, brainstorming techniques, research strategies, and research.
Submit the completed assignment to the final assignment drop box by the end of Topic 1 (Sunday, by 11:59pm, Arizona Time).
Name:
Course:
Date:
Instructor:
Expository Essay: Brainstorming and Beginning Research
Before you begin any writing assignment, it is often necessary to complete several “pre-writing” activities necessary for completing your expository essay including selecting a topic, brainstorming, research strategies, and research. Follow the instructions to complete these pre-writing activities. Make sure you complete all sections of this worksheet.
Part 1: Select a Topic – Pick One
Below are lists of essay topics to use for the expository essay please highlight/bold your topic choice so your instructor will know your selection.
1. Three services Veterans need to successfully return to civilian life
2. Three characteristics of good leaders
3. Three ways bullying can negatively impact children
4. Three ways technology can impact communication
5. Three issues found in a large classroom
6. Three services the Christian church can provide the community
Part 2: Brainstorming Strategies
Read: Topic 1 Lecture.
Review: “Invention: Finding Your Ideas” section of “The Writing Process” media piece:
https://lc.gcumedia.com/unv104/the-writing-process/index.html
Complete: In box 1, use the brainstorming method of “Free Writing”.
Brainstorm Method: Free Writing:
Set a timer for 10 minutes and complete your free write brainstorm activity in this box to show your work.
Part 3: Research Strategies – Key Words & Phrases
Step 1: Pull keywords that were generated from your brainstorming activity in part 2. These keywords need to pertain to the topic selected from part 1.
Step 2: Combine keywords to come up with Boolean search terms. Boolean Search Possibilities: Boolean search terms utilize AND phrases and is covered on page 15 of the course eBook.
An example table is provided below to demonstrate how you should complete this. Please do not use any part of the example as part of your own table.
Example Tables
Keywords pulled from brainstorming Boolean: Phrases from Keywords
1. Online Learning 1. Online Learning AND Education
2. Student Success 2. Online Learning AND Student Success
Keywords pulled from brainstorming
Boolean: Phrases with Keywords – Boolean search terms utilize AND phrases. This is covered on page 15 of the course eBook
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
Part 4: Define Sub-topics
State three potential sub-topics you want to write about based on the topic you selected in Part 1. Subtopics are the main ideas you plan to use to explain your chosen topic.
1. Sub-topic 1:
2. Sub-topic 2:
3. Sub-topic 3:
Part 5: Navigating the GCU Online Library
Overview: The GCU Library will be a vital resource for you during your academic career. The Library contains a wealth of resources that will help you find, research, and broaden your understanding on any given topic. Learning to correctly use resources to support your writing is an essential component of your academic success.
Before starting this section, review the short walk-through tutorial on the GCU Library. http://tutorials.gcumedia.com/mediaElement/library-walk-through-tutorial/library-walk-through-tutorial-v1.1.php
Step 1: How to Access the Library
There are a number of ways to access the library’s website; here is one path to reach the Library Research & Resources page:
Please click on the following link: http://library.gcu.edu/
Question 1: On the Library Research & Resources Page, list three ways in which you can contact the library for assistance if needed. If at any point, you find yourself searching more than 15 minutes with no results: STOP and contact a librarian.
1.
2.
3.
Step 2: Finding Journal Articles
For this section, you will be searching using LopeSEARCH. LopeSEARCH is a federated search that allows you to search many databases across many subjects with one search. Follow the instructions below to access and begin searching in LopeSEARCH.
1. On the Library Research & Resources page, click the link Find Journal Articles.
2. Under the LopeSEARCH type in your first Boolean Search Phrase. This should include your main topic and one of the subtopics you created in Part 4. Check the box beside Peer Reviewed and click SEARCH
3. Sign in if prompted, using your GCU Username and password.
Question 2: Provide the title of the first journal article that is listed in the results.
Step 3: Article Details
In addition to the actual full text of the article, the databases will provide valuable information about an article. You will see things such as authors, source, subject terms, and abstract. The abstract is a brief summary of the article you found.
1. Click on the title of the first article you found in Step 2.
2. Scroll down this page and find the Article Abstract.
Question 3: Copy and paste the abstract from the article you have found in the space below AND explain how an abstract is valuable to your research process and how it will save you time.
Step 4: Permanent and Persistent Links
Databases are designed as powerful searching tools; unfortunately, this means the website link located at the top of any page in a database is temporary and is based on your search at the time. Should you try to save that link as a bookmark or copy and paste it to use at a later time, it will not work. However, the databases have links that are tied directly to the articles you find. Follow the steps below to find the permalink (persistent, durable link, or document URL) to the article you accessed in Step 2.
1. On the same page where you found the abstract, look to the right for the Tools column.
2. Click on the link that says Permalink.
3. A box will pop up above the article title with a permanent link.
Question 4: Copy and paste the permalink to the article you have found in the space below AND explain why a permalink could be an important item to copy.
Step 5: Using Library Databases to Cite Articles
Another important option under the tool bar is the Cite button. In academic writing, citing your sources is very important. It will tell your reader that the information that you are using is the property of someone else. It will also show your reader exactly where you found this information and how to access this information again. This is a necessary step in avoiding academic dishonesty issues like plagiarism.
Note: Remember, GCU Style required for your undergraduate coursework is a simplified version of APA. It is possible for there to be errors in the reference citations available in the GCU Library database, so check the GCU style manual located in the Student Success Center: The Writing Center to ensure your reference is properly formatted.
1. On the same page where you found the abstract look to the right for the Tools column.
2. Click on the link that says Cite.
3. A box will pop up above the article title with different citation styles.
Question 5: Copy and paste the APA reference you have found from the article in the space below. According to the GCU Style Guide, where should you include this information in your essay?
Part 6: Gather Resources
Step 1: Go to the GCU Library website and start a search for peer-reviewed journal articles.
• On the Library Research & Resources page, click the link Find Journal Articles.
• Under the LopeSEARCH type in your first Boolean Search Phrase. This should include your main topic and one of the subtopics you created in Part 4. Check the box beside Peer Reviewed and click SEARCH
• Sign in if prompted, using your GCU Username and password.
Step 2: Complete the table below using the 3 most relevant peer-reviewed journal articles you found on the topic chosen from part 1.
An example table is provided below to demonstrate how you should complete this portion. Please do not use any part of the example as part of your own table.
Example
Peer-reviewed article 1 Title of Resource: Factors influencing adult learners’ decision to drop out or persist in online learning. Boolean terms/ Keywords Used: Online Learning AND Student Success
Permalink http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=44785109&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Abstract The number of adult learners who participate in online learning has rapidly grown in the last two decades due to online learning’s many advantages. In spite of the growth, the high dropout rate in online learning has been of concern to many higher education institutions and organizations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether persistent learners and dropouts are different in individual characteristics (i.e., age, gender, and educational level), external factors (i.e., family and organizational supports), and internal factors (i.e., satisfaction and relevance as sub-dimensions of motivation). Quantitative data were collected from 147 learners who had dropped out of or finished one of the online courses offered from a large Midwestern university. Dropouts and persistent learners showed statistical differences in perceptions of family and organizational support, and satisfaction and relevance. It was also shown that the theoretical framework, which includes family support, organizational support, satisfaction, and relevance in addition to individual characteristics, is able to predict learners’ decision to drop out or persist. Organizational support and relevance were shown to be particularly predictive. The results imply that lower dropout rates can be achieved if online program developers or instructors find ways to enhance the relevance of the course. It also implies that adult learners need to be supported by their organizations in order for them to finish online courses that they register for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
APA Reference Park, J., & Hee Jun, C. (2009). Factors influencing adult learners’ decision to drop out or persist in online learning. Journal Of Educational Technology & Society, 12(4), 207-217.
Peer-reviewed Article 1
Title of Resource: Boolean terms/ Keywords Used:
Permalink
Abstract
APA Reference
Peer-reviewed Article 2
Title of Resource:
Boolean terms/ Keywords Used:
Permalink
Abstract
APA Reference
Peer-reviewed Article 3
Title of Resource:
Boolean terms/ Keywords Used:
Permalink
Abstract
APA Reference
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS
Discussion Questions (DQ)
Initial responses to the DQ should address all components of the questions asked, include a minimum of one scholarly source, and be at least 250 words.
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Successful responses are substantive (i.e., add something new to the discussion, engage others in the discussion, well-developed idea) and include at least one scholarly source.
One or two sentence responses, simple statements of agreement or “good post,” and responses that are off-topic will not count as substantive. Substantive responses should be at least 150 words.
I encourage you to incorporate the readings from the week (as applicable) into your responses.
Weekly Participation
Your initial responses to the mandatory DQ do not count toward participation and are graded separately.
In addition to the DQ responses, you must post at least one reply to peers (or me) on three separate days, for a total of three replies.
Participation posts do not require a scholarly source/citation (unless you cite someone else’s work).
Part of your weekly participation includes viewing the weekly announcement and attesting to watching it in the comments. These announcements are made to ensure you understand everything that is due during the week.
APA Format and Writing Quality
Familiarize yourself with APA format and practice using it correctly. It is used for most writing assignments for your degree. Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for APA paper templates, citation examples, tips, etc. Points will be deducted for poor use of APA format or absence of APA format (if required).
Cite all sources of information! When in doubt, cite the source. Paraphrasing also requires a citation.
I highly recommend using the APA Publication Manual, 6th edition.
Use of Direct Quotes
I discourage overutilization of direct quotes in DQs and assignments at the Masters’ level and deduct points accordingly.
As Masters’ level students, it is important that you be able to critically analyze and interpret information from journal articles and other resources. Simply restating someone else’s words does not demonstrate an understanding of the content or critical analysis of the content.
It is best to paraphrase content and cite your source.
LopesWrite Policy
For assignments that need to be submitted to LopesWrite, please be sure you have received your report and Similarity Index (SI) percentage BEFORE you do a “final submit” to me.
Once you have received your report, please review it. This report will show you grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors that can easily be fixed. Take the extra few minutes to review instead of getting counted off for these mistakes.
Review your similarities. Did you forget to cite something? Did you not paraphrase well enough? Is your paper made up of someone else’s thoughts more than your own?
Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for tips on improving your paper and SI score.
Late Policy
The university’s policy on late assignments is 10% penalty PER DAY LATE. This also applies to late DQ replies.
Please communicate with me if you anticipate having to submit an assignment late. I am happy to be flexible, with advance notice. We may be able to work out an extension based on extenuating circumstances.
If you do not communicate with me before submitting an assignment late, the GCU late policy will be in effect.
I do not accept assignments that are two or more weeks late unless we have worked out an extension.
As per policy, no assignments are accepted after the last day of class. Any assignment submitted after midnight on the last day of class will not be accepted for grading.
Communication
Communication is so very important. There are multiple ways to communicate with me:
Questions to Instructor Forum: This is a great place to ask course content or assignment questions. If you have a question, there is a good chance one of your peers does as well. This is a public forum for the class.
Individual Forum: This is a private forum to ask me questions or send me messages. This will be checked at least once every 24 hours.