Stage 1 - Plan
There are several steps to follow:
Deconstruct/Define
To make sense of a question we have to deconstruct it. Try this:
- Read your task and underline or highlight the main words.
- Try to work out the meanings of these words.
- Use a dictionary if you have to.
- You will often find the meanings of words in the glossary of your text book.
Some doing words such as define, select, outline are used frequently in questions - but you are not too sure what they mean. Go to the glossary.
To help you get started in deconstruction and brainstorming a question, use these guides that have already been made up.
Brainstorm
- Take these words and write down everything you know about them. This is called brainstorming.
- Ask yourself the questions: Who? What? When? and Why?
- Create a mind map or concept map and try to link up your ideas in a logical way.
There are several ways of doing a mind map. Look at this example
It doesn't matter if some of the information you write down will not be used later on. It is just a guide - it helps you to work out what you know about the subject. If you don't know anything about your topic you might have to do some research first before you brainstorm. Go to Stage 2 - Locating Information
Plan
Think about what sort of information, materials, interviews, surveys you might you might need to complete your assignment. List these down. Use this "finding information and resources reminder sheet" to help you.
Timetable
- In your SRB write down the day your assignment is due. A week before that due date, record in your SRB that your assignment is due the next week.
- Sometimes you are required to hand in a draft. List this date in your SRB also.
Hint: Do this for every assignment. You can than see what sort of timeframe you have to complete your work.
Once I've done all this, where can I find the information I need to support my brainstorming?