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Assignment scheduler: Home

Assignment Scheduler

Enter the due date for your assignment and get a plan of attack with links to advice and resources:

  • Select the Start Date (when you plan to begin your assignment) and the End Date (when the assignment is due). You may need to scroll down the page to see the pop up calendar.
  • Click "Calculate Schedule" to view the steps and suggested due dates for your research process.
  • After your schedule is calculated, click on “Save Your Schedule” at the bottom and print or save your schedule.
  • Remember: Check this schedule against your tutor’s instructions to make sure there are no conflicts.
Start Date:
End Date: 
 

Step One

Understand your assignment

  • Read your assignment carefully before you start to make sure you understand the requirements.
  • Use the Learning Centre Guide Understanding the Assessment Question.
  • Note any specific deadlines for submitting your topic, sources, outlines, or drafts.
  • Consult with your tutor if you have questions about the assignment.

Step Two

Define your topic

  • Write down your research question or topic – put the question or topic into your own words
  • Note keywords about your topic that can be used in a search. Think of alternative words, jargon, people, places or events that could be used in your searching. An online thesaurus may be helpful.
  • Go to the Learning Resource Centre for help brainstorming, outlining, or talking through your topic ideas.
  • Visit the Library’s InfoGuides for the best places to start with your research.
  • Consult Library Databases for topic ideas (note that logging in is your student ID # and password that you use to log into Moodle):

Step Three

Retrieve information on your topic

  • Plan your search strategy. 
  • Use the Library Catalogue and Library Databases to gather your information.
  • Are you on track?
    • Consult with your tutor on the direction of your assignment.
    • Visit the Librarians in the Learning Resource Centre to provide guidance on locating information and resources to help you refine your topic.

Step Four

Read and evaluate information

  • Keep track of your sources and record the citation information as you go.
  • View the APA Referencing guide to check what information you need to note down.
  • Evaluate the gathered information for your research:
    • Have you found enough information on your topic?
    • How will you use this resource? As background or to support an argument?
    • Does the information support your assignment question?
    • Have you answered the questions: What, Why, Where, When, How?
  • Are you on track?
    • Consult with your tutor on the direction of your assignment.
    • Visit the Library’s Lending and i Desk to provide guidance on locating information and resources to help you refine your topic.
    • Work with the Learning Centre if you feel like you want to make sure you’re still on track.

Step Five

Take and sort your notes

  • Organise your ideas using note taking methods. Use this Note Taking survival guide from The University of Western Australia to help you.
  • Use the APA Referencing guide to acknowledge the source of ideas and words of others.
  • Write down any questions or points you need to clarify.
  • Use diagrams or mind maps to link your ideas.

Step Six

Create your outline

  • Check your assignment guidelines and select an appropriate structure or format for your assignment and start to organize your ideas within this structure. Visit the Essay and paragraph formatting page for more information.
  • Outline the format of your assignment.
  • Visit the Study Tips resource page for helpful tips and additional resources.

Step Seven

Write the first draft

  • The Learning Centre is available to help you get started or work through writer’s block. There are helpful online resources too!
  • Book an appointment with the Learning Centre for further help.

Step Eight

Conduct additional research as necessary

  • Reread your assignment.
  • Keep looking for more resources that support your argument.
  • Are you on track?
    • Consult with your tutor on the direction of your assignment.
    • Talk to a Librarian to provide guidance on locating information and resources to help you refine your topic.

Step Nine

Revise and rewrite: second draft

  • View the APA Referencing guide.
  • Complete the reference list.
  • Submit your assignment through Turnitin and check your originality report. For details on how to do this visit the Turnitin guide.

Step Ten

Proofread your paper

  • Look for spelling and grammatical errors.
  • Does your paper fulfill the assignment requirements? Check the assignment guidelines and marking criteria again.
  • Final review.

Step Eleven

Final draft

  • Write the final draft of your paper.
  • The Learning Centre can be an extra pair of eyes to be sure that you’ve fulfilled the assignment requirements.

Step Twelve

Assignment due date

  • Submit your paper!

To print: Please use Google Chrome or Internet Explorer to print the assignment schedule. To save: On Google Chrome, from the print screen select save as .pdf to save your schedule.

Thank you to Daytona State College Library for permission to reuse and adapt their Assignment Scheduler