November 30

In class tonight you workshopped the sections from your essay that you have written so far: the literature review, your methods section, and the analysis of data.

You worked with a partner, one section at a time, after we reviewed what each section needs to do.

Literature review: sets up the question you will explore=> point out what has been established as "fact" & identify what your research contributes to this area of investigation. Name the authors + articles - leave out the "data" => focus on the findings. Your essay may relate to the literature review by "correcting" a mistaken assumption, by combining two previously un-connected areas of study (like Ryan + Daria); by focusing on a detail that is in the literature but which has not been explored for its own sake (Laura); by looking at the research from a new perspective, and so on. Point out HOW your work connects to the literature.

Methods: Use the methods section to describe how you collected and analyzed your data; this section does not include findings, though it does explain your logic, and present your context. It should provide enough information so a reader could do what you did, and so s/he understands why you did your study the way you did it. Novice tutors and their ESL tutees has an exemplary methods section.

Data Analysi Think of this section as a place where explain the connections between your conclusions and the evidence. Use the "sandwich method " (as in presenting quotations from literature): say what your data shows (briefly) present the data - explain the connections in the data - then re-state what the data shows in more detail and with respect to the overall focus.

For Wednesday:
Blog 20: More data analysis => write through to the end of this section if you can.

In class on Wednesday we will work through the data analysis and set you up to write the introduction, your discussion of findings and the conclusion.

Next week you will give presentations on your projects (to receive feedback so you can work on the final draft).

Good class tonight and see you on Wednesday.