It is important to break down the requirements of your assessment task before you start searching for information so that you can plan your approach.
At this first stage, you need to work out:
The best place to find this information is your Subject Outline. You should carefully read all elements of the assessment information available including:
Reading through each element will highlight key terms and concepts. Also, you can identify the types of information, or information sources, you are expected to use. It's normal to feel overwhelmed by the different requirements. With some time, thought and planning, you can come up with a research plan that will help you get things done. If you have questions about the assessments, ask your Lecturer.
Let's start thinking about what terms you will use when searching for information. To do this:
This is a useful exercise because the language used to describe your topic may vary from source to source, and you don't want to miss out on a good source because it uses a different term to the one you are searching on.
Take Assessment 3 as an example:
| Key concepts | Possible keywords |
| eco-social practice | green social work, environmental social work, impacts of climate change, sustainable practice... |
| older people and ageing | elderly, senior, ageism, aging, geriatric, gerontology, old age, retirees... |
| people with disabilities | disability, disablement, disabling conditions, impairment, disease... |
| family and domestic violence | intimate partner violence, child abuse, violence, household violence, abusive parents... |
You will also need to include keywords relevant to non-dominant knowledges, for example:
| Key concepts | Possible keywords |
| Indigenous Australian | Aboriginal, Indigenous, First Nations people, indigenous knowledge, land rights, Native title, culture, livelihood, empowerment... |
As you start working on each of your Assessment tasks:
Write down the key concepts from your topic and have a go at brainstorming as many alternative keywords and phrases as possible.
Tip: Online dictionaries and thesauri can help you identify synonyms.
In Assessment 3 you must apply evidence from current and scholarly sources to support your discussion. Use your prescribed course readings, but also go beyond these, and search for academic-quality books and peer-reviewed journal articles. Our Scholarly resources page has information on how to locate and evaluate these resources.
Use Primo Search and journal databases to locate quality academic materials. To help hone your skills check the Searching Databases page for some advanced search tips.
Find tips and suggestion for locating these sources on the Searching Other Sources page.
Remember, no matter where you find your resources you still need to evaluate them to ensure they are credible. Check the Evaluating Information page for tips.
Charles Sturt University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, paying respect to Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.
Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. CRICOS Provider: 00005F.
