1. Online Academic Writing Guide
Sussex Centre for Language Studies
Online Academic Writing Guide

2. What is the Online Academic Writing Guide (the Guide)?
• A teaching resource which offers a set of online tasks that model the process of writing a discursive essay.
• Tasks introduce students to the approach/skills required at each of 7 stages in the writing process.
• Each stage includes a series of interactive tasks, reflective writing and essay writing exercises.
• At the end of each stage students transfer their learning to a module-based assignment.

3. The 7 Stages of the Discursive Writing Process
1. Analysing the Essay Title
2. Information Search Skills
4. Producing a Set of Tabular Notes
3. Writing an Annotated Bibliography
5. Producing a Sentence Outline
6. Producing a Draft Essay
7. Producing a Final Draft

4. ‘My Essay File’
• Students upload a ‘final task’ at each of the 7 stages to a database.
• The 7 tasks are stored as a permanent record of the steps that form the essay writing process.
• The tasks are accessible to both students and their tutor, and students can return to this file throughout their time at Sussex.
• The tasks can form part of a portfolio, that culminates in the production of a discursive essay.

5. Online Journal of Reflective Writing
Additionally…
Online Journal of Reflective Writing
Each of the 7 stages includes a reflective writing task, entered into an online journal in Study Direct. The reflective pieces can provide an opportunity for formative feedback or for summative assessment. A focus on the process encourages good academic practice.
Study Skills Audit
Students complete an online study skills audit at 3 points in the process, and self-assess their ability to use particular skills/approaches. Tutors have access to responses, which can provide an opportunity for formative feedback/ discussion/differentiation.

6. How can the Guide fit into your module?
• The Guide can be imported into your Study Direct site.
• You can select any or all of the 7 stages for students to access.
• Within each stage you can select between the tasks – providing between 1 & 6 hours online work per stage.
• You can require students to transfer their learning to a module assessment: either just 1 stage (e.g. annotated bibliography)
or a complete discursive essay (using all 7 Stages)

7. Student Feedback Feedback from AD students:
Academic Development site:
Feedback from AD students:
‘I have a better understanding of what’s expected.’
‘It helped with structuring and improving my writing skills.’
‘It’s hard to be reflective.’
‘It’s especially good for citing and referencing.’
‘It will put us ahead of other undergraduates next year.’
‘It was very useful to be introduced to Sussex resources – especially Library Search’/‘I always look for academic sources now instead of online ones’/‘I know I can find help on the Skills Hub when I need it.’

8. More Information P.Sparkes@sussex.ac.uk Sue Robbins
The Online Academic Writing Guide was trialled on the Academic Development module of the Foundation Year Programme this year. If you’d like to discuss the trial, find out more about the Guide or be added to the Study Direct demo site please do get in touch.
Sue Robbins
Alison Chisholm
Pete Sparkes