1. Academic Writing Support in Geography Kirsty Williams 17 th June 2009

2. Why Project Started Personal aspect I struggle with Discussed in SSLC - 2 nd Years in particular feel they would benefit. Education Enhancement and Literary Fund Fellows always full. Physical geographers need skills to write reports – skill assumed

3. Why Project Started Received no help on how to write scientifically, went straight from essay writing to report writing with no clear structure on HOW to do that. I would like to see tutorials or some sort of learning support to do with academic writing as it is often hard to grasp. One really basic lecture about developing arguments, followed by more detailed ones would really help people as I feel that I am still missing some of the simple basics that enable ideas to be put across comprehensively.

4. Why Project Started Previous SSLC voted out 2 nd year academic tutorials – we now vote them back in. Different focus and purpose. Decrease in one – to – one sessions and contact hours.

5. Results 45% of participants say agree or strongly agree that they struggle with academic writing Particular aspects eg developing an argument 61% of participants say they speak to a fellow student if they are struggling academically – rather than a lecturer or tutor. 68% would take up extra support if it was given

6. Results Definitely struggle with my academic writing it's not the content that lets me down but the way I put it on paper. It would be great to have some writing support that is specific to geography. Would like to know how to go from writing a reasonable essay with a well structured argument to writing a first class essay with that something extra. There is a great variation between A2 level and degree level writing styles.

7. Proposal Students would prefer a mixture of small group workshops and one-to-one sessions Fortnightly basis Dedicated support of a skilled advisor to all years Result of project = Better assignment marks and progress the ability and achievement of students

8. Proposal Applied for Annual Funding. Need good dissemination throughout the geography department.