1. 1 This resource contains example(s) of synthesis in Education-related disciplines. Follow the steps below to customise the slides for your course: 1.Choose an appropriate example extract from a student assignment (graded A) 2.Copy the extract into the example slides (slides 4&5) 3.Highlight words and phrases that illustrate effective use of synthesis 4.Provide the full version of the assignment  students identify further examples (slide 6) 5.Encourage the students to bring in their own writing (slide 6) 6.Delete guidance slide 1 in this resource before using in your sessions Guidance on customising this resource How to demonstrate synthesis in assignments Email PAD team for further guidance pad@beds.ac.ukpad@beds.ac.uk In this resource: Synthesis is a form of analytical writing, which draws on insights from a range of literature (or, academic sources) with a view to establish links, tensions and ‘threads’ to support your argument.

2. Write to attract a higher grade: How to demonstrate synthesis 2

3. Discussion: How do we demonstrate synthesis in academic writing? How to demonstrate synthesis in academic writing 3 o What do we mean by ‘synthesis’ in academic writing? o Why would your lecturers want to see this in your work? o Think of instances/ parts of assignments - where would it be most suitable to demonstrate synthesis? Where is necessary / desirable? o How can you best incorporate synthesis in your writing?

4. Example 1. How does the author demonstrate synthesis in the following extract? 4 How to demonstrate synthesis in academic writing Supporting Early Learning: Reflective Diary During this session there were PSRN Activities that were both adult-led (bowling) and free to be independently chosen by children (PSRN exploration table), which is important because both the SPEEL (Moyles et al, 2002) and the Research Effective Pedagogy in the Early Years (REPEY) (Siraj-Blatchford et al, 2002) research agree that there needs to be a sensitive balance of child-initiated and adult-led activity in effective Early Years settings.

5. Example 2. How does the author demonstrate synthesis in the following extract? 5 How to demonstrate synthesis in academic writing Developing Research Questions: Evaluating and Enhancing the Teaching and Learning of Academic Writing It seems to be agreed upon that the process of reviewing the literature is continual and cyclical as the research project progresses (Hart, 1998; Randolph, 2009). This is also in line with Creswell’s (2014) suggestion that qualitative research questions are likely to develop and change throughout the research process. The insights gained through the literature review were considered in the subsequent phase of operationalising the research questions, which will be discussed in the following section.

6. Task 1: Identify other examples of synthesis in the provided text. Justify your answer. 6 Task 2: Identify examples of synthesis in both your own and your peers’ writing. Alternatively, establish where you could have synthesis in your text. How to demonstrate synthesis in academic writing