Learning Objects

Brainstorming is the process of generating ideas based on a topic. 

These ideas can then be written down or recorded in some visual form. They can also be used as a basis for selecting keywords when searching for information.

It can be useful to use the following as ways of organising your ideas:

Concept maps are diagrams that can be used to organise ideas relating to a particular topic.

The sites below provide information about using concept maps:

Concept mapping or mindmapping is a way of representing knowledge in a visual format. It is a process of creating a 'map' with key words and ideas that represent and link to a concept.

Command words appear in an assessment task and can also be called instructional, operational or task words. 
They indicate what approach should be applied to the information found.

Examples of command words are as follows:

For more examples of command words, search Library Search for books about "assignment writing".

Oxford Reference Online (ORO) is a database which provides access to various reference resources.

For more search options within this database, go to the complete version of the Oxford Reference database.

Begin by identifying significant terms and concepts from the assessment task - this should help to define your focus.  Assessment tasks often contain command words. You should also consider these words, as they direct the approach you should take to the task.

To explore your task further:

• Brainstorm some ideas about the task

   

  Brainstorming is the process of generating ideas based on a topic.

  These ideas can then be written down or recorded in some visual form e.g. lists, concept maps, tables. They can also be used as a basis for selecting keywords when searching for information.

• Use a concept map to summarise newly learned ideas or concepts

   

  Concept mapping or mindmapping is a way of representing knowledge in a visual format. It is a process of creating a 'map' with key words and ideas that represent and link to a concept.

• Consult subject-specific dictionary (There is a wide range available on Oxford Reference Online.)

• Organise your ideas - using lists or tables

Keywords (definition) can be drawn from a range of sources.  Initially, they may come directly from the assessment task.  Keywords (search terms) may also come from ideas generated about the assessment task (brainstorming) or from other readings.

Because the concepts included in an assessment task may be expressed in a variety of ways, an important element of choosing keywords is to identify synonyms, and other concepts that are related to the topic. These can then be grouped together in lists, concept maps or tables.

Note: Alternative spellings and singular/plural forms also need to be considered when devising keywords (e.g. behaviour / behavior, organisational / organizational).

Lists can be used to organise ideas relating to a particular topic. The words and phrases that appear in a list may then be used as keywords.

The list below is based on the following sample assessment task:

                 Discuss the relationship between workforce health and productivity

Tables can be used to organise ideas relating to a particular topic. The phrases or words that appear in a table may then be used as keywords.

The table below is based on the following sample assessment task:

Discuss the relationship between workforce health and productivity.