Try these simple steps to make your assignments shine
At this point in the trimester, you’ll likely be juggling simultaneous assignment deadlines.
But don’t stress – we’ve got you covered! Take a look at our checklist of simple methods and Deakin resources you can use to improve your assignment preparation, research, and writing skills.
Whether you feel you need specific help to complete an assignment, or you just want to refine your study process and get higher marks, the following resources can help you reach your assignment goals and reflect on how to best approach your future assignments.
Remember to also check Deakin’s Assignments webpage for general information about submitting your assignments, which includes details about Deakin’s universal submission time, penalties for late submissions, extensions and special consideration. Always check with your unit chairs with assignment questions.
1. Have a plan
Getting your time management right is an important first step in achieving a good mark on an assignment. Every assignment is a little bit different, and will demand different skills and levels of planning, time, focus, and research.
Planning early will help you manage the various deadlines across units and will give you a clear idea of what resources you’ll need before you start. Planning also gives you extra time to understand challenging readings and complex tasks.
Luckily, you have the Deakin Assignment Planner to help you get organised! This online tool will help you plan your assignments and keep to a schedule.
2. If you need help, seek it early
Now that you’ve got your schedule in place, it’s time to get active.
If you’re unsure of how to start a particular assignment, the best way is to seek help early so you get the advice you need well before your deadline. Contact the teaching staff within your unit for specific instructions, and check the discussion boards to see what your classmates have asked.
You can also ask Deakin’s Language and Learning Advisers. They are teachers who are available to help you over the phone or via an online appointment – so have a look at the times available based on your needs.
If you have a quick question, you can drop-in without an appointment and speak to our Peer Writing Mentors or our Maths Mentors.
3. Refine your searches to find better sources
Finding appropriate information to use in your assignments can take a lot of time. Use the library’s online tutorials to help you quickly find useful information.
These tutorials cover how you can best judge what are reliable and relevant sources for your assignments, plus much more. If you need further advice, you could also contact a librarian.
4. Learn how to navigate group work
The prospect of doing a group assignment can make many students nervous. While group assignments can be challenging, particularly while studying online, you can avoid some of the more common difficulties by planning ahead. Learn more about the benefits of group work and tips on managing group assignments, and use the Learning online resource to help you solve any challenges.
5. Work on your writing skills
We all have skills we could improve. What’s yours?
- Perhaps you need some tips on note-taking, or your writing skills could use some refinement.
- Are you struggling to get yourself motivated, or perhaps you need to set some study strategies?
- Do you have questions about referencing?
- Want some tips for studying online?
Watch a Study Support session (on UniStart if you’re an undergraduate student or Preparing to Succeed if you’re postgraduate), where we cover these topics and more, and bookmark the Deakin guide to referencing.
Need help outside of regular hours?
If you’re stuck, try Smarthinking – Deakin’s online tutoring service that allows you to reach out for assistance at any time that is convenient for you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Smarthinking allows you to work online in real-time – from any location, at any time of the day – with tutors specialising in a range of disciplines.
Visit Smarthinking now to explore the platform or book a session.