Writing Mentors Aamya and Kaviya share how you can improve your academic writing
With the end-of-unit assessment/exam period almost here, have you run into any issues understanding or writing your assessments? Join a Writing Mentor drop-in for assistance, available online or on campus with no appointment needed!
We asked two Writing Mentors, Aamya a third-year international student currently studying Software Engineering Honours and Kaviya who is pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science majoring in Data Science, how mentors can help and to share their top advice.
What services do Writing Mentors offer?
‘Writing Mentors provide a wide range of support services, including helping students unpack assignment questions, improve their academic writing, and manage their time more effectively,’ explains Kaviya. ‘Throughout a study period, whether it is before submission, after receiving feedback, or anytime in between, we are here to assist. In addition, we can also direct students to other valuable study support resources that might not be directly obvious. Essentially, we help students with navigating the referencing guide, understanding the structure of their writing, note making and breaking down assignments to make them more understandable.’
Attend a Writing Mentor drop-in!
Aamya recommends that, ‘students should attend a Writing Mentor drop-in because it can be an efficient way to resolve issues that may otherwise take a lot of time and cause unnecessary stress. Sometimes, a challenge that seems overwhelming can be quickly addressed with the right support. By seeking help from a Writing Mentor, students can gain clarity, improve their work, and feel more confident about their assignments, all while saving valuable time. It’s helpful to have any relevant materials, such as assignment briefs or reference websites, ready to go’.
Kaviya has the details: ‘We have online drop-ins available every day from Monday to Friday from 11pm to 3pm during the study period, making them highly accessible. You can also attend on-campus sessions if required. Even if you are not sure whether a Writing Mentor is the right resource for you, we are equipped to guide you to the appropriate help or resources. As Writing Mentors, we are students just like you, and we have all been in the same shoes at one point. If there is anything that you are unsure about, we will make sure to clarify it and guide you in the right direction’.
If you want to chat to a Writing Mentor, like Aamya and Kaviya, about any aspect of your assessment, attend one of our drop-in sessions hosted by a Writing Mentor!
You can opt to attend one of the daily online drop-in sessions or attend the weekly on-campus sessions at Burwood or Waurn Ponds. You don’t need an appointment, just bring your assessment and your questions. You can also get in touch via email for referencing questions and brief queries.
The most common writing issue
Aamya highlights that, ‘the most common writing issue students face is referencing. Many students struggle with properly citing sources and following the correct style. This can be addressed by regularly consulting the Deakin guide to referencing to ensure accuracy. It’s also important to check that the references are relevant and appropriately cited throughout the assignment to avoid losing marks. Regular practice and seeking guidance from Writing Mentors can make this process easier’.
Kaviya agrees and adds, ‘When students approach us with referencing problems, the first question we usually ask is whether they have consulted the Deakin guide. My recommendation would be to avoid relying on external tools and stick with Deakin’s guide since it is the most reliable resource for referencing’.
Top tips for handling assessments
We also asked our mentors to share their top pieces of advice for handling writing in your assessments.
Kaviya’s top tips
- Read extensively and practice writing regularly.
- Don’t hesitate to use the resources available to you. Deakin offers writing examples, templates, as well as access to Learning and Language Advisers (LLAs).
- Proofread your assessment and recheck your references before sending it across to see if it flows well.
- Do not wait until the last minute to start your assessments. You can use an assessment planner to break down your tasks into smaller, manageable deadlines, allowing you to have a draft ready early.
- If you struggle to keep up with deadlines, you can book appointments with LLAs to set up false deadlines. By booking an appointment to go over a draft, it means that you will need the draft completed before the appointment.
- Even if you are unsure where to start, just begin writing and refine it later, or plan your writing in advance if that helps. Make sure to always follow the rubric closely, use reliable sources, and properly acknowledge them.
- You can also upload your work to Turnitin to check if you’re on the right track before submitting. Don’t forget to seek feedback as well if you are unsure of anything.
Aamya’s top tips
- Read the rubric of the assessment before starting to write it. You’ll find the rubrics assessments will be marked against, in your relevant unit sites on CloudDeakin.
- Allocate word limits to each section so you don’t have to spend time to tailor the assessment.
- Begin your assignment ahead of time to give yourself ample opportunity to proofread and seek help if needed.
- Take the time to plan your assignment before jumping into writing. A clear outline will help you stay organized and focused.
- Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before an exam to stay calm and perform your best.
Become a Writing Mentor
Or, if you’d like to help out other student with their academic writing, Aamya recommends applying to become a Writing Mentor. ‘For students interested in applying for the Writing Mentor position, the most important thing is having a genuine enthusiasm for helping others. You’ll learn a lot through the role, but your passion for supporting fellow students is key.
Applications are now open through DeakinTALENT and will remain open until Sunday 10 November. Best of luck!’