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Introduction to library research in the arts: Get help with writing and speaking

An introduction to research concepts and techniques for University of Redlands students in fine, literary and performing arts, developed as an Open Educational Resource (OER)

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to make a peer tutoring appointment with the writing center.

Questions to Consider

  1. Think about group presentations you have seen in other classes.
    1. What makes for a good presentation?
    2. What would you recommend presenters to avoid?
  2. Have you ever been assigned to write a paper as part of a group project? If so, what was that like?

Activity: Best practices for writing assignments

This is an activity that we'll complete together in class.

Our goal is to brainstorm best practices for successfully writing a 10-15 page research paper.

Writing a research paper is an experience of learning about a topic. So as you brainstorm ideas, consider the ABC's of learning. Learning means change in how you feel (affective), what you do (behavioral) and how you think (cognitive) about your topic.

Activity: Best practices for presentations

This is an activity that we'll complete together in class.

Our goal is to brainstorm best practices for successfully giving a 15 minute oral presentation using PowerPoint slides.

Giving a presentation is an opportunity to help your audience learn about your topic. So as you brainstorm what a successful presentation looks like, consider the ABC's of learning. Learning is change in how you feel (affective), what you do (behavioral) and how you think (cognitive) about a topic.

Get help with writing and speaking

University of Redlands Academic Success and Disability Services (ASDS) offers support and resources to help you improve your writing and presenting skills, including:

  • One on one appointments with peer writing tutors
  • A two credit course, College Success Strategies (SSRV 154) offered every semester
  • Online workshops filled with tips and strategies to help you succeed
  • Worksheets to help you set goals, manage your time and develop stronger study skills

Follow this link to learn more about appointments with writing tutors and make an appointment.

Key points

  • Getting feedback on your writing and presentations can help you be a more effective communicator of what you learned.
  • Asking for help is not a sign that something is wrong, but a valuable opportunity to learn and a good way to grow as a scholar.