Weekly Writing Tip: Choose a Topic that Won't Drive You Mad

Choosing the topic for an essay or research paper is often a difficult process. Is it a topic you are interested in? Can you find enough credible information to write an entire paper about it? Does it meet the assignment requirements? Is it too broad or too narrow? Here are some helpful tips for selecting the topic of your paper.

1. Review the assignment.

Make sure you understand your instructor's directions. Review the syllabus or assignment sheet carefully. If you need clarification, ask your instructor for help.

2. Review the course material.

Which topics covered in class are the most interesting to you? What topics do you have the best notes about? Have you done any extra research or reading about a certain topic?

3. Choose a topic you like.

Figure out ways to incorporate your program of study and what you are passionate about. You are going to spend quite a bit of time learning about your topic. Make sure you won't dread that time...maybe you will even be excited about it!

4. Write down all of your ideas.

It is good to have more than one choice as you begin conducting research because one topic may prove too difficult, too limited, or too broad. For example, a student recently stopped by the Learning Lab to work on a paper about violent advertisements and children's attitudes and behavior. His topic was too narrow, so he changed it to violent television shows and children's attitudes and behavior.

So, what happens when your topic is chosen for you? Explore. Learn more, and find an angle or approach to the topic that interests you. If you feel stuck or uninterested or do not understand the topic, talk to your instructor. Find out what she or he hopes you will gain from studying the topic. Focus your paper on achieving that goal. The benefit of an assigned topic is that it should be neither too broad nor too narrow, and plenty of information about it should be readily available. You will not have to worry about changing your topic later in the writing process.

Go Outside

The last post about walking away reminded me how important exercise and the outdoors are for success in school, at work, and in life in general. This weekend, make time to go outside.

Here is a great resource to help you enjoy the outdoors with your family:

http://www.discovertheforest.org/

If you live in Washington, check out the Washington Trails Associaion site and take a few friends hiking with you:

http://www.wta.org/

Time spent actively engaged with others and with the outdoors eases stress, boosts confidence, and strengthens the ability to think clearly.

Weekly Writing Tip: Walk Away

Writer's block is a tough hurdle to get over. A Zero Draft can help; so can walking away from you computer or notebook and doing something where your mind has time to rest or process through your ideas. Try literally walking away - go for a 30-60 minute walk around your neighborhood or at a local park. If you are in the Kirkland area, check out Bridle Trails or St. Edward's Park. If you are worried about forgetting any ideas that come to you during your time away, take your phone, a small notebook, or a voice recorder with you. Make sure the length of your break gives you enough time to write again when you get back.

Weekly Writing Tip: Outline to Stay on Track

An outline, based on your thesis and the main points from your brainstorming and zero draft, can help you keep your thoughts organized and focused as you begin writing your paper. Here is a sample outline for a paper (special thanks to a Learning Lab student for the topic idea):

Thesis: While both cats and dogs are popular pets, cats are better pets because they are easier to care for, less demanding, and more intelligent.

1. Cats are easier to care for than dogs.
1. Feeding
2. Litter box
3. Bathing
4. (Possible 4th point) Lower cost: vet bills, boarding
2. Cats are less demanding than dogs. 
1. Aloof
2. Can care for themselves
3. Travel more easily
3. Cats are more intelligent than dogs.
1. Observant
2. Problem solvers

The format of an outline, unless assigned by an instructor, is up to you. Some students prefer bullet points or bubble charts instead of numbers . The goal is to find a way to keep yourself on topic, to check your flow of ideas, and to narrow down your sub-points.

Weekly Writing Tip: Ask Your Instructor

Your number one resource is your instructor. Meet with him or her during office hours or before or after class. Meetings with your instructor allow you to learn his or her preferences, and you communicate that you are serious about your class work. You also get the opportunity to develop a stronger connection with your instructor. Discussing your writing with an expert provides insight and understanding and can be fun and interesting!

Are online classes right for me?

The eLearning Office at LWIT recently shared great information about online classes with the advising team.  A special thank you goes to Alissa S. for providing the information for this post. 

Here are some things to consider when deciding if an online course or program is a good choice for you. 

• You are very comfortable using computers and navigating the Web.
• This includes using ANGEL, Microsoft Word, and email, uploading documents, doing online research, etc.
• You have access to a computer with high-speed internet. 
• eLearning facilitators recommend having a personal computer and Internet connection at home. Public library computers are not always compatible with course websites. 
• If you do not have a computer at home, plan on spending extra time on campus every day to use a college computer.
• You can follow written, verbal, and visual instructions.
• You are detail oriented, self-directed, and can multitask.
• You aren't afraid to ask questions.
• Online courses require students to actively work with instructors to clarify course concepts. 
• You are a fast learner and able to understand abstract concepts.
• You are willing to interact online with your classmates and your instructor.
• Discussion forums are a large part of the learning process (and grading process) in online classes.
• You are willing to work very, very hard during the quarter.
• You have 10+ hours a week to spend on this course (lectures plus reading and homework).

Students who do well in online classes are very motivated and willing (and able) to devote extra time to the classes. Online classes are usually more work than in-person classes, not less. Be sure to carefully consider if online classes are right for you before enrolling in them.

Still not sure if online classes are a good fit for you? Take a quiz online to learn more: http://www.waol.org/prospective_students/isonlineforme.aspx