Repeated on:
27 Aug
Learn a range of practical ways to participate more effectively and confidently in classes, assessments and social situations.
Workshop | Description | Dates |
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Getting the most out of lectures | The main delivery mode of learning at university is through lectures. This session focuses on preparing for lectures in both face-to-face and online contexts, effective note-taking, plus organising and reviewing your notes. | 23 Jul |
Intercultural learning through Story Circles | Join this Story Circles session to develop your communication skills and build connections by sharing and reflecting on lived experiences in a safe and nurturing environment. | 15 Aug Repeated on: 29 Aug |
Participating in class discussions | Learn how to participate effectively in a range of speaking contexts at university by practising strategies for asking questions, engaging in discussions and supporting your views. Featuring authentic academic discussion activities, this class will help you develop confidence and skills for getting involved actively at university. | 26 Jul Repeated on: 2 Aug |
Presenting Effectively | This interactive session looks at the skills of effective presenters focusing on voice, body language and visuals. | 8 Aug |
Learn a range of practical strategies and tools to engage with the University and your studies most effectively.
Workshop | Description | Dates |
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Exam preparation and active revision | This workshop will provide you with techniques and resources for effective exam taking. Through interactive activities, you will reflect on your study approaches and discover a range of study strategies. | 1 Aug Repeated on: 18 Sept 16 Oct |
Translating study skills into employability skills | Skills such as research, critical thinking, teamwork, time and project management, communication and writing do equip you for job seeking and are highly valued by employers. This session examines the critical skills you develop through tertiary study and explores how to rethink these skills for job seeking. | 8 Aug |
Learn a range of strategies and practise techniques to build your confidence communicating in English at university and beyond. These workshops are for students who speak English as an additional language.
Workshop | Description | Dates |
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Grammar & expressions for giving opinions in class | University classes often require students to share their opinions. In this interactive workshop, you will learn and practise expressions and grammar that can help you effectively and confidently share your opinion. | 29 Jul |
Grammar and expressions for concise and cohesive writing | Strong academic writing is concise (short and sharp) and cohesive (connected). To help us write in this way, we often use a grammatical structure called ‘nominalisation’. In this interactive workshop, we will practise using nominalisation to improve our academic writing. | 5 Aug |
Grammar and expressions for talking to your teachers | All students need to speak to their teachers to ask questions and seek advice. In this interactive workshop, you will learn and practise grammar and expressions that you can use when communicating with your teachers. | 22 Jul |
Improve your English in 10 Minutes a day – Listening & Speaking | In this session you will practise listening and speaking activities that you can complete in around 10 minutes per day to improve your English over an extended period. | 30 Jul |
Improve your English in 10 minutes a day – Reading & Writing | In this workshop you will practise reading and writing activities that you can complete in around 10 minutes per day to improve your English over an extended period. | 23 Jul |
Listening Club 1: 5 quick steps for listening success | Learn and practise useful pre-listening strategies that can help you listen to, and understand, your classes more effectively. | 24 Jul |
Listening Club 2: Listening for main ideas and details | In this interactive workshop, you will learn and practise listening strategies that can help you identify main ideas and details. | 31 Jul |
Listening Club 3: Taking effective notes while listening | In this interactive workshop, you will practise using a range of listening and note taking strategies that you can apply. | 7 Aug |
Messaging and emailing in English | A lot of university communication occurs over email and messenger, but the two ways of communicating require very different writing skills. Attend this practical workshop to learn and practise ways of emailing your teachers and other students, as well as strategies and expressions that you can use when messaging your peers in group chat. | 22 Jul |
Navigating new and complex vocabulary | Learn strategies for recognising, understanding and remembering useful words and expressions so you can apply them to your academic speaking and writing. | 29 Jul |
Reading Club 1: 3 steps to success before you read a new text | Set yourself up for success by using our three steps for approaching a new reading text. In this interactive workshop, you will use one of your reading texts to practise useful pre-reading strategies. | 23 Jul |
Reading Club 2: How to read quickly and find information | University study often requires a lot of reading. Attend this interactive workshop to practise reading strategies that can help you read more quickly and find the details you are looking for. | 30 Jul |
Reading Club 3: Note taking skills that can take you further | Taking notes while reading is a key skill at university. But how should we actually do it? And what should we write? In this workshop, you will practise using a range of note taking strategies and techniques that can help you make more effective notes while reading. | 6 Aug |
Speaking Clearly 1: Stress patterns in speech | Learn how to recognise and produce correct stress patterns in words and sentences in spoken English, then practise your skills with other learners. | 24 Jul |
Speaking Clearly 2: Rhythm and intonation | Discover how the rhythm and melody of your sentences conveys what is important and what you want to emphasise, and practise with other learners. | 31 Jul |
Speaking Clearly 3: Word endings and pronunciation | Listeners can misunderstand if the sounds at the ends of words are unclear. Learn how to hear and say word endings correctly and practise with other learners. | 7 Aug |
Speaking Clearly 4: Difficult consonants | Different languages have different consonant sounds. Come along to practise the consonant sounds in English that are difficult for you and practise with other learners. | 14 Aug |
Speaking Clearly 5: Vowels | Learn how to hear vowel sounds, discover rules for vowel spelling, and practise producing accurate vowels in speaking activities with other learners. | 21 Aug |
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Reading, writing and referencing, communicating in class, english language development, academic integrity.
Graduate researchers must be able to evaluate and synthesise literature and data, analyse critically within and across changing disciplinary environments, and communicate their research orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
No matter which stage of your research you’re in, Academic Skills offers a variety of free services to help you develop these skills.
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Academic Skills offers a range of workshops to help you develop your academic writing, communication and language skills. All of our workshops are listed on the RDU events portal – check out what’s on and enrol.
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Get personalised advice on developing your writing, language and communication skills during an individual appointment with an Academic Skills Adviser. Book online through the Stop1 booking system.
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A free program for international students new to the University of Melbourne delivered by the Student Peer Leader Network in partnership with Academic Skills. For information, check out the information page.
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Setting up for success: managing your graduate research project.
Develop techniques in working with a supervisor, setting goals and in project management.
Learn how to write complex information clearly, develop an authorial voice and demonstrate originality.
Learn about thesis structures and how to write introductions, literature reviews and conclusions.
Develop your skills in writing about methods, results and findings.
Learn how to write a journal article and get published.
Learn how to plan for and include publications in your thesis.
Other ways you can develop your skills.
The starting point for all University of Melbourne graduate researchers at any stage of their candidature to find professional development offerings and resources tailored to their needs.
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Where graduate researchers can access a range of information, resources and support offered at the University of Melbourne to assist with achieving their academic goals.
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An independent student association representing all enrolled graduate students at the University of Melbourne, providing representation, events, training and support.
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Vocabulary and grammar, reading and writing, listening and speaking, develop your english language and communication skills for success at university and beyond..
Use the menu on the left to find out about the free workshops, programs and resources for the skills you are most interested in developing.
Watch Chenglong as he asks his peers about the range of English language programs and support available on his study journey.
Not sure where to start? Take the Diagnostic English Language Assessment (DELA) to assess your strengths in academic reading, writing and listening and receive personalised recommendations to support you in your skills development journey. It’s not an exam and you can’t fail.
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Academic Skills offers free English language workshops for all study levels.
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Join our free tutorial program available to graduate coursework students in your first or second semester of study. The tutorials require no additional assessments and can help you further develop your academic and English language skills within the context of your discipline. You’ll need to apply to participate, and spaces are limited. Learn more
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Attend our range of workshops on academic reading and writing for all study levels.
Join our free tutorial program available to graduate coursework students in your first or second semester of study. The tutorials require no additional assessments and can help you further develop your academic and English language skills within the context of your discipline. You’ll need to apply to participate, and spaces are limited.
Join our online program to receive daily prompts and bite-sized activities to improve your reading skills.
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Join the English for Success community for tips, videos, examples of good writing and interactive exercises to test your understanding and get feedback on your academic English.
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Get feedback on your writing and personalised advice on developing your English language and communication skills during an individual appointment with an Academic Skills Adviser. Or you can submit a piece of work to a Writing Advice Service Mentor for quick feedback on a part of your writing.
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Through the study of multiculturalism in Australian society, this subject develops students’ ability to use academic English language.
This subject focuses on the advanced language required for successful graduate study in English.
Attend our range of workshops on academic listening and speaking for all study levels.
Join our online program to receive daily prompts and bite-sized activities to improve your listening skills.
Explore our resources to develop your listening and speaking skills.
Join the English for Success community for tips, videos and examples to practice and test your pronunciation and presentation skills at your own pace.
Melbourne Talks is a free, peer-to-peer program hosted by the Student Peer Leader Network in partnership with Academic Skills. It is open to all University of Melbourne students wanting to become familiar with Australian culture and University life while gaining confidence communicating in English and making friends with other students.
Essay generator.
When creating an academic essay , it is very important for you to relay a sensible and clear argument to your target readers. Since academic essays are widely used in the field of education and research, you need to ensure that you do both logical, interesting and informative writing . The items that are commonly seen in an academic essay contain insights, actual occurrences, ideas, and facts.
An academic essay is a structured form of writing that serves the purpose of presenting and supporting a thesis or argument on a specific topic. It is commonly used in educational settings to assess students’ understanding, analytical skills, and ability to research and convey their findings. An academic essay typically follows a clear format, including an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs that provide evidence and analysis to support the thesis, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and reinforces the essay’s central argument. This type of essay requires critical thinking and a formal tone, with evidence cited from reputable sources to back up claims made within the text.
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A lot of students tend to think that an academic essay, just like any other college essay , is something that is too technical or defined. However, you can always write one depending on how you perceive a specific topic of discussion or how you interpret an instance or any other subjects. The samples that we have for you can be a great help if you would like to start writing your academic essay already.
1. title page (if required).
Includes the essay’s title, the author’s name, and institutional affiliation.
Hook : Opens with a statement to grab the reader’s interest. Background Information : Provides context for the topic being discussed. Thesis Statement : Presents the main argument or claim of the essay.
Each paragraph should focus on a single idea that supports the thesis, structured as follows:
Topic Sentence : Introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Evidence and Analysis : Includes data, quotes, or examples to support the topic sentence, followed by an explanation of how this evidence supports the thesis. Transition : Connects to the next paragraph or idea.
Summary of Main Points : Restates the key arguments or findings presented in the body paragraphs. Restatement of Thesis : Reinforces the essay’s main argument in light of the evidence presented. Closing Thought : Offers a final insight, a call to action, or a suggestion for further research.
The Impact of Social Media on Communication In the digital age, social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, transcending physical boundaries and transforming social interactions. This essay explores the profound impact of social media on communication, examining both its positive advancements and negative implications. While social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have enhanced our ability to connect with others, they have also led to a decline in face-to-face interactions and a dilution of personal communication skills. Social media has made it easier than ever to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of geographical distance. A study by Smith and Duggan (2016) found that 75% of internet users utilize social media to maintain relationships with distant family and friends. This widespread use of social media for keeping in touch demonstrates its role as a vital communication tool, bridging the gap between people worldwide. However, the reliance on social media for communication has led to a decrease in the quality of interpersonal interactions. Research by Johnson (2018) indicates a 40% decline in face-to-face conversations among young adults, correlating with increased social media usage. The preference for digital communication over personal interaction suggests a shift in social dynamics, potentially harming relational depth and emotional connections. Moreover, social media has affected our communication skills, particularly among younger generations. A survey by Lee (2019) revealed that 60% of teachers believe social media use has adversely affected students’ writing and verbal communication skills. The informal language and abbreviations common in social media posts and messages are infiltrating academic and professional communications, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to digital interactions. Social media has undeniably transformed communication, offering unparalleled connectivity but also presenting significant challenges. While it fosters global connections, its overuse can undermine personal interactions and communication skills. Balancing social media use with face-to-face communication is crucial for maintaining meaningful relationships and effective communication in the 21st century.
Title: The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity
Introduction: Climate change, driven primarily by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, has emerged as a critical global concern. This essay aims to explore the multifaceted impacts of climate change on biodiversity. The effects of rising temperatures, altered weather patterns, and habitat destruction are increasingly evident, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and species worldwide.
Body Paragraph: One of the most noticeable consequences of climate change is the shifting geographical ranges of numerous species. Warmer temperatures prompt species to migrate to higher altitudes or latitudes, as they seek habitats that align with their thermal preferences. This phenomenon is evident in various ecosystems, including mountain regions, where alpine plants and animals have progressively moved uphill. These migrations, while adaptive, can disrupt established predator-prey relationships and competition for resources. Such shifts can also lead to reduced biodiversity in lower-altitude regions as some species fail to adapt or relocate successfully.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, climate change exerts profound effects on biodiversity, manifesting through shifts in species distributions, altered ecological relationships, and habitat loss. As global temperatures continue to rise, addressing these impacts becomes increasingly urgent. Conservation efforts, sustainable practices, and international cooperation are essential in mitigating the repercussions of climate change on the world’s diverse ecosystems and species.
1. academic essay example.
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Different types of academic writing require an individual to have a clear thought process within the entirety of idea development. You have to be focused on what you would like to achieve your final written output so you can incorporate successful guides and processes within the activity. Some of the things that you can talk about in an academic essay include the following:
Knowing the subject of your article is only one of the initial things that can help you prepare during the writing process. Here are some ways on how you can be ready to write your academic essay:
An academic essay always has to be relevant. It needs to be beneficial to a specific group or to the majority of the academic community. The motive of your essay is very important to be considered as it can identify whether you can be of help to the people who need a particular educational reference. Here are a few things that you need to remember when identifying the purpose of your own academic essay:
For you to be able to persuade your readers with the content of your academic essay, there is a need for you to present a structure that can easily identify your claims, arguments, observations, and/or factual presentations. Integrating a Student Essay can demonstrate the personal perspective or learning journey of an individual, making your arguments more relatable. Similarly, incorporating a Travel Essay could enrich your essay by providing unique insights and observations from different cultures or environments. Being clear about how you present your idea is essential for people to see the context of your academic essay.
If you have an organized manner of putting together the concepts of your academic essay, then validating your thesis statement can be more evident. To avoid common essay mistakes and other negative factors that can affect your desired output, here is a basic guide on how you can develop your own academic essay:
A thesis statement is a paragraph or a set of paragraphs that identifies your stand about your subject. There is a need for this statement to be created as it can affect the entirety of your academic paper. Here are some of the reasons why it is important to develop an effective thesis statement before and while writing your academic paper:
The course materials that you need to talk about within an academic essay can reflect your level of understanding about the subject. Simply put, an academic essay can be an evidence of the depth of your research procedures and all the other activities that you have executed so that you can support the content of your written output. Listed below are some of the guidelines that can be useful to your academic essay writing processes.
If you still do not feel confident in writing your own academic essay from scratch, then you can refer to templates and samples which you can download online. Doing this will allow you to be more familiar with the common content and basic formats that are usually seen in an academic essay. When using a template as a guide, always make sure that it is applicable to the study that you are practicing or the academic field or discipline where you will use your academic essay.
As a student, there will always be an instance where we will be required to write an academic essay. If you want to create an academic essay that is both outstanding and relevant, always put the items that we have discussed above in mind.
Academic essays are distinguished by several key characteristics that set them apart from other types of writing. These features ensure that essays meet the rigorous standards of academic discourse and contribute effectively to scholarly conversations. Here are the primary characteristics of academic essays:
Academic writing encompasses a variety of types, each serving a specific purpose and adhering to a particular format. Here are some of the main types of academic writing:
Academic writing is governed by a set of core principles designed to ensure clarity, precision, and rigor in scholarly communication. Understanding and adhering to these principles is essential for effective academic writing. Here are the key principles:
Begin an academic essay sample with a captivating hook, provide context on the topic, and conclude the introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines your main argument.
The opening line of an academic essay should engage the reader’s interest, introduce the topic, and provide a sense of the essay’s focus and importance.
In an academic essay, avoid personal opinions, emotional language, unsubstantiated claims, informal language, and plagiarism. Focus on evidence-based arguments and adhere to academic standards and conventions.
To write an academic essay quickly, start with a clear thesis, outline main points, research efficiently, focus on key evidence, and minimize editing while maintaining proper citations and structure.
Text prompt
Write an academic essay on the impact of technology in education
Explain in an academic essay how climate change affects global agriculture
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Academic essays part 1: the importance of academic writing.
John Fowler
Educational Consultant, explores how to survive your nursing career
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John Fowler, Educational Consultant, explores academic writing
How confident are you in your ability to write academic essays? If you are a student nurse in your first year of training then your answer will depend largely on your previous success, or not, in GCSEs, A levels and the equivalent. If you entered nursing via an alternative route that had less emphasis on traditional academic preparation, then your confidence in writing an essay that draws on referenced literature will probably be much reduced. Even if you were quite strong at school or college work, you may find the transition to self-directed degree study quite difficult. If you are a qualified nurse with a pre-registration diploma or degree, returning to university study to complete a post-registration master's degree, you may still have reservations about your ability to re-engage with academic writing. If you are confident of your ability to communicate nursing theory and its application to clinical care, then this series of articles is probably not for you! However, my experience of teaching nurses, from first-year students to specialist nurses undertaking PhDs, is that very few are confident in their academic writing skills.
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Academic English is a specialized form of the English language used in academic settings, including schools, colleges, universities and research institutions. It encompasses a range of skills necessary for writing, reading, speaking and understanding complex and formal content. Unlike conversational English, which is often informal and colloquial, Academic English is characterized by a formal tone, precise vocabulary, and structured formats.
Formal tone and structure.
Academic English avoids slang, contractions and colloquial expressions. It favours a formal tone and follows a clear, logical structure. Sentences are often longer and more complex than in everyday conversation. For instance, instead of saying "kids," an academic text would use "children" or "adolescents."
Academic writing uses discipline-specific terminology and a formal vocabulary. For example, in a biology paper, terms like "photosynthesis," "cellular respiration" and "mitochondria" are commonly used. This precise language helps convey complex ideas clearly and accurately.
Academic English prioritizes objectivity and neutrality. Personal opinions and biases are minimized. Instead of saying, "I believe the experiment was a success," a researcher might write, "The experiment yielded successful results, as evidenced by the data."
Academic English requires critical thinking and analytical skills. It involves evaluating sources, constructing logical arguments, and synthesizing information from various texts. For instance, in a literature review, a student might compare different authors' perspectives on a topic and analyze their methodologies and conclusions.
Essay writing.
Academic essays follow a specific format, including an introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion. Each paragraph should have a clear main idea, supported by evidence and analysis. For example, a history essay might begin with an introduction that outlines the main argument, followed by body paragraphs that provide evidence from primary and secondary sources, and a conclusion that summarizes the findings and their implications.
These are detailed and structured documents that present original research findings. They include sections such as an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion and references. For instance, a psychology research paper might investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance, detailing the experimental design, data collected and interpretation of the results.
Academic presentations involve delivering information clearly and effectively, often supported by visual aids like slides. They require clear organization and a formal speaking style. For example, a presentation on climate change might include sections on the causes, effects and potential solutions, with data visualizations to support key points.
Academic reading involves understanding and analyzing complex texts. This includes identifying the main arguments, evaluating the evidence, and noting any biases or assumptions. For example, reading a scientific journal article requires attention to detail and the ability to understand specialized terminology and concepts.
Academic English is essential for success in higher education and professional fields. It allows individuals to communicate complex ideas effectively, engage in critical analysis, and contribute to academic discourse. Mastering Academic English involves practice and familiarity with its formal tone, specific vocabulary, and structured formats. Whether writing an essay, conducting research or presenting findings, proficiency in Academic English is a valuable skill that enhances clarity, precision, and credibility in academic and professional contexts.
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. Margaret Mead
Use these academic skills guides to help you develop your academic and study skills.
General study skills.
Preparation.
Book an appointment with a language and learning adviser; or First Nations students can book with the First Nations academic support links
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In the rapidly evolving landscape of academic writing, maintaining integrity is paramount. With the proliferation of AI tools, ensuring originality in submitted content has become increasingly challenging.
In early 2023, Turnitin launched its AI writing indicator and report, leveraging over 25 years of experience in understanding and safeguarding academic writing. Our technology helps create transparency that aids instructors in discerning likely AI-generated content from human-written work. However, the increase of AI paraphrasing tools poses a fresh challenge to academic integrity, prompting institutions to seek proactive measures .
To address this emerging issue, Turnitin is pleased to announce the launch of its new AI paraphrasing detection feature, expanding on the capabilities of our AI writing indicator.
Join us as we uncover Turnitin’s role in advancing student learning, upholding academic standards in both education and research writing, and supporting the academic community as they strive to safeguard their output in the age of AI.
Paraphrasing is the practice of rephrasing or restating someone else's ideas or information using your own words and sentence structures. It is a common technique used in academic writing to present information in a more concise or understandable way while still attributing the original source. Paraphrasing requires a deep understanding of the content and the ability to express it in a new form without changing the original meaning.
On the other hand, AI paraphrasing refers to the process of using AI technology to rewrite text while retaining the original meaning. These AI-powered tools, also known as text spinners, analyze the input text and generate alternative versions that convey the same information using different words or sentence structures.
The ease of access to these tools has raised concerns about academic integrity. Students and researchers may use AI paraphrasing to modify AI-generated content, such as that produced by language models like ChatGPT, in an attempt to evade detection by AI detection software.
AI paraphrasing poses a significant risk to academic integrity in that it erodes the principles of academic integrity by promoting deception and dishonesty. It undermines the trust and credibility of educational institutions and devalues the importance of original thought and scholarly discourse.
Writers, including students and researchers, may use AI paraphrasing to modify AI-generated content, making it difficult for AI writing detection software to identify instances of AI-generated text. This practice effectively disguises the source of their content, being a large language model, leading educators and publishers to believe that the work is original.
Relying on an AI paraphrasing tool deprives students of the opportunity to develop their writing skills authentically. Instead of engaging in critical thinking and original expression, students may resort to automated solutions, hindering their intellectual growth and academic development. By bypassing the process of crafting original content, students miss out on valuable learning experiences that foster creativity, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills.
A study conducted by Odri and Yun Yoon ( 2023 ) reveals that while their text sample was written solely by generative AI, seven out of eleven AI writing detection tools (excluding Turnitin) concluded that the text was mainly written by humans. The widespread availability of online text spinners and AI paraphrasing tools has made it easy for writers to manipulate content, which in turn, may not be flagged by AI writing detection tools.
Turnitin's AI paraphrasing detection feature seeks to address this issue by identifying instances where AI paraphrasing may have been used to modify AI-generated text in submitted content, helping publishers and educators to maintain the integrity of research writing and foster authentic learning experiences for students.
The AI writing report highlights the text segments that our model predicts were likely written by an AI tool. It also highlights AI-generated text that may have been further modified using an AI paraphrasing tool. Assessors can use the data and insights provided by our tool to start a discussion. In the education space, educators can use potential misconduct issues as teachable moments to help students improve their writing skills while developing their critical thinking abilities .
Both AI writing and AI paraphrasing segments are highlighted in different colors to enable educators and other users to interpret results easily. The highlight bar on the right-side of the report further shows the breakdown of content in percentage terms that was likely AI-generated and content that may have been AI-generated or AI-paraphrased.
Turnitin’s AI writing detection capabilities are fully integrated into the Similarity Report, providing our users with a seamless experience. When AI writing detection is enabled, which also includes AI paraphrasing detection, it automatically checks every submission for both AI writing and AI paraphrasing. It shows an overall percentage of the document that was likely AI-generated and an additional score for likely AI generated content that may also have been AI paraphrased. Your AI detection needs sit under one safe, secure, and easily accessible umbrella.
Just as speed cameras discourage drivers from exceeding the speed limit, Turnitin's AI paraphrasing detection acts as a deterrent for students and researchers tempted to misuse AI writing tools, serving as a powerful incentive for upholding academic integrity and engaging in ethical writing and paraphrasing practices.
By integrating AI paraphrasing detection into the submission process, Turnitin provides educators and publishers with a proactive tool to prevent misconduct before it occurs, thus reinforcing academic integrity and ethical writing practices. AI paraphrasing detection allows instructors to initiate constructive conversations with students about the importance of ethical writing practices and the proper use of paraphrasing techniques.
Turnitin does not make a determination of misconduct; rather, it provides data for the educators to make an informed decision based on their academic and institutional policies.
Roe and Perkins ( 2022 ) argue that, by relying solely on technical solutions to combat the misuse of AI paraphrasing tools, this may lead to an ongoing arms race. Instead, they advocate for prioritizing training as the most effective strategy for reducing students' use of these tools and enhancing faculty members' ability to detect such usage.
With this in mind, we must emphasize that the data surfaced by our tool should not be used as the sole basis for action or a definitive grading measure by instructors. The information should be used as a data point and can be the first step toward starting a discussion with students and researchers.
Customers who license Turnitin Originality with their existing Turnitin integrity solution, and have Turnitin’s AI writing detection capabilities enabled, will gain full access to AI paraphrasing detection as part of their license. iThenticate customers that license Turnitin’s AI writing detection capabilities will also have access to AI paraphrasing detection as part of their license. These capabilities are seamlessly integrated into Turnitin's existing AI writing detection workflow, ensuring no change in the way instructors utilize these tools.
As part of the AI writing detection process, AI paraphrasing detection results will be surfaced within the AI writing report, which is integrated with the Similarity Report and customers' learning management systems (LMS). This ensures that for those with access to the Turnitin AI writing indicator, AI paraphrasing detection will run automatically on every submission. This eliminates the need for additional software or workflows, improving efficiency for our time-strapped customers.
With this integration, there will be no change in workflow. If enabled, instructors will be able to check all submissions for AI writing and AI paraphrasing simultaneously.
Administrators have the flexibility to choose whether or not to enable access to AI writing and AI paraphrasing detection capabilities from their admin settings page for their instructors.
The proliferation of AI paraphrasing tools to avoid AI detection presents yet another challenge to academic integrity so soon after the launch of generative AI in 2022. Students and researchers who use these tools to evade detection by modifying AI-generated text undermines the credibility of assessments and research.
To address this issue, it's essential for educators to emphasize the importance of originality and critical thinking in academic writing. This can be achieved through educational initiatives that promote proper paraphrasing techniques and discourage reliance on automated solutions. Additionally, institutions can foster a culture of academic honesty by implementing clear guidelines and consequences for plagiarism .
Ultimately, by prioritizing authentic learning experiences and providing support for students to develop their writing skills, we can help mitigate the impact of AI paraphrasing on academic integrity and uphold the standards of scholarly discourse.
The first important point is to recognize the differences between high school and college. Usually, one of these differences is the degree of self-sufficiency and self-motivation expected of you. Your professors expect you to attend class, complete assigned readings (including the problems at the end of the chapter), hand in assignments on time, show up to class on time, and participate. You can only participate if you have pencils, paper, a calculator, and previous notes you have taken. Professors are only human, and they tend to match their level of concern with your level of involvement and effort in their course.
Here are some suggestions for specific areas:
*adapted from an essay by Larry Leemis, Professor of Mathematics |
Amazing as it may seem, many Americans appear to consider public speaking a fate worse than death. Fear is a natural human reaction to situations involving public speaking - EVERYONE has it. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to conquer this fear and deliver an oral presentation confidently and successfully.
Choose your topic carefully; if one is not assigned, choose a topic focused enough to stay within the time limit. Create an outline and highlight your main points. After each main point, construct a transition and note instances where examples, demonstrations, or visual aids will be useful.
Your thesis and information should be appropriate for your class/audience. You should present information that is new, but do not under or overestimate their knowledge. Use concrete language and simple, direct phrasing. Use specific examples or analogies that are explained using vivid language. Begin with a hook; then narrow your field of interest until you get to your thesis statement or purpose. Identify it and explain how you will develop it in your presentation. Proceed through the body of your talk point by point, being sure to organize facts as they are relevant to your points. Do not repeat facts. Be sure to cite any outside sources that you use. Summarize your specific points; then broaden your field of interest and conclude with more general statements. Refer back to your thesis. Avoid using phrases like "to conclude" or "in summary" because they sound abrupt and mechanical. Plan out your very last sentence!
Speak extemporaneously. Don't read or memorize your presentation. Have a brief outline of notes which will keep you on track. The most important rule of delivery is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! When you practice, you should time yourself, use your visual aids, and ask a friend to watch and give you feedback.
A degree of nervousness can help to promote adrenaline flow that is often necessary for delivery of a dynamic and captivating presentation. Here are some guidelines to avoid a mental meltdown: *adapted from an essay by by Sharon Zuber, Director Emeritus of Writing Resources Center |
Overheard during a campus tour: "The smartest thing you can do is make friends with the librarians. They are nice folks, they know how to find everything, they are very helpful, and using their expertise can save you a lot of time." Don't be afraid to ask questions about how to find what you need before it's crunch time. No one can be expected to navigate the complexity of the library on his or her own. And you don't have to! The staff of the Earl Gregg Swem Library and its branches is dedicated to making you feel comfortable with the library and all it has to offer.
There are even comfortable couches to catch a few winks before that statistics class!
And don't forget the books: Swem Library has almost a million and a half of them. Spend time browsing. Some of the best discoveries come when you don't know what you're looking for. If the heart of a library is its books, then the spirit of a modern library is its electronic collections. Whether searching for current events or topics from the eighteenth century, you can access resources any time of the day or night, from any area, including residence halls, offices, the Sunken Garden, and even study-abroad locations. Finding first-hand accounts of the Lewis and Clark expedition, contemporary reviews of , and advertisements for early telephones are a few computer clicks away. Swem Library is regularly ranked among the best libraries in the country. Spend some time there, and you'll see why. Visit . |
*adapted from an essay by Randolph Coleman, Professor of Chemistry |
Learning to write well is a life-long process; however, you can improve your writing if you are open to instruction. The challenge for writers at all levels is to make order out of chaos by moving ideas from their heads to paper and then shaping them for an audience. The following tips can help:
Begin thinking about your topic as soon as it is assigned and schedule writing time long before the paper is due. Make using words a habit of the mind; good writers are good readers. Reading reinforces good spelling, grammar, and structure; you begin to internalize good writing.
Honestly evaluate your writing strengths and weaknesses, then build on your strengths and find strategies to overcome the weak areas.
Begin with your professor (if you aren't starting your paper the night before it is due!). Schedule a consultation at the . |
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Williamsburg, Virginia
by Kellye Lynn
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Navika Duvey is a rising seventh grader who is expanding her understanding of coding at summer camp.
"Problem-solving, those skills you learn in math is also in coding," she told 7News.
It's an important connection as Montgomery County Public Schools students and those around the country make slow progress in recovering from pandemic-related academic losses.
READ| Delta struggles with baggage, delays after global IT outage leaves travelers stranded
The national decline in math scores has created what education experts call a data literacy crisis.
"A lot of our students are coming in at different levels, and basically the levels that they’re coming in at they might not have the skills to show their level of performance," explained educator and camp on-site coordinator Yvette Edwards.
For three weeks this summer, more than 800 Montgomery County Public Schools students are strengthening essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the Montgomery Can Code camp.
"To have an introduction to Apple Swift coding and learning app design," said Kimberly Bloch-Rincan, Director of ignITe Hub which runs Montgomery Can Code.
The free camp offered at three Montgomery College campuses is also inspiring these middle school students to pursue tech careers.
READ| Target stops taking checks; business expert thinks fighting fraud is the reason
11-year-old Veer Amin hopes to someday work as a robotics engineer.
"I love coding and I think coding’s really important to what you can do ahead in life," he said.
"A lot of computer and AI things are going to be very important in the future so I just want to get ahead of the game," student Wilson Dilone told 7News.
Three fundamental problems with using LLMs as teachers, tutors, and trainers.
While generative AI tools have been heralded as the future of education, more than 40 years of academic research suggests that it could also harm learning in realms from online tutoring to employee training for three reasons. First, the best student-teacher relationships are empathetic ones but it is biologically impossible for humans and AI to develop mutual empathy. Second, AI might help us bypass the boring task of knowledge accumulation but it is only through that process that we develop higher order thinking skills. Finally, digital tools are notoriously distracting and multitasking diminishes learning. As we think about the benefits of new technology, we must also consider the risks.
Since the widely acclaimed release of ChatGPT 4, generative AI has been touted by many as the savior of education. Case in point: British education expert Sir Anthony Seldon has predicted that by 2027, AI will replace human teachers on a global scale.
Highlights of CFA’s 2023-2024 Academic Year, a Photo Essay
Photo by Will Horne
As we embark on a new academic year at Boston University College of Fine Arts (and an exciting new chapter at BU with Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam beginning her tenure as the University’s 11th president), we’re taking a moment to reflect on the highlights of CFA’s 2023-2024 year!
summer 2023
spring 2024
summer 2024
Summer destinations cfa, broadway, and abroad.
Stefano Meo as Rigoletto and members of the chorus in Opera på Skäret’s Rigoletto. Photo by Andreas Hylthén
Rigoletto director Leslie Swackhamer (front right) invited Susan Mickey (front left) to design the opera’s costumes. Behind them are the students Mickey brought with her: Duncan Michael (CFA’25) (from left), Gregg Wiggans (CFA’25), Yao Kuang Lee (CFA’25), and Dante Gonzalez (CFA’24). Photo by Andreas Hylthén
Traveling to Sweden for a professional opportunity in costume designing and directing was an experience shared among a handful of BU School of Theatre students last summer. Directing student Gregg Wiggans (CFA’25), and costume design students, Yao Kuang Lee (CFA’25), Duncan Michael (CFA’25), and Dante Gonzalez (CFA’24) spent last July in the countryside of rural Sweden, working with Opera på Skäret on the company’s production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto .
Ballet Bag (2021), a 2021 soft sculpture by Rose Nestler, one of 13 contemporary artists whose work was featured in STUFFED. Photo by Julian Massari (ENG’26)
Photo by Greg Mills. Pictured, from left to right are BU alums Jillian Oliver, David Lurie-Perret, John Zdrojeski, Greg Bird, and Alex Wyse
Over the summer, the exhibition STUFFED was on view at BU Art Galleries’ Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery. It featured works by 13 female artists who use pliable materials in new ways. And in New York City, a Terrier-heavy Broadway show was playing at the Belasco Theatre. From the cast to design to production, eight BU alums were involved in the Tony-award-winning show Good Night, Oscar starring Sean Hayes.
i love you and i always will, or charlie’s play. Photo by Sarah Coleman (CFA’24)
2023 BU Fall Arts Fair. Photo by Emily Wang (COM’26)
Actors Russell Hornsby (CFA’96) and Michelle Hurd (CFA’88) speaking at BU College of Communication’s symposium, Black Media: Reflecting on the Past and Reimagining the Future. Photo by Emily Wang (COM’26)
BU School of Theatre’s 2023-2024 season kicked off with the movement-based show, i love you and i always will or charlie’s play , which ran at BU’s Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre on September 9 and 10, 2023. BFA Theatre Arts performance alum Tommy Vines (CFA’24) was the show’s producer, director, playwright, and lead actor!
That same week, BU hosted its annual BU Fall Arts Fair, where students are invited to explore all the arts that BU and Boston offer through conversations with members from BU Arts Initiative, BU arts programs, academic units, and selected Boston area arts organizations.
Later in the month, during BU’s Alumni Weekend, actors and Terrier proud alums Russell Hornsby (CFA’96) and Michelle Hurd (CFA’88) returned to BU for the College of Communication’s symposium Black Media: Reflecting on the Past and Reimagining the Future .
2023 CFA Distinguished Alumni Awards. Photo by Doug Levy
On Thursday, September 21, the CFA community – students, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff – came together to celebrate and honor three inspiring BU alums: multifaceted artist Joseph Pereira (CFA’96), artist and educator Adrienne Elise Tarver (CFA’07), and playwright and director Chay Yew (COM’92).
watch the alumni awards highlights
BU’s annual Fringe Festival also kicked off around this time! The decades-long collaboration between BU School of Theatre and BU School of Music: Opera Institute expands to uplift new and unique works in music and visual arts in addition to producing new and rarely performed works of opera and theatre. Spurred by the dynamic and diverse programs within CFA, the 27th annual Fringe featured additional programming from BU School of Visual Arts and School of Music.
Alice Tierney, a co-production of BU Opera Institute and School of Theatre. Photo by Jacob Chang-Rascle
Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet, presented by BU School of Theatre. Photo by Rodrigo Larios
Hydrogen Jukebox, a co-production of BU Opera Institute and School of Theatre. Photo by Jacob Chang-Rascle
The cast of Priscilla, a next stage workshop, by Edward Sturm (CFA’24)
The Gutter, presented by BU School of Visual Arts and its MFA Visual Narrative Class of 2024. Photo by Wenbin Huang (CFA’25)
The 2024 winter issue of CFA magazine features BU alums making instrumental impacts across fields from art to education to healthcare, in all corners of the world! They’re community organizers, arts leaders, education advocates, playwrights, painters, singers, podcasters, filmmakers, and revolutionaries.
read this issue
From October 3rd through December 9, the expansive traveling exhibition, An Adventure in the Arts , arrived at BU Art Galleries’ Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery. The exhibition provided a crash course in 20th-century art history, featuring works by the most influential artists of that century, including Childe Hassam , Andy Warhol , Willem and Elaine de Kooning , Jasper Johns , and Jackson Pollock .
An Adventure in the Arts. Photo by Emily Wang (COM’26)
And across Commonwealth Avenue at 808 Gallery, the 75th annual Boston Printmakers 2023 North American Print Biennial returned to BU. The highly anticipated juried exhibition of artists living and working in North America showcased artwork ranging from traditional print processes and digital media to work in more expansive, interdisciplinary approaches.
The Boston Printmakers 2023 North American Print Biennial. Photo by Wenbin Huang
Spooky season took over Wheelock Family Theatre (WFT) with the musical production of America’s favorite kooky, spooky clan, The Addams Family . The show, which ran from October 13 through November 19, opened WFT’s 2023-2024 season.
The Addams Family: Gomez Addams (Luis Negron) (from (left), Morticia Addams (Aimee Doherty), Pugsley Addams (Jack Baumrind), Lurch (Sam David Cohen), Grandma (Jane Staab), Wednesday Addams (Emilia Tagliani), and Lucas Beinecke (Timothy Bevens). Photo by Jake Belcher
Throughout the semester, solo and group exhibitions were on view at Gallery 5, which offers undergraduate students within the BU School of Visual Arts an exhibition space to conceptualize, propose, plan, and install professional-quality exhibitions. Pictured below is the Senior Graphic Design Show, Sight of Sound , a collaborative exhibition featuring Risograph prints and animations inspired by the world of sound and music.
Gallery 5 Senior Graphic Design Show, “Sight of Sound.” Photo by Wenbin Huang
The biannual ART@Sloane exhibition showcased work from School of Visual Arts students. During the 2023-2024 year, the work resided in the Metcalf Trustee Center’s Portrait Gallery, located on the 9 th floor at One Silber Way.
Fall 2023 ART@Sloane exhibition
It’s a full house at CFA’s Concert Hall! A hive of activity for gatherings, recitals, masterclasses, and concerts such as the Symphonic Chorus & All-Campus Orchestra Concert conducted by Dr. Daniel Parsley , assistant professor in choral conducting and director of choral activities at BU.
Symphonic Chorus & All-Campus Orchestra Concert
To close out the fall 2023 semester at CFA, BU School of Theatre presented Orlando , based on the Virginia Woolf novel, at the Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre from December 2-9.
Sarah Ruhl’s play follows the story of a young nobleman in a love affair with Queen Elizabeth I. As he endeavors to make his way as a poet and lover, Orlando’s escapades keep him at the heart of a maximalist, over-the-top tale where gender and gender preferences shift regularly, usually with hilarious results. The BU School of Theatre production was helmed by director Vanessa Ogbuehi , a Philadelphia-based theatre director, performer, and producer of new and devised work.
BU School of Theatre’s production of Orlando. Photo by Katie Nelson
A thriving arts scene at cfa (and beyond) .
CFA kicked off the new year with two unique and thought-provoking exhibitions. Painting& , which was on view from January 18 – March 8 at Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery, featured four artists – Cicely Carew , Chanel Thervil , Kate Holcomb Hale , and Soyoung L. Kim – interrogating the definition of painting. Organized by guest curator Mallory A. Ruymann in collaboration with the BU Art Galleries team, the exhibition highlighted the ways in which painting has transformed into an expansive expression incorporating a variety of mediums and techniques.
Painting& exhibition. Photo by Emily Wang (COM’26)
And at 808 Gallery, BU Arts Initiative in partnership with BU Art Galleries, presented the special exhibition, Natural Wanderment: Stewardship. Sovereignty. Sacredness . , part of the expansive Project 562 : Changing the Way We See Native America.
Natural Wanderment exhibition. Photo by Tom Tranfaglia
Created by acclaimed visual artist and social documentarian Matika Wilbur , who is from the Tulalip & Swinomish Tribes, Project 562 is a bold creative expedition to collaborate with each of the 562-plus sovereign Native American nations in the United States in their own territories for superb photographic portraits and compelling narratives of contemporary Native American identity.
At the end of January, BU School of Music returned to New York City’s renowned Carnegie Hall for a special recital featuring a select group of talented graduate music students. The 2024 BU Spotlight concert at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall featured competition winners Andrew Bearden Brown (CFA’24), Sheng Chan (CFA’25), An-Chi Lin (CFA’25), Yuyeon Lee (CFA’27), Valentina Pulido Pardo (CFA’24), Richard Rivale (CFA’26), and Zhen Wang (CFA’27).
2024 BU Spotlight Concert at Carnegie Hall. Photo by Craig Williston
The weekend of February 29 through March 3 was a busy one for BU School of Theatre with two main productions playing! At Booth Theatre, Cendrillon , a co-production of BU Opera Institute and School of Theatre, told the well-known fairy tale about a young girl wronged and her ultimate redemption through her discovery of true love. Jules Massenet’s ethereal music carries the audience into a dreamlike world of enchantment.
Cendrillon. Photo by Jacob Chang-Rascle
The immersive theatrical experience, One Penny Down , written by BU School of Theatre director and associate professor of playwriting, Kirsten Greenidge , was performed at Studios on 3. When Summer is gifted a copy of Anna Karenina for her first Mother’s Day, the little details of her own life begin to add up in ways she hadn’t quite thought of before. When the family makes a seemingly ordinary trip to their mall’s old-school department store, Summer’s world is changed forever.
One Penny Down. Photo by Katie Nelson
Major congratulations to vocal performance undergraduate students Mirah Johnston (CFA’24) and Stella FitzGerald (CFA’24, BUTI’18) who were honored with the 2023 Dimmock Vocal Award ! The Ellalou Dimmock Memorial Award is presented to students who demonstrate excellence in vocal performance throughout their undergraduate studies. The CFA community celebrated the winners at a special CFA Concert Hall recital and reception in February. The vocalists performed with Douglas Sumi , Lecturer in Music, Vocal Repertoire and Coaching collaborating on piano.
Douglas Sumi and Stella FitzGerald perform at the CFA Concert Hall. Photo by Emily Wang (COM’26)
Douglas Sumi and Mirah Johnston perform at the CFA Concert Hall. Photo by Emily Wang (COM’26)
This year, vocal performance students took the stage… not just at CFA, but globally at The Popayán International Music Festival in Popayan, Colombia! Grace Christensen (CFA’24) and Mirah Johnston (CFA’24) performed alongside Assistant Professor of Music, Voice David Guzman . The festival began in 1964 and in its long history has provided more than 4,000 artists, including soloists, chamber ensembles, orchestras, and choirs from 36 countries to perform in the capital of Cauca.
The Popayán International Music Festival. Photo by Michael Rotiroti
Popayán, Colombia. Photo by Michael Rotiroti
Back at CFA, BU School of Visual Arts was thrilled to have Multiple Formats: Contemporary Art Book Symposium and Art Book Fair return to BU! Organized by Christopher Sleboda , Associate Professor of Art, Graphic Design, and the BU Graphic Design MFA and BFA programs , Multiple Formats: Contemporary Art Book Symposium and Book Fair weaves together conversations about artist books and higher education, pedagogical practices involving artist books, artist advocacy, and artist book distribution, collection, and access. The event spanned three action-packed days, beginning with a keynote lecture by Ashley James , Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at the Guggenheim Museum. It was followed by a full day of workshops, talks, and programs, and it ended on a Saturday with more than 125 exhibitors showcasing their work and creative practices to the BU community and Greater Boston Area friends and neighbors.
Multiple Formats Art Book Fair. Photo by Emily Wang (COM’26)
Our friends at Wheelock Family Theatre put on two family fun productions over the spring. Adorable penguins took up residence on WFT’s stage with the beloved children’s classic, Mr. Popper’s Penguins . The play is about a struggling house painter in Minnesota who dreams of adventures to far-off lands. His life changes when he is gifted a live penguin, Captain Cook, by an Arctic explorer he’s befriended.
Later in the season, the theatrical adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s classic young adult (YA) fantasy novel, A Wrinkle in Time , was performed at WFT. The story, which pits 13-year-old Meg Murray against evil forces that have kidnapped her father to a distant planet, transformed YA fiction and was one of the first books for young readers featuring a female heroine in a science fantasy setting, and its themes of magic, divinity, faith, and the battle between good and evil.
Michael Jennings Mahoney and Kristian Espiritu star as Mr. and Mrs. Popper in Wheelock Family Theatre’s production of Mr. Popper’s Penguins, based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater. Photo by Jake Belcher
Eviva Rose (left) as Charles Wallace Murry, Beza Mekonnen as Meg Murry, and Miles Allen as Meg’s friend Calvin in a scene from Wheelock Family Theatre’s production of A Wrinkle In Time. Photo by Jake Belcher
Big news was announced this year with CFA appointing new directors for the Schools of Theatre, Music, and Visual Arts! A playwright, a painter, and the founding cellist of a world-renowned string quartet became the new leaders of the three schools within CFA on July 1.
Award-winning playwright Kirsten Greenidge , associate professor of playwriting and theatre arts, became the director of the School of Theatre. Marc Schepens (CFA’12), senior lecturer in art, painting, began a two-year term as interim director of the School of Visual Arts. And Michael Reynolds , professor of music, cello, and the Muir String Quartet cellist since 1979, now leads the School of Music.
read the announcement
Kirsten Greenidge
Marc Schepens
Michael Reynolds
Now we’re heading towards the middle-end of the spring semester at CFA which is an exciting time – celebrating soon-to-be-grads before Commencent season begins through thesis exhibitions, senior recitals, showcases, and more.
Up first, BU School of Visual Arts presented the 2024 MFA Thesis exhibitions from April 2-20, highlighting the work of 61 graduating MFA students – the largest cohort to date – in Graphic Design, Painting, Print Media & Photography, Sculpture, and Visual Narrative programs.
MFA Graphic Design Thesis Exhibition at 808 Gallery. Photo by Wenbin Huang
MFA Visual Narrative Thesis Exhibition at Commonwealth Gallery. Photo by Wenbin Huang
MFA Painting Thesis Exhibition at Stone Gallery. Photo by Wenbin Huang
MFA Print Media & Photography Thesis Exhibition at 808 Gallery. Photo by Wenbin Huang
This was the first thesis exhibition for the Print Media & Photography and Visual Narrative programs since their launch in 2022. Also new this year was the sculpture thesis being a satellite show off-campus, on view at an empty space that was once a drugstore and pharmacy in the neighborhood of Allston.
MFA Sculpture Thesis Exhibition at former drugstore/pharmacy in Allston. Photo by Wenbin Huang
Alongside the MFA Thesis Exhibitions, the MA Art Education students install artwork created by their K-12 students from Boston-area schools, transforming Gallery 5 into a colorful and joyful showcase.
2024 MA Art Education Thesis Exhibition. Photo by Wenbin Huang
The spring 2024 opera, La clemenza di Tito , a co-production of BU Opera Institute and School of Theatre, was performed at BU’s Tsai Performance Center from April 18-21. Mozart’s penultimate opera, La clemenza di Tito (The Clemency of Titus) is driven by paranoia and manipulation which culminates in a conflicted ruler’s struggle to discover the greater power of mercy over revenge.
La clemenza di Tito. Photo by Jacob Chang-Rascle
Another celebratory, community event CFA enjoys each year is the annual Kahn Career Entry Awards , which celebrates outstanding graduating CFA-ers and helps launch their artistic careers.
The 2024 Kahn Awards recipients were James Gold (CFA’24) , Spencer Hart-Thompson (CFA’24) , Kimly Mengyin Wang (CFA’24) , Madeline Riddick-Seals (CFA’24) , Emily Rice (CFA’24) , and Tommy Vines (CFA’24). Madeline was the grand prize winner and plans to use the award to delve deep into Bennett Side, a historically Black working-class neighborhood in Enterprise, through oral history and design.
From left: Emily Rice (CFA’24), Tommy Vines (CFA’24), Madeline Riddick-Seals (CFA’24), Spencer Hart-Thompson (CFA’24), Kimly Mengyin Wang (CFA’24), and James Gold (CFA’24). Photo by Emily Wang (COM’26)
Sold-out show! BU School of Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Pulitzer-winning musical, Sunday in the Park with George , ran from April 25-28 at BU’s Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre. Inspired by the painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, Sunday in the Park with George , Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s stunning masterpiece, merges past and present into beautiful, poignant truths about life, love, and the creation of art.
Show director Clay Hopper (CFA’05), Senior Lecturer, Directing, adds, “In an atomized world, where our connections to each other can be so mediated that we lose sight of why we’re connecting in the first place, this play is a bright sunbeam, a ray hope of hope that our capacity to perceive beauty in all things — and to make that beauty — is our strongest connection of all.”
Sunday in the Park with George. Photo by Katie Nelson
Boston University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Chorus returned to Boston’s historic Symphony Hall on Saturday, April 27! An annual tradition where BU students get to perform on the same stage as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the 2024 BU concert showcased performances by the BU Symphony Orchestra conducted by James Burton, former Director of Orchestral Activities and Master Lecturer, Music, and the BU Symphonic Chorus led by Daniel Parsley, Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor in Choral Conducting.
2024 BU Symphony Hall Concert. Photo by Jake Belcher
Now entering May, CFA and the BU community came together to celebrate the graduating BU School of Theatre Class of 2024 at the annual Theatre Showcase ! Serving as a celebration and the group’s formal introduction to the professional theatre community, students showcased their work at a Boston Showcase and a week later in New York City.
meet the theatre class of 2024
Boston Design, Production, and Management Showcase at Booth Theatre. Photo by Katie Nelson
Performance students from the graduating theatre class. Photo by Katie Nelson
The 2024 BFA thesis exhibitions were hosted by BU School of Visual Arts from May 2-11. The shows featured the works of 33 students graduating from BFA programs in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and graphic design.
The BFA Graphic Design Thesis Exhibition, which was on view at 808 Gallery, explored four overarching themes: design for social impact, community-focused design, the portrayal and exploration of social phenomena, and the intersection of technology and graphic design.
2024 BFA Graphic Design Thesis Exhibition. Photo by Wenbin Huang
Curated by Beth Kantrowitz , art consultant and curator, the BFA Painting, Sculpture, and Printmaking Thesis Exhibition titled, In Their Own Words , conveyed students’ feelings through their art. “The depth and creativity evident in the words and artwork of the Painting, Sculpture, and Printmaking class of 2024 struck me profoundly and set the tone for this exhibition,” says Kantrowitz.
2024 BFA Painting, Sculpture, and Printmaking Thesis Exhibition. Photo by Wenbin Huang
Commencement season in full effect! On Saturday, May 18, the CFA Class of 2024 walked across the stage and reflected on their greatest achievements during their time at BU. The 2024 CFA Convocation Speaker was Opera Director David Kneuss (CFA’70), who recently completed his tenure at the Metropolitan Opera where he served as Executive Stage Director for 25 years.
The Convocation Student Speaker, BFA Theatre Arts student Edward Sturm (CFA’24), spoke to the graduating class and said, “As we leave Boston University, I hope that you don’t forget to marvel at what we’ve accomplished. I hope you take a real sense of gratitude, along with the deep connections, the fond memories, and the rich artistry I know you have. The world is waiting for you.”
David Kneuss (CFA’70) addressing the CFA Class of 2024. Photo by Hannah Osofsky
2024 CFA Convocation. Photo by Hannah Osofsky
Theatre arts major Edward Sturm (CFA’24) addressing the CFA Class of 2024. Photo by Hannah Osofsky
At home at bu.
Summer at CFA can seem a bit more quiet compared to the rest of the academic year, but that doesn’t mean things aren’t happening! BU Art Galleries proudly presents two exhibitions.
Currently on view: A Summer Place at BU’s Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery brings summer and cozy feelings of home through the paintings of Breehan James , assistant professor of art, painting, and Nancy Wissemann-Widrig , whose award-winning artistic career spans decades. “A Summer Place is an archive of everyday things and a window to nature’s close embrace,” says show curator Emily Lanctot , who selected an array of works created by the artists at their rustic summer homes.
Nancy Wissemann-Widrig (left) and Breehan James at the exhibition, A Summer Place. Photo by Jake Belcher
Patrons at BU’s Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery to see the exhibition, A Summer Place. Photo by Jake Belcher
A Summer Place. Photo by Tom Tranfaglia
And for those walking along Commonwealth Avenue, works by artist Matt Murphy can be seen at the 808 Gallery windows. In Quarrel , Murphy plays with an interchange between sculpture and painting, striving to disrupt the illusion of painting by inserting the wall in between elements, allowing viewers to see the artwork as a physical object before immersing themselves in the painted illusion.
Quarrel at 808 Gallery windows. Photo by Tom Tranfaglia
Summertime is also when a lot of CFA-ers do work beyond the classroom . From internships and arts administrative roles to theatre summer stock and workshopping new material, read up on what CFA students are working on outside of CFA.
The summer issue of CFA magazine features a very Boston cover story. Meet Massachusetts artist Robert T. Freeman (CFA’71,’81), whose painting “Black Tie” hangs inside the Massachusetts governor’s office. This latest issue highlights BU alums making impacts across all fields. They’re innovating in virtual reality, narrating audiobooks, organizing youth orchestras, costume designing for Cirque du Soleil, and even curating games for The New York Times (we’re talking Wordle and Connections).
read the latest issue
We hope you enjoyed revisiting some of our favorite CFA moments from this past year just like we did! Stay in the know of upcoming CFA events, our theatre production season, art exhibitions, concerts, and social gatherings by following us on social ( Facebook , Instagram , X ) and explore CFA News and our Calendar of Events !
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Avoid transition words that don't add anything to the sentence and unnecessary wordiness that detracts from your argument. Furthermore, use the active voice instead of the passive whenever possible (e.g., "this study found" instead of "it was found by this study"). This will make your essay's tone clear and direct. 3.
Course description. Writing reports and assignments can be a daunting prospect. Learn how to interpret questions and how to plan, structure and write your assignment or report. This free course, Essay and report writing skills, is designed to help you develop the skills you need to write effectively for academic purposes.
A PDF providing further guidance on writing science essays for tutorials is available to download.. Short videos to support your essay writing skills. There are many other resources at Oxford that can help support your essay writing skills and if you are short on time, the Oxford Study Skills Centre has produced a number of short (2-minute) videos covering different aspects of essay writing ...
Academic Writing "Writing" is usually understood as the expression of thought. This book ... There are models for different ways to organize an essay and tips to make sentences snap with style. Emphasis is placed on developing ... one of the foundational skills in life. Our world is full of things that need to
Academic Writing Examples. Research Paper - In-depth study presenting original research and analysis. Essay - A structured argument on a specific topic is essential in an analytical essay. This type of essay requires presenting a clear thesis and supporting it with well-organized evidence and analysis. Dissertation - Extensive research ...
Academic writing is a formal style of writing used in universities and scholarly publications. You'll encounter it in journal articles and books on academic topics, and you'll be expected to write your essays, research papers, and dissertation in academic style. Academic writing follows the same writing process as other types of texts, but ...
2. Define your argument. As you plan and prepare to write the essay, you must consider what your argument is going to be. This means taking an informed position or point of view on the topic presented in the question, then defining and presenting a specific argument. Consider these two argument statements:
Here are 12 academic skills and how they can help you in your future career: 1. Time management. Time management is the ability to organize and schedule your time efficiently. In school, you might've used these skills to study more effectively or devote sufficient time to working on several assignments.
An essay is a type of assignment in which you present your point of view on a single topic through the analysis and discussion of academic sources. Usually, an essay has the format of an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Critical analysis is essential to essay writing. One way you can demonstrate this is by summarising and ...
Academic writing skills are the traits taught while writing essays for college or university that can be useful in the workplace. Academic writing involves communicating ideas clearly and concisely and conveying arguments in a logical and convincing manner. The skills used in this kind of writing are transferable to a range of workplace tasks ...
Tips for Crafting an A+ Essay. 1. Understand the Assignment: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the assignment guidelines and requirements. If you have any doubts, clarify them with your instructor. 2. Conduct Thorough Research: Gather relevant sources and information to support your arguments.
Excellent grammar and spelling skills. Proofreaders need to dot every "i" and cross every "t." Good proofreaders should correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar. ... For another thing, if your academic record doesn't match the essay's quality, the admissions officer will start thinking your whole application is riddled with lies.
Chapter 1. Although the definition of what an essay is can be broad and include both formal and informal styles of writing, in academia an essay is most commonly considered to be a relatively short piece of non-fiction writing explaining the writer's perspective on a topic or argument. In academic writing, this perspective will almost always ...
Academic Essay Skills. What do you feel skilled at in academic writing? What skills do you want to improve? Use this checklist to find one or two skills you want to work on this semester. Use A&L's other handouts and work with a tutor to clarify concepts and help you make progress.
Academic Skills Examples. 1. Communication Skills: You will be required to communicate in writing as well as orally (and possibly many other ways) in nearly every course you take. Your skill in succinctly communicating what you have learned will be a central way your knowledge will be assessed throughout your studies. 2.
Our Academic Skills team can help you to develop the academic and professional skills you need throughout your time at university and beyond. ... Essay writing 101 The essay is perhaps the most common form of academic writing at the university. Learn about essay structure, paragraphing and features of essays with sample texts for analysis to ...
Clear Purpose: An academic essay is written with a clear purpose, often to argue a point, present an analysis, or discuss a research finding. The purpose guides the structure and content of the essay. Structured Format: It follows a structured format with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
For most nurses who struggle with academic skills, it is usually not their innate academic ability that is the problem, but the lack of specific skills required to research the question and then communicate valid findings in a reliable way. For student nurses, this is about understanding where the body of nursing knowledge lies, be that the literature, protocols or clinical practice, how to ...
It encompasses a range of skills necessary for writing, reading, speaking and understanding complex and formal content. Unlike conversational English, which is often informal and colloquial, Academic English is characterized by a formal tone, precise vocabulary, and structured formats. ... Academic essays follow a specific format, including an ...
Exams. Preparing for exams and end-of-unit assessments. Exam confidence. Relaxation techniques. Book an appointment with a language and learning adviser; or First Nations students can book with the First Nations academic support links. Use these academic skills guides to help you develop your academic and study skills.
Shortcut to writing skills. Relying on an AI paraphrasing tool deprives students of the opportunity to develop their writing skills authentically. Instead of engaging in critical thinking and original expression, students may resort to automated solutions, hindering their intellectual growth and academic development.
*adapted from an essay by Larry Leemis, Professor of Mathematics. Oral Presentations. Amazing as it may seem, many Americans appear to consider public speaking a fate worse than death. Fear is a natural human reaction to situations involving public speaking - EVERYONE has it.
The academic skill of a student is impacted by many different components: the acquired skills and experiences of the teacher, the development of new teaching techniques and reference materials, as well as the adaptive tools being used by the administration. These factors, in most cases, advance student achievement and encourage them to become ...
M00517710. ECH 1200 Study Skills Summative Essay. The aim of this essay is to give the reader an overview of the types of academic study skills that I develop for the course of Foundation degree in early childhood studies. In it I will discuss my personal approach to study and the strategies I need to use on the program.
New students in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture are required to complete PLAS 95 Plant and Landscape Systems Seminar. Course is designed to help students discover career opportunities, improve academic success skills, identify co-curricular activities and select appropriate internships.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Navika Duvey is a rising seventh grader who is expanding her understanding of coding at summer camp. "Problem-solving, those skills you learn in math is also in ...
Summary. While generative AI tools have been heralded as the future of education, more than 40 years of academic research suggests that it could also harm learning in realms from online tutoring ...
Visual Arts Highlights of CFA's 2023-2024 Academic Year, a Photo Essay From captivating and vibrant exhibitions, concerts, and performances both on campus and at renowned venues to impactful conversations and events with our students, alums, and artists around the country, CFA's 2023-2024 year is one for the books!
3D. Unlike other sports, international soccer seems to require an unreasonable amount of acronym memorization. The [Soccer org. that runs the Champion League], for example, is UEFA (short for the ...