For Com 310, 314 and 400
Tutorials for my class are designed to help you find out if you really understand the concept under discussion. The objective is to take the topic, break it down into it's key components, and explain each of those. You must do this in two typewritten pages (Arial or Times New Roman 10 or 12 point).
The best way to approach a tutorial is to go back to the notes and outline them. You should find the skeletal outline of your tutorial right there. Check to see if you're missing any key idea or concept. The ideas should flow logically and smoothly. Most tutorials will have three or four main ideas, but each of those have specific supporting concepts and/or facts. Be sure you have all the holes plugged.
Writing the tutorial is just like writing a basic essay. You should have a beginning, middle and an end. In the beginning or introduction, you should tell me what the main idea is and what your three main supporting points are. Then you should have one paragraph on each of those main points. (NOTE: A tutorial is NOT one long paragraph!!) The conclusion should summarize the theme and main points and tell me why I should care. If this sounds familiar, it's the same structure of a speech or any other good composition (although lengths may vary). If you follow these principles of organization, you'll go a long way toward getting a positive result. I grade from an outline and I check to see if you have the main ideas and their supporting concepts.
Finally, spell, punctuate and use the language correctly. At this level there should be NO errors, although we all fall prey to the occasional type-o. I am more concerned about verb tenses, adverb vs. adjectives, nouns and verbs which match, and run-on sentences or fragments. I will cut the grade of anyone by at least one letter if paragraphs are not used, copy is messy or the language is mutilated. Be forewarned!
Students have overwhelmingly liked this assignment. It helps understanding, and it helps your grade. Good luck, and remember. This assignment is really worth doing right the FIRST time. You don't have to write it again, and I don't have to grade it twice!
Value: 50 points + 50 points. (If you score 40+ on the first attempt you have the option of doubling that
grade and not writing the tutorial the second time.)
Copyright, 1999 Janet McMullen
Email Dr. Mc : jmcmulle@hiwaay.net
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