1. Making Sense of
Your Assignments

2. Making Sense of Your Assignments & Texts
Are you overwhelmed with understanding your assignments?
Do you know how to present what you have learned through your writing?
Many of your assignments will be complex with multiple steps requiring you to use
higher level thinking skills. This workshop will help you to break down an assignment
to focus your reading and study strategies. It will also help you to take new
knowledge into effective assignment responses.

3. Agenda
• Problem solving steps
• Sample “breaking down” for
assignments
– Western Civilization
– Diversity in the Workplace
– Management Principles

4. Problem Solving Steps
• Understand the problem.
• Make a plan.
• Carry out the plan.
• Reflect - How can the plan be improved?
Source: George Pólya (1945) How to Solve It

5. Problem Solving Steps
• Understand the problem.
• Know what you are being asked to do – “rules”
• Figure out what you need to learn/do – “content”
• Make a plan.
• Carry out the plan.
• Reflect - How can the plan be improved?
Source: George Pólya (1945) How to Solve It

6. What are the “rules” …
• How do you need to structure your
response?
• formatting, length, due date, etc.
• How you are going to be evaluated?
• Scope, content, critical thinking and clarity of ideas.
• Proper writing mechanics and academic citations.
• How do you submit assignment?
• E-mail attachment, Angel submission or paper

7. Problem Solving Steps
• Understand the problem.
• Know what you are being asked to do – “rules”
• Figure out what you need to learn/do – “content”
• Make a plan.
• Carry out the plan.
• Reflect - How can the plan be improved?
Source: George Pólya (1945) How to Solve It

8. Identify the Content -- “What” Questions/Answers
• What is the actual question or problem am I being
asked to address/solve/answer?
• What are key terms/vocabulary that I need to know/
define?
• What are the concepts that I
HAVE to,
WANT to,
NEED to KNOW?
• What are the action words in the assignment?
(analyze,
apply, argue, compare/contrast, describe, discuss, defi
ne, evaluate, critique, interpret, react, summarize, synthes
ize)

9. Bloom’s Taxonomy
evaluate
EVALUATION – JUDGE – Do you have to appraise, assess or critique
critique
on a basis of specific standards and criteria?
synthesize
SYNTHESIS – COMBINE – Do you need to take your own ideas and
argue
integrate them with course concepts into a product, plan or proposal?
Can you identify what is relevant from what irrelevant?
compare/
ANALYSIS – CONNECT – Do you need to
contrast
analyze
compare/contrast, distinguish, classify and relate any
assumptions, hypotheses, evidence or structure of a statement or
question?
apply
APPLICATION - USE – Do you have to select, transfer or use data
react
and principles to complete a problem or task?
summarize describe
interpret
discuss
COMPREHENSION – UNDERSTAND - Do you have to translate
your understanding or interpretation of information?
KNOWLEDGE – REGURGITATE -- Do you have to recall or
define
recognizes information? Do you have to present the ideas and principles
that you learned in a basic summary?

10. Problem Solving Steps
• Understand the problem.
• Know what you are being asked to do – “rules”
• Figure out what you need to learn/do – “content”
• Make a plan.
• Create a timeline
• Gather the materials you need to read and/or research
• Create action steps/appropriate studying strategies
• Brainstorming
• Idea lists
• Mindmaps
• Outlining

11. How do I make an
“assignment timeline” ?
• Identify the individual steps
you will need to take to complete
the assignment.
Use the University of Minnesota’s
Assignment Calculator
https://bitly.com/assignmentcalculator
•Then plug them into a
calendar - backwards plan
from the due date
Use the NEC Academic Support
Terms at a Glance Calendar
https://bitly.com/TermCalendars

12. Steps Steps
1& 2 3&4
Step
5
Project
Due

13. Problem Solving Steps
• Understand the problem.
• Know what you are being asked to do – “rules”
• Figure out what you need to learn/do – “content”
• Make a plan.
• Create a timeline
• Gather the materials you need to read and/or research
• Create action steps/appropriate studying strategies
• Brainstorming
• Idea lists
• Mindmaps
• Outlining

14. I put my due dates & action steps into a
calendar, NOW WHAT?
• Gather the materials you need to read and/or
research
• Use your understanding of the concepts that you
HAVE to,WANT to,NEED to KNOW to create action
steps/use appropriate studying strategies
• Brainstorming
• Idea lists
• Mind maps
• Outlining

15. “So, How Do I Actually Do This
With My Classes?” Examples
– Independent Study
• Western Civilization
– Online Study
• Management Principles
– Study Group
• Diversity in the Workplace

16. Independent Study Assignment Example
Western Civilization I is designed to introduce the student to
the emergence of the first civilizations and the trajectory of
their development into Western society. We will examine the
contributions of Greece and Rome and how they expanded
their empires; how ideas are conceived, put into practice, and
have social consequences; how and why empires collapsed;
how people and societies existed during the Middle Ages; how
numerous cultures developed values and coexisted/clashed
with others; and how a broken Europe, after several
starts, reinvigorated itself with the Renaissance, and split again
in the Reformation. Throughout the period of
study, culture, and the role of ideas, will be emphasized as a
means of analyzing and connecting the people and events that
make up the trajectory of history.
Understanding the “Problem”
Break the purpose of the course down into manageable concepts/key words.

17. Independent Study Assignment Example
Western Civilization I is designed to introduce the student to
the emergence of the first civilizations and the trajectory of
their development into Western society. We will examine the
contributions of Greece and Rome and how they expanded
their empires; how ideas are conceived, put into practice, and
have social consequences; how and why empires collapsed;
how people and societies existed during the Middle Ages; how
numerous cultures developed values and coexisted/clashed
with others; and how a broken Europe, after several
starts, reinvigorated itself with the Renaissance, and split again
in the Reformation. Throughout the period of
study, culture, and the role of ideas, will be emphasized as a
means of analyzing and connecting the people and events that
make up the trajectory of history.
COMPREHENSION ANALYSIS SYNTHESIS

18. Independent Study Assignment Example
Western Civilization I is designed to introduce the student to
the emergence of the first civilizations and the trajectory of
their development into Western society. We will examine the
Understanding the “Problem” for this course,
contributions ofunderstanding how how instructor wants
begins with Greece and Rome and the they expanded
their empires; how ideas are conceived, put into practice, and
you to think. The instructor wants you to engage in
have social consequences; how and why empires collapsed;
howlearning that is more than memorizing historical
people and societies existed during the Middle Ages; how
facts. You have to understand the HOWs & the WHYs
numerous cultures developed values and coexisted/clashed
with others; and how a broken Europe, after & synthesize
in order to comprehend, analyze several
starts, reinvigorated itselfinformation.
with the Renaissance, and split again
in the Reformation. Throughout the period of
study, culture, and the role of ideas, will be emphasized as a
means of analyzing and connecting the people and events that
make up the trajectory of history.
COMPREHENSION ANALYSIS SYNTHESIS

19. Independent Study Assignment Example
METHOD AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
The student must demonstrate a working and analytical knowledge of the
basic concepts presented in the course. They should understand the
fundamental values and ideas necessary to establish civilization and how
those concepts were put into practice by Greece and Rome; why empires
arise and fall; how social and cultural forces interact with politics and
economics; the importance of polytheistic and monotheistic religions; the
rise of Christianity; the significance of the Middle Ages as Europe
struggled with self-defense, and to keep the knowledge of the past in
existence; the emergence of the Renaissance and Reformation – how
much of that time was a recycling of history and how much was true
innovation. Students must complete the assigned readings and write three
10-11 page papers on the topics listed below (title page and bibliography
do not count toward total).
Understanding the “Problem”
Break the method and criteria for evaluation into manageable key words and requirements.

20. Independent Study Assignment Example
METHOD AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
The student must demonstrate a working and analytical knowledge of the
basic concepts presented in the course. They should understand the
fundamental values and ideas necessary to establish civilization and how
those concepts were put into practice by Greece and Rome; why empires
arise and fall; how social and cultural forces interact with politics and
economics; the importance of polytheistic and monotheistic religions; the
rise of Christianity; the significance of the Middle Ages as Europe
struggled with self-defense, and to keep the knowledge of the past in
existence; the emergence of the Renaissance and Reformation – how
much of that time was a recycling of history and how much was true
innovation. Students must complete the assigned readings and write three
10-11 page papers on the topics listed below (title page and bibliography
do not count toward total).

21. Independent Study Assignment Example
METHOD AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
SO… you will be evaluated on
The student must demonstrate a working and analytical knowledge of the
basic concepts presented in the course. They should understand the
how well you show you
fundamental values and ideas necessary to establish civilization and how
those concepts were put into practice by Greece and Rome; why empires
understand the course’s basic
arise and fall; how social and cultural forces interact with politics and
economics; the importance of polytheistic and monotheistic religions; the
concepts, completion of
rise of Christianity; the significance of the Middle Ages as Europe
reading assignments
struggled with self-defense, and to keep the knowledge of the past in
existence; the emergence of the Renaissance and Reformation – how
and 3 papers of 10-11 pages
much of that time was a recycling of history and how much was true
innovation. Students must complete the assigned readings and write three
with additional cover and
10-11 page papers on the topics listed below (title page and bibliography
do not count toward total).
citation pages.

22. Independent Study Assignment Example
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY!!!
Below are specific guidelines for essay requirements, feedback, due dates, penalties, and Incompletes.
Essay requirements:
Students will be graded on their written assignments. The papers must be typed using Times New Roman, 12 font, double-
spaced, normal margins (usually 1” on top and bottom; 1.25” on right and left), no pictures, no lengthy quotes or extra spaces
between paragraphs, with citations and bibliography. Papers must be first submitted in electronic form to turnitin.com, and
then emailed as an attachment to the Instructor. Additionally, it is very strongly recommended that students have Microsoft
Word 2007, or 2010. Due dates and penalties for late submissions are in effect (read below), and assignments only count as
“turned in” when the Instructor receives the emailed attachment.
Feedback:
I have a strong preference for giving verbal feedback – that way I can explain things fully and answer any of your questions
that might arise. Ideally, we should meet in person, but if you cannot make it in, then a phone call should be arranged. If
neither are possible, then you can request some written comments. Discussing the first essay is in some ways the most
important because we can work to eliminate simple mistakes and make sure that the content addresses the essay topic.
Due dates:
The first essay is due at approximately the midpoint of the Term. The second essay is due at approximately the three-quarter
point, and the final essay is due by the end of the Term (the exact dates will be provided by the Instructor).
Penalties:
Assignments are late when the Instructor receives them via email after the due dates given out at the beginning of the Term.
The penalty for turning in late assignments is:
1-7 days late – 5-point reduction
8-14 days late – 15-point reduction
15-21 days late – 30-point reduction
Papers will not be accepted more than 21 days late and will receive 0 points. No extensions will be granted for work due by
the end of the Term. Exceptions to this policy will only be made for extreme circumstances, such as severe illness (i.e.
hospitalization), death in the family, or some other catastrophic event. In such a case, the student must inform the Instructor
in a timely manner, and keep the Instructor posted of the continuing circumstances as they pertain to the course.

23. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY!!!
Independent Study Assignment Example
Below are specific guidelines for essay requirements, feedback, due dates, penalties, and Incompletes.
Essay requirements:
Students will be graded on their written assignments. The papers must be typed using Times New Roman, 12
font, double-spaced, normal margins (usually 1” on top and bottom; 1.25” on right and left), no pictures, no lengthy
quotes or extra spaces between paragraphs, with citations and bibliography. Papers must be first submitted in
electronic form to turnitin.com, and then emailed as an attachment to the Instructor. Additionally, it is very
strongly recommended that students have Microsoft Word 2007, or 2010. Due dates and penalties for late
submissions are in effect (read below), and assignments only count as “turned in” when the Instructor receives the
emailed attachment.
Feedback:
I have a strong preference for giving verbal feedback – that way I can explain things fully and answer any of your
questions that might arise. Ideally, we should meet in person, but if you cannot make it in, then a phone call
should be arranged. If neither are possible, then you can request some written comments. Discussing the first
essay is in some ways the most important because we can work to eliminate simple mistakes and make sure that
the content addresses the essay topic.
Due dates:
The first essay is due at approximately the midpoint of the Term. The second essay is due at approximately
the three-quarter point, and the final essay is due by the end of the Term (the exact dates will be provided by
the Instructor).
Penalties:
Assignments are late when the Instructor receives them via email after the due dates given out at the beginning of
the Term. The penalty for turning in late assignments is:
1-7 days late – 5-point reduction 8-14 days late – 15-point reduction 15-21 days late – 30-point reduction
Papers will not be accepted more than 21 days late and will receive 0 points. No extensions will be granted
for work due by the end of the Term. Exceptions to this policy will only be made for extreme circumstances, such
as severe illness (i.e. hospitalization), death in the family, or some other catastrophic event. In such a case, the
student must inform the Instructor in a timely manner, and keep the Instructor posted of the continuing
circumstances as they pertain to the course.

24. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY!!!
Independent Study Assignment Example
Below are specific guidelines for essay requirements, feedback, due dates, penalties, and Incompletes.
Essay requirements:
Students will be graded on their written assignments. The papers must be typed using Times New Roman, 12
font, double-spaced, normal margins (usually 1” on top and bottom; 1.25” on right and left), no pictures, no lengthy
quotes or extra spaces between paragraphs, with citations and bibliography. Papers must be first submitted in
electronic form to turnitin.com, and then emailed as an attachment to the Instructor. Additionally, it is very
SO… you need to follow very specific
strongly recommended that students have Microsoft Word 2007, or 2010. Due dates and penalties for late
submissions are in effect (read below), and assignments only count as “turned in” when the Instructor receives the
formatting requirements, submit your
emailed attachment.
Feedback:
assignment to Turnitin.com, email your paper
I have a strong preference for giving verbal feedback – that way I can explain things fully and answer any of your
questions that might arise. Ideally, we should meet in person, but if you cannot make it in, then a phone call
as an attachment to the instructor and hand
should be arranged. If neither are possible, then you can request some written comments. Discussing the first
essay is in some ways the most important because we can work to eliminate simple mistakes and make sure that
the content addresses the essay topic.
Due dates: assignments in on time or lose points.
The first essay is due at approximately the midpoint of the Term. The second essay is due at approximately
the three-quarter point, and the final essay is due by the end of the Term from dates will be provided by
You will get verbal feedback (the exact the
the Instructor).
Penalties: instructor.
Assignments are late when the Instructor receives them via email after the due dates given out at the beginning of
the Term. The penalty for turning in late assignments is:
1-7 days late – 5-point reduction 8-14 days late – 15-point reduction 15-21 days late – 30-point reduction
Papers will not be accepted more than 21 days late and will receive 0 points. No extensions will be granted
for work due by the end of the Term. Exceptions to this policy will only be made for extreme circumstances, such
as severe illness (i.e. hospitalization), death in the family, or some other catastrophic event. In such a case, the
student must inform the Instructor in a timely manner, and keep the Instructor posted of the continuing
circumstances as they pertain to the course.

25. Independent Study Assignment Example
For the last paper, choose one of the following topics:
A) The Renaissance transformed Europe, but did so very
differently in Northern Europe than in the region of its
origin – the Italian peninsula. Again using specific
examples, discuss the differences between the Italian
Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance. For this
paper, you may choose to do a fictional narrative – such
as placing yourself as a character in the time period, or
writing a story from the third-person perspective.
B) Using examples from Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the
Renaissance, and the Reformation, discuss how art
influenced any of the dominant ideas connected to that
period, and make every effort to connect a central
theme to each. Make a Plan
Decide which of the questions you are going to answer.

26. Independent Study Assignment Example
For the last paper, choose one of the following topics:
A) The Renaissance transformed Europe, but did so very
differently in Northern Europe than in the region of its
origin – the Italian peninsula. Again using specific
examples, discuss the differences between the Italian
Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance. For this
paper, you may choose to do a fictional narrative – such
as placing yourself as a character in the time period, or
writing a story from the third-person perspective.
B) Using examples from Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the
Renaissance, and the Reformation, discuss how art
influenced any of the dominant ideas connected to that
period, and make every effort to connect a central
theme to each.

27. Independent Study Assignment Example
FIRST, highlight important words…
B) Using examples from Greece, Rome, the Middle
Ages, the Renaissance, and the Reformation, discuss
how art influenced any of the dominant ideas connected
to that period, and make every effort to connect a central
theme to each.
HOW DID ART INFLUENCE
SECOND, (By Period)
TAKE NOTES Greece
in your own words to be Rome
sure you understand Middle Ages
what the assignment is Renaissance
asking you to address Reformation
Dominant ideas?
Central Theme(s)?
Use examples for each

28. Independent Study Assignment Example
Try out different style of notetaking B) Using examples from Greece, Rome, the Middle
and organizing when trying to Ages, the Renaissance, and the Reformation, discuss
formulate your answer to the how art influenced any of the dominant ideas
question. connected to that period, and make every effort to
connect a central theme to each.
MINDMAPPING/BRAINSTORMING
Renaissance
Central Themes?
HOW DID ART INFLUENCE? Idea #1
Example
Dominant Ideas
Idea #2
Greece Rome Middle Ages Example
Central Themes?
Central Themes?
Idea #3
Central Themes?
Idea #1 Idea #1 Idea #1
Example
Example Example
Example
Idea #2 Reformation
Central Theme
Idea #2 Idea #2
Example Example
Example Idea #1
Example
Idea #3 Idea #3 Idea #3
Example Idea #2

29. Independent Study Assignment Example
B) Using examples from Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the
Renaissance, and the Reformation, discuss how art influenced any of the
dominant ideas connected to that period, and make every effort to connect a
central theme to each.
OR, try
NOTETAKING STEMS
(1) The art of Ancient Greece influenced the ways in which the Greek
citizens thought about ______________ and __________...etc.
These ideas are central connected by the theme of ______________ .
(2) The art of Rome influenced the ways in which the Roman citizens
thought about ______________ and __________...etc.
These ideas are central connected by the theme of ______________ .
Keep going with your notes for Middle Ages, Renaissance & Reformation

30. Independent Study Assignment Example
HOW DID ART INFLUENCE the Dominant Ideas? (By Period)
I. Greece III. Middle Ages
A. Idea/how influenced by art A. Idea/how influenced by art
i. example i. example
B. Idea/how influenced by art B. Idea/how influenced by art
i. example i. example
C. Idea C. Idea
i. example i. example
D. Central Theme D. Central Theme
II. Rome IV. Renaissance
A. Idea/how influenced by art A. Idea/how influenced by art
i. example i. example
B. Idea/how influenced by art B. Idea/how influenced by art
i. example i. example
C. Idea C. Idea/how influenced by art
i. example i. example
D. Central Theme
B) Using examples from Greece, Rome, the Middle V. Reformation
Ages, the Renaissance, try the
OR, and A. Idea/how influenced by art
Outlining
Reformation, discuss how art influenced any of the
dominant ideas connected to that period, and make
i. example
And so forth for the Reformation
every effort to connect a central theme to each.

31. Independent Study Assignment Example
YOUR PLAN CONSISTS OF KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT:
- the structure of the assignment
Due at the midpoint of the term
Typed - Times New Roman, 12 font, double-spaced, normal margins (usually 1” on top and bottom; 1.25” on right
and left), no pictures, no lengthy quotes or extra spaces between paragraphs, with citations and bibliography.
First submitted to turnitin.com,
Then emailed as an attachment to the Instructor
- the elements/concepts of the assignment
HOW DID ART INFLUENCE the Dominant ideas? (By Period) – find Central Theme(s) & use examples for each
Greece Rome Middle Ages Renaissance Reformation
Developing your timeline for
when and how you are going to Understand
complete all the different Question/
Mindmap
components of the assignment
Break down question, read
and choosing your appropriate materials & take notes
strategies in order to write your
response… Write 1st
draft
Submit
Revise
CARRY OUT
to
1st draft Turnitin
Revise Email Paper
THE PLAN Submit to
Smarthinking final final
paper Due

32. “So, How Do I Actually Do This
With My Classes?” Examples
– Independent Study
• Western Civilization
– Online Study
• Management Principles
– Study Group
• Diversity in the Workplace

33. NOTES:
Online Course Assignment Example ASSIGNMENT : Team work within the discussion
board activity.
Assignment is individual.
CONCEPTS: Leadership and motivation are
important to management.
Studying the nuances of leadership &
fundamental understanding of motivation (a
powerful tool of influence). Inter-relation al
nature of leadership and motivation.
FIRST -- Review & Take Notes on
the Module Overview
for important information regarding the focus and
content of the module.

34. Be sure to also read the instructor commentary & click on the links to the learning objectives
Online Course Assignment Example

35. Course Materials
and Due Dates Writing Assignments:
Be sure you understand all
parts of the assignment
Discussion:
Know what
Reading: discussion
Be sure to gather all of
questions you
your reading materials:
and/or your team
Textbooks, Supplement
need to answer.
s, Selected
Readings, etc.
Online Course Assignment Example

36. Online Course Assignment Example
3 Part Assignment
1 - Case Study Questions (p. 17)
2 – Case Narrative (p. 18)
3 – Case Model (p. 19)
1 2
3
2
1
3

37. 1 Online Course Assignment Example
3 Part Assignment
1 - Case Study Questions (p. 17)
2 – Case Narrative (p. 18)
3 – Case Model (p. 19)
The questions are a
great resource to
help you focus your
reading and writing.
READ &
ANNOTATE
all questions
BEFORE
you begin reading
the CASE STUDY
&
TAKE NOTES as
you read.

38. 2 Online Course Assignment Example
3 Part Assignment
1 - Case Study Questions (p. 17)
2 – Case Narrative (p. 18)
3 – Case Model (p. 19)
1
3 The CASE STUDY
2 NARRATIVE FORMAT is
structured into 4 parts which
relate directly to the Case
Study Questions.
4
Firm Overview/Intro to Case
Questions 1-3
5
Internal Perspectives
Questions 4-5
7
6 External Perspectives
Questions 5-7
5
Solutions
8 Questions 8-12
9
10
11
12

39. Online Course Assignment Example
Question Question
#5 #8
The CASE MODEL is a
Question
#7
graphic representation of
Your
some of the key elements of
critical the case study and relate to
your answers to specific
analysis
Case Study Questions
And your critical analysis of
the salient points from the
case study.

40. Online Course Assignment Example
YOUR PLAN CONSISTS OF KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT:
- the structure of the assignment
3 part assignment – Case Study Questions, Case Study Narrative, Case Study Model
- the elements/concepts of the assignment
The questions feed into all of the other components of the assignment – focus on both the characteristics of
the individual business (Amy’s Bread), the industry, and the problems the company is facing – you propose
solutions and analyze the advantages & disadvantages of the solutions.
Developing your timeline for
when and how you are going to Organize
complete all the different all your
materials
components of the assignment Read the case materials & take
notes by answering the Case
and choosing your appropriate Study Questions as you read.
strategies in order to write your
Start Case
response… Study
Write 1st draft Case
Study Narrative
Model
Upload
Edit All 3
CARRY OUT parts
Assignment
to ANGEL
Assignment
THE PLAN Due

41. “So, How Do I Actually Do This
With My Classes?” Examples
– Independent Study
• Western Civilization
– Online Study
• Management Principles
– Study Group
• Diversity in the Workplace

42. Study Group Assignment Example
The student’s intent is to learn about an important contemporary issue, workplace
diversity. Its distinctness comes from the fact that the current United States workforce is
very different from the one that existed fifty or even thirty years ago. The workplace
population has shifted and the expectations are that this trend will continue.
Understanding these changes and the impact that they have on the work environment are
the focal points for this course.
Workplace diversity has economic importance as well as social significance. This differs
from Equal Employment legislation and Affirmative Action approaches that can be said to
have a moral and humane basis. Understanding and clearly articulating this distinction is a
major goal of this study. Over the course of the study, we will examine various elements of
discrimination, bigotry and stereotyping within the workplace. This will involve a view of
corporate culture, legal reviews and legislative action as well as textual material.
We will approach this subject by looking at business practices and how they relate to
respect for people and their uniqueness and to the multidimensional diversity of
humankind and the power that this holds. By the end of the course, we will develop and
review how to approach workplace diversity constructively in order to impact productivity
and competitiveness.
Understanding the “Problem”
Break the purpose of the course down into manageable concepts/key words.

43. Study Group Assignment Example
The student’s intent is to learn about an important contemporary issue, workplace
diversity. Its distinctness comes from the fact that the current United States workforce is
very different from the one that existed fifty or even thirty years ago. The workplace
population has shifted and the expectations are that this trend will continue.
Understanding these changes and the impact that they have on the work environment are
the focal points for this course.
Workplace diversity has economic importance as well as social significance. This differs
from Equal Employment legislation and Affirmative Action approaches that can be said to
have a moral and humane basis. Understanding and clearly articulating this distinction is a
major goal of this study. Over the course of the study, we will examine various elements of
discrimination, bigotry and stereotyping within the workplace. This will involve a view of
corporate culture, legal reviews and legislative action as well as textual material.
We will approach this subject by looking at business practices and how they relate to
respect for people and their uniqueness and to the multidimensional diversity of
humankind and the power that this holds. By the end of the course, we will develop and
review how to approach workplace diversity constructively in order to impact productivity
and competitiveness.
Understanding the “Problem”
Break the purpose of the course down into manageable concepts/key words.

44. Study Group Assignment Example
Methods and Criteria of Evaluation
Evaluation will be by the tutor in terms of the student’s ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of the assigned and
researched material. All verbal and written activities will be evaluated by the tutor for their scope, content, clarity of
ideas and balanced approach to research that exhibit a critical perspective. Both written and verbal ideas must be
focused and fully developed in order to achieve advanced level credit. The student must demonstrate an ability to
research and use Dept. of Labor statistics, as well as journal and periodical material pertinent to the study. This must
involve both library and web-based research. Responses must demonstrate the practical application of textbook and
research material.
An addendum at the end of this contract outlines written material expectations that will be applied for introductory level
college credit standards. For credit to be earned at the advanced level, the nature of the research activities and written
work must be at the advanced level involving more extensive research and more substantial and complex analysis and
integration of ideas.
Addendum
All assignments must be written at the college level. Writing should be logically organized and should conform to the rules
of correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Writing assignments containing citations (indications that
you are using either another person’s exact words or ideas) must be properly cited using the MLA Citation Style. Students
are urged to use the Diana Hacker manual for assistance with writing style, content, and properly using the MLA Citation
Style.
Academic Integrity:
Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. All work for this course must be original
created by the student for this course. You are not permitted to use someone else’s work or to hand in work that you
created for another course. If you copy another person’s words verbatim, you must place those words in quotes and include
a citation. If you copy another person’s ideas, you must include a citation. Failure to follow these guidelines constitutes
plagiarism and is expressly not permitted. Be especially careful when you use web resources in your written work and to
cite Understanding the “Problem”
Know how you are going to be evaluated

45. Assignments Study Group Assignment Example
The first group of readings relates to the study of differences and how these
influence the work environment. You will review the concept of difference in light of
legal decisions. Within this context, you will write a brief essay that clearly outlines
your definition of diversity in the workplace, the goal of effective workplace
diversity and why it has become so important an issue.
(To be provided) Delgado and Stefancic's “Images of the Outsider in American Law
and Culture” (Cornell Law Review); Caldwell’s “Hair Piece: Perspectives on the
Intersection of Race and Gender” (Duke Law Journal); Flagg's "Was Blind But Now I
See (Michigan Law Review);" Reskin's "Unconsciousness Raising;" and others.
You will research the distinction and importance of Affirmative Action and Equal
Employment enactments and legislation. These have a history that is important to Paper
the U.S. workplace. You will write a research paper about this and how this relates #2
to the subject of effective diversity in the workplace.
You will examine gender and racial inequality at work with special emphasis on the
issue of invisibility for women and white color-blindness relative to racism.
Readings: Flaggs’ “‘Was Blind, But Now I See’: White Race Consciousness and the
Requirement of Discriminatory Intent” (Michigan Law Review); Arthur Fletcher’s
“Business and Race: Only Halfway There;” and McIntosh’s “White Privilege and Male
Privilege,” (Work In Progress Series #189: Stone Center, Wellesley College for
Women). Etc…..

46. Study Group Assignment Example
2nd Paper
Workplace diversity has economic importance as well as
social significance. This differs from Equal Employment
legislation and Affirmative Action approaches that can be
said to have a moral and humane basis. Understanding
and clearly articulating this distinction is a major goal of
the study, Diversity in the Workplace.
Explain the historical development of each of these
two enactments; their key elements; whether each is a
law; and how they do or do not influence the issue of
effective diversity in the workplace.
Understanding the “Problem”
Break down the question into the parts you have to answer.

47. effective diversity Study Group Assignment Example
in the workplace.
HOW?
do influence do not influence
HOW?
Equal Employment
Explain the historical development of each of these two enactments
(Equal Employment & Affirmative Action); their key elements; whether each is a law; and how
they do or do not influence the issue of effective diversity in the workplace.
Make a PLAN
Brainstorm ideas before, during and after reading the course materials by creating a mind map.

48. Study Group Assignment Example
Explain the HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
I. Equal Opportunity
A. Key Elements
i. “W” questions – Who , What, When, Where, Why & How
B. Law?
i. Yes or No - explain
C. Effective Diversity in the Workplace
i. Yes, does influence OR -- Make a PLAN
a) HOW? By creating an outline of your ideas before, during and
ii. No, does not influence after reading the course materials by creating a mind
map.
a) HOW?
II. Affirmative Action
A. Key Elements
i. “W” questions – Who , What, When, Where, Why & How
B. Law?
i. Yes or No - explain
Explain the historical development of each
C. Effective Diversity in the Workplace
of these two enactments
i. Yes, does influence
(Equal Employment & Affirmative Action);
a) HOW?
their key elements; whether each is a law;
ii. No, does not influence
and how they do or do not influence the
a) HOW?
issue of effective diversity in the workplace.

49. Group Study Assignment Example
YOUR PLAN CONSISTS OF KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT:
- the structure of the assignment
Research paper, no length given, must cite sources in MLA style. Focus on clarity of
ideas and logical presentation of ideas.
- the elements/concepts of the assignment
Historical development of Equal Employment and Affirmative Action – focus on key
elements, influence on effective diversity in the workplace, and whether or not a
law.
Developing your timeline for
when and how you are going to
complete all the different
components of the assignment
Research
and choosing your appropriate EE & AA
strategies in order to write your
Develop notes on EE & AA – be
response… sure to look at influence &
impact on diversity effectiveness
Meet with
Revise
CARRY OUT Write 1st draft Learning
Coach
Meet with Email Paper
THE PLAN Learning
Coach
Revise final
paper Due

50. REVISTING -- Problem Solving Steps
• Understand the problem.
• Make a plan.
• Carry out the plan.
• Reflect - How can the plan be improved?
Source: George Pólya (1945) How to Solve It