Peer Review

Principles of Paraphrasing

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Reviewed:: Jan 22, 2018 by Library and Information Services

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Ratings

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Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

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Overview:: This three-module presentation provides an overview of what paraphrasing is, how to paraphrase effectively and without plagiarizing, and what the differences are between paraphrasing, quoting, and summarizing. At the end, learners can test their paraphrasing skills by filling out a worksheet and comparing their writing with an answer sheet. This presentation would be useful for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students working on their writing skills.
Type of Material:: Presentation
Recommended Uses:: The Principles of Paraphrasing can be used in multiple settings. It can be used for in-class, homework, in a group work setting or for individual assignments. A student or group needing to write a paper or in a project that requires a paper or PowerPoint would benefit from this material.
Technical Requirements:: An Adobe Flash plug-in will be required.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: Users will learn how to recognize the difference between copy and paste, quoting, and paraphrasing. Users will be able to summarize original content after reflection and then describe the content in their own words that will best demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge gained through the presentation. Users will learn to identify the key points of text they require and communicate that information in their own words and show how the material confirms their own thesis.
Target Student Population:: Best for undergraduates.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Reading comprehension skills, citation skills

Content Quality

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Strengths:: The material in this presentation is outlined very well and easy to follow. It can be divided by need, for example, if you are confused about the rules of paraphrasing you would go to module 2 and select the required section. There is quite a bit of information, but it can be broken down into sections and used as needed. This will not overwhelm the user or someone not use to paraphrasing and all the steps. The material in this presentation is created as a stand-alone system, but is more apt to be used when writing a paper.
Concerns:: Some content refers to information specific to Harvard, which may limit its usefulness to other institutions slightly.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: The modules identify its learning objectives, and makes them clear to the users of the learning objects. Each module builds on the knowledge of the module prior to it.
Concerns:: This topic might be more efficiently covered in a non-video format There is a high ratio of introductory material to actual content Because it is easy to jump ahead, learners might choose to skip critical content

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: This presentation is very easy to use. It flows from one section to another in the module. The information is interesting and informative. The commentator is very easy to understand and modulates her tone so the listener does not get bored or distracted. There are thumbnails included so those who have audio disabilities will able to use the presentation. Those computers with Dragon software should have no problems. The user is not required to click within the module which makes it easier for those with mobility issues. The screens are basic white with black lettering without glaring colors or enhanced screen changes that could cause difficulties with those having vision disabilities. This presentation is very well made and addresses all areas of disabilities. It is quite lengthy; but it can be viewed in sections so users will be able to stop when needed or return to areas that are of importance.
Concerns:: It is unclear that there are multiple modules until the learner gets to the end of the introduction, so learners may underestimate the time that the presentation will take. There is no easy way to jump between modules The presentation requires the Adobe Flash Player plugin

Other Issues and Comments:: This is a very well made presentation. It provides links for further information or for questions. There are also links to the APA format book and other tutorials. It should be noted that this presentation is not tied to any one format. This will make it of use to any discipline or class that needs to have paraphrasing taught to their students.
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