Dr. Morses APA Tutorial provides a quick reference for the main elements of writing scholarly papers using APA format. The information is presented in seven sections: Grammar & Writing, Basic Paper Style, Advanced Paper Style, Citations, Electronic Citations, References, and Electronic References. Each section is divided into subsections; for example, Basic Paper Style provides information in eight areas including paper format, typeface, margins, and pagination. All information categories are easily accessed through drop-down menus. An example of a paper written in APA format shows users how a paper in APA format would look; comments are inserted throughout guiding users to corresponding pages in the 5th edition of the APA Publication Manual.
Type of Material:
Reference Material - Although the author describes this site as a tutorial, its organization is more a group of organized reference materials.
Recommended Uses:
Include in a MERLOT personal collection at the beginning of the term in classes that require scholarly writing;
Plan short workshops for students and faculty and use the tutorial as the workshop guide;
Post in a MERLOT resources section in departmental Help pages.
Technical Requirements:
Requires a web browser and Acrobat Reader software.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The goal of this tutorial is to guide users in developing a paper that meets required APA format as well as institutional guidelines. Care is taken to inform users to consult with faculty regarding any specific requirements or changes that they require, and that additional APA features that are not covered in this tutorial exist.
Target Student Population:
Students in high school and all levels of college writing scholarly papers or portions of papers for which APA format is specified will find this tutorial useful.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Skill in word processing software is required; Microsoft ® Word tips are given for items such as pagination. User must also have basic Website navigation skills.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This learning resource is accurate, to-the-point, easily accessible, well-organized and comprehensive.
Concerns:
None noted.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Using this tool takes away the mystery of APA formatting that that often creates anxiety in students. Because key points are explained with references to the full Manual, users can quickly locate answers to questions. The example paper is a good tool for all students, particularly those who are global learners and need to see how the finished product should appear.
Concerns:
None noted.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Navigation through the tutorial is easy; having a paper as an Adobe Reader .pdf file with comments, tips, and corresponding page numbers in the Manual enhances usability.
Concerns:
None noted.
Creative Commons:
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