Making sense of your assignments

Making Sense of Your Assignments

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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.

• Problem solving steps

• Sample “breaking down” for assignments– Western Civilization– Diversity in the Workplace– Management Principles

Agenda

• 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

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.





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


• Make a plan.





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, define, evaluate, critique, interpret, react, summarize, synthesize)

…It helps to know a little bit about Bloom’s Taxonomy…

Blo

om’s

Tax

onom

y EVALUATION – JUDGE – Do you have to appraise, assess or critiqueon a basis of specific standards and criteria?

SYNTHESIS – COMBINE – Do you need to take your own ideas and integrate them with course concepts into a product, plan or proposal? Can you identify what is relevant from what irrelevant?

ANALYSIS – CONNECT – Do you need to compare/contrast, distinguish, classify and relate any assumptions, hypotheses, evidence or structure of a statement or question?

APPLICATION - USE – Do you have to select, transfer or use data and principles to complete a problem or task?

COMPREHENSION – UNDERSTAND - Do you have to translate your understanding or interpretation of information?

KNOWLEDGE – REGURGITATE -- Do you have to recall or recognizes information? Do you have to present the ideas and principles that you learned in a basic summary?

analyze apply

argue com

pare/contrast

describediscuss

define

evaluatecritique

interpretsynthesize

reactsum

marize


• 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





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 dateUse the NEC Academic Support Terms at a Glance Calendarhttps://bitly.com/TermCalendars

http://www.lib.umn.edu/help/calculator/



https://bitly.com/TermCalendars

Steps 1& 2

Steps 3&4

Step 5

Project Due


• 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





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

“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

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.

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


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

Understanding the “Problem” for this course, begins with understanding how the instructor wants you to think. The instructor wants you to engage in

learning that is more than memorizing historical facts. You have to understand the HOWs & the WHYs

in order to comprehend, analyze & synthesize information.


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).

METHOD AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION


Understanding the “Problem” Break the method and criteria for evaluation into manageable key words and requirements.






SO… you will be evaluated on how well you show you

understand the course’s basic concepts, completion of

reading assignments and 3 papers of 10-11 pages

with additional cover and citation pages.


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 reduction8-14 days late – 15-point reduction15-21 days late – 30-point reductionPapers 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.






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.






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.

SO… you need to follow very specific formatting requirements, submit your

assignment to Turnitin.com, email your paper as an attachment to the instructor and hand

assignments in on time or lose points. You will get verbal feedback from the

instructor.


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.

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.

Fictional Narrative

I’M NOT DOING THIS!


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 (By Period)Greece Rome

Middle Ages Renaissance Reformation

Dominant ideas?Central Theme(s)?

Use examples for each

SECOND, TAKE NOTES

in your own words to be sure you

understand what the assignment is asking

you to address


FIRST, highlight important words…


HOW DID ART INFLUENCE?

Greece Rome Middle Ages

Renaissance

Dominant Ideas

Idea #1

Idea #2

Idea #3

Reformation


Try out different style of notetaking and organizing when trying to formulate your answer to the

question.

MINDMAPPING/BRAINSTORMING

Central Themes?

Central Themes?

Central Themes?

Central Themes?

Central Themes?

Example

Example

Example

Idea #1

Idea #2

Idea #3

Example

Example

Example

Idea #1

Idea #2

Idea #3

Example

Example

Example

Idea #1

Idea #2

Idea #3

Example

Example

Example

Idea #1

Idea #2

Example


(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


OR, try

NOTETAKING STEMS

HOW DID ART INFLUENCE the Dominant Ideas? (By Period)I. Greece

A. Idea/how influenced by arti. example

B. Idea/how influenced by arti. example

C. Ideai. example

D. Central Theme

II. Rome E. Idea/how influenced by art

i. example F. Idea/how influenced by art

i. example G. Idea

i. example H. Central Theme




OR, try

Outlining

III. Middle Ages A. Idea/how influenced by art

i. example B. Idea/how influenced by art

i. example C. Idea

i. example D. Central Theme

IV. Renaissance E. Idea/how influenced by art

i. example F. Idea/how influenced by art

i. example G. Idea/how influenced by art

i. example

V. Reformation H. Idea/how influenced by art

i. example And so forth for the Reformation

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 assignmentHOW DID ART INFLUENCE the Dominant ideas? (By Period) – find Central Theme(s) & use examples for eachGreece Rome Middle Ages Renaissance Reformation

Revise 1st draft

Email final

paper

Submit to

Turnitin

Paper Due

Developing your timeline for when and how you are going to complete all the different components of the assignment and choosing your appropriate strategies in order to write your response…

CARRY OUT THE PLAN

Understand Question/ Mindmap

Break down question, read materials & take notes

Write 1st draft

Revise final

Submit to Smarthinking






FIRST -- Review & Take Notes on the Module Overview

for important information regarding the focus and content of the module.

NOTES: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.

Online Course Assignment Example

Be sure to also read the instructor commentary & click on the links to the learning objectives



Reading:Be sure to gather all of your reading materials:Textbooks, Supplements, Selected Readings, etc.

Discussion:Know what discussion questions you and/or your team need to answer.

Writing Assignments:Be sure you understand all parts of the assignment

Course Materials and Due Dates

Online Course Assignment Example3 Part Assignment

1 - Case Study Questions (p. 17)2 – Case Narrative (p. 18) 3 – Case Model (p. 19)

1 23

1

2

3SUBMIT

ALL WORK

HERE

3 Part Assignment1 - Case Study Questions (p. 17)2 – Case Narrative (p. 18) 3 – Case Model (p. 19)

1 Online Course Assignment Example

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.

3 Part Assignment1 - Case Study Questions (p. 17)2 – Case Narrative (p. 18) 3 – Case Model (p. 19)

2 Online Course Assignment Example

The CASE STUDY NARRATIVE FORMAT is

structured into 4 parts which relate directly to the Case Study Questions.

Firm Overview/Intro to CaseQuestions 1-3

Internal PerspectivesQuestions 4-5

External PerspectivesQuestions 5-7

SolutionsQuestions 8-12

1

3

2

7

6

5

4

5

8

910

11

12


The CASE MODEL is a graphic representation of some of the key elements

of the case study and relate to your answers to specific

Case Study QuestionsAnd your critical analysis of the salient points from

the case study.

Question #5

Question #8

Question #7

Your critical

analysis


CARRY OUT THE PLAN

YOUR PLAN CONSISTS OF KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT:- the structure of the assignment3 part assignment – Case Study Questions, Case Study Narrative, Case Study Model

- the elements/concepts of the assignmentThe 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.

Upload Assignment

to ANGEL

Start Case Study Model

Assignment Due

Organize all your

materialsRead the case materials & take

notes by answering the Case Study Questions as you read.

Write 1st draft Case Study Narrative

Edit All 3 parts






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.

Study Group Assignment Example

Understanding the “Problem” Break the purpose of the course down into manageable concepts/key words.

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.

Understanding the “Problem” for this study group, begins with understanding what the instructor wants you to

know and how the instructor wants you to think. The instructor wants you to understand and analyze

information related to the changing demographics of the US workplace, understand the economic and social significance of diversity, understand the moral basis of EEO and AA laws and

regulations, and develop and review HOW TO APPROACH WORKPLACE DIVERSITY CONSTRUCTUIVELY while trying to

positively IMPACT PRODUCTIVITY & COMPETITIVENESS.

Methods and Criteria of EvaluationEvaluation 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.

AddendumAll 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

Assignments 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 the U.S. workplace. You will write a research paper about this and how this relates 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…..


Paper #2

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.


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.

do or do not influence

law?

Equal Employment

key elements

key elements

key elements

effective diversity in the workplace.

do influence do not influence

HOW?

HOW?

Make a PLANBrainstorm ideas before, during and after reading the course materials by creating a mind map.


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.


OR -- Make a PLANBy creating an outline of your ideas before, during and after reading the course materials by creating a mind

map.

Explain the HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTI. Equal Opportunity

A. Key Elementsi. “W” questions – Who , What, When, Where, Why & How

B. Law?i. Yes or No - explain

C. Effective Diversity in the Workplacei. Yes, does influence

a) HOW?ii. No, does not influence

a) HOW?

II. Affirmative ActionD. Key Elements

i. “W” questions – Who , What, When, Where, Why & HowE. Law?

i. Yes or No - explain F. Effective Diversity in the Workplace

i. Yes, does influence a) HOW?

ii. No, does not influence a) HOW?

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 assignmentHistorical development of Equal Employment and Affirmative Action – focus on key elements, influence on effective diversity in the workplace, and whether or not a law.

Email final

paper

Meet with Learning

Coach

Paper Due


CARRY OUT THE PLAN

Research EE & AA

Develop notes on EE & AA – be sure to look at influence &

impact on diversity effectiveness

Write 1st draft Revise

Group Study Assignment Example

Meet with Learning

CoachRevise

• Understand the problem.

• Make a plan.




REVISTING -- Problem Solving Steps

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Making sense of your assignments