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PowerPoint Presentation Synthesising sources Dr Rajeni Rajan Support for learning Support for Learning Week 2 Preparing to synthesise Stages of reading Example synthesis Synthesising from unit readings Useful phrases for synthesising sources Stages of Reading 1 Stage Strategy Skimming/ scanning to get a general idea of the content Don’t read every word, or look at every detail. Instead look at Title, Date of publication, author(s); headings and sub- headings; introduction; abstract Select the most relevant sections • Read abstract/introduction/conclusion – key points • Read first and last sentences of paragraphs • Look at charts/ diagrams • Look for key words • Decide if some sections are more relevant to your topic Reading for deep understanding and detail Examining details paragraph by paragraph • What is the author’s position / view / message? • What are the main points / claims? • What are the recurring key words or phrases? • What theory is used in presenting ideas? Stages of Reading 2 Reading Stage Questions to ask What to select Early Stage What are the most relevant sources for my assignment topic? An entire source after skimming and scanning Middle Stage What do I need to read for this source? Relevant sections within the source Guided by headings and sub- headings Final Stage What specific information can I use from the source? Specific information or ideas from the source When you synthesise… When you synthesise… Combine sources Support your argument/ conclusions with more than one citation Show that you have read extensively Group similar ideas/argument from various sources together Preparing to synthesise/combine sources What’s the order? LOCATE COLLATE EVALUATE REVIEW ORGANISE TO WRITE Preparing to synthesise/combine sources Locate/find relevant sources. Skim read headings, abstract, introduction, findings & conclusion for a gist. Then read deeply. Collate relevant information by making notes as you read. Evaluate the information you read. Compare and contrast the information – where do they agree, where do they differ? Review your notes and reflect on what you have read in relation to your assignment task. Organise your notes, ideas into a preliminary structure and start writing. LOCATE COLLATE EVALUATE REVIEW ORGANISE Source: https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/sites/default/files/Synthesising_2015_Accessible.pdf Example synthesis (1) Combining information from two sources: Folke et al. (2016) The social-ecological systems approach emphasizes that people, communities, economies, societies, cultures are embedded parts of the biosphere and shape it, from local to global scales…Social-ecological systems are complex adaptive systems, where agents often interact in unplanned and unpredictable ways. These interactions underlie the emergence of broader scale patterns that feed back on the system and influence the interactions of the agents (Levin et al. 2013). Kim (1999) A system is any group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent parts that form a complex and unified whole that has a specific purpose. …natural and social systems can be far more difficult to understand than non-living systems because we never know for sure what their purpose or design is…Systems attempt to maintain stability through feedback. (2) Making notes from the two sources Folke et al. (2016) • Socio-ecological systems intertwined - complex systems • Parts of a whole are connected • Parts/agents interact with one another but not predictable • Interactions provide feed back on system influence interactions of agents Kim (1999) • A system is interrelated • The whole consists of parts that are interdependent • The whole is complex and unified • The whole has a specific purpose • Interdependency of parts is key in keeping the whole together • A part cannot function independently • Feedback essential for stability (3) Combining the two sources: Folke et al. (2016) and Kim (1999) Systems are complex due to their intertwined nature, consisting of interdependent parts or agents (Folke et al., 2016; Kim, 1999). For this reason, Folke et al. (2016) point out that socio-ecological systems cannot work in predictable ways. Similarly, Kim (1999) contends that the natural systems, as opposed to non-living systems, are not straightforward in the way they function. However, Folke et al. (2016) and Kim (1999) emphasise the role of feedback in maintaining complex systems. Hence, an interdisciplinary perspective as such is necessary when addressing sustainability issues. Useful phrases for synthesising sources To show agreements/similarities Smith ( 2015) argues that her data support Dorji’s (2006) view that... Al-Arshaf’s (2016) work on X is complemented by Achebe’s (2010) study of … Jones (2017) asserts that… Likewise, Lim (2018) holds the view that… To show disagreements/different perspectives While Smith (2015) focusses on the socio-economic aspect of X, Dorji (2006) pays particular attention to the socio-cultural influences in relation to X. Some researchers (e.g., Achebe, 2010; Al-Arshaf, 2016) have highlighted X as a primary factor driving the issue. Others (Jones, 2017; Lim, 2018),however, have identified Y as a significant factor influencing the problem. Useful links Referring to/combining sources- Manchester Phrasebank Phrases to introduce synthesis http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/referring-to-sources/ https://pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu/eng-102/chapter/phrases-that-begin-the-work-of-synthesis/ Next week... Reflective writing: Learning Journal Referencing and Academic integrity Any Questions Learning Journal Name: Student number: Week/tutorial Date: AREA to COVER This is an example do not repeat this reading (Folke, Biggs et al (2016) for your learning journal 1 Unit reading I have read - detail references below at 7 [approximately 15 words] Folke, Biggs et al (2016) 2 One Key definition/concepts That relates to the central unit topics such as systems thinking, socio-ecological systems and resilience [approximately 30-50 words] Berkes and Folke (1998) highlight social-ecological systems “as an integrated perspective of humans in nature” that links to resilience (Folke et al 2016). Social-ecological resilience “is the capacity to adapt or transform in the face of change in social-ecological systems, particularly unexpected change, in ways that continue to support human wellbeing (Chapin et al. 2010, Biggs et al 2015)” (Folke et al 2016). 3 Evidence from credible sources that provide examples of concepts/issues- My analysis and judgement of the evidence provided (critical thinking) [approximately 30-80 words] The Millenium Ecosystem Assessment contributed to a new understanding of the relationship between humans and nature, for example, showing that ecosystem services directly contributed to human wellbeing (Folke et al 2016). In Madagascar, forest remnants have demonstrated their worth as saviours of endemic species like Lemurs as well as havens for bees that then fertilise nearby crops. These examples show the importance of social ecological systems particularly when the forests were also sacred sites which assisted their preservation (Folke et al 2016 p6). 4 Tutorial/online engagement - a. Discussions in the unit that I started or participated in and new knowledge I have gained from them in relation to the reading/s AND/OR b. Concepts or ideas that I was not sure of and for which I sought clarification from tutor/peers [approximately 30-50 words for a and/or b] I did not understand well the example of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment but through discussion in the tutorial and online I was able to find out about the concrete examples of for example how ecosystems can provide water for humans. 5 Examples of connections: Between readings/concepts and your knowledge of situations/events that have occurred in your region within Australia or overseas [ approximately 50 words] The social-ecological connections in the forest remnant example from Madagascar discussed by Folke et al (2016) reminded me of how some forests have been protected in Bhutan partly because of cultural factors like powerful religious/spiritual beliefs of communities and individuals living there (Brookes, 2011). 6 Possible ideas for my choice of major project drawing on readings, lectures and tutorials [approximately 30 words] I am considering looking at the problem of Perth’s high water consumption in the face of the drying climate because we also have water problems in my home town that are being made worse with climate change. 7 References using Author/Date e.g. APA or Chicago style