Social Media Helps Solve Social Problem

Social Media & Academia shares a case of Facebook discussion on law and order to illustrate that indeed Facebook helps in solving law and order problems. This is one case that was recently reported on Facebook and quickly generated discussion by members of a group. It provides good educational information for students in legal studies, police college, social sciences, researchers, professionals in the field, and the public at large. The event took place in the Baining area of East New Britain Province and appeared to be a case of police using unnecessary force. All began by condeming the actions of police while others called on the MP for Gazelle and the Provincial Police Commander, who are both on Facebook, to help in solving this problem. Both leaders joined in the discussion and responded to help solve the matter.

The discussion began when a member of a Facebook group -  East New Britain Today and Tomorrow -  spotted the post in another Facebook group - PNG News -  and shared the post in East New Britain Today and Tomorrow on July 18th 2015. The post and subsequent discussion (comments) appear here in italics with very minor editions for consistency in presentation. I have also omitted some names in respect for others' privacy regardless.

ELDERLY WOMAN ALLEGEDLY SLAPPED AND KICKED BY TOP COP IN EAST NEW BRITAIN PROVINCE

Another case of police brutality is believed to have occurred, this time, in Manapki Ward, Inland Baining LLG, Gazelle Distric, ENBP where a total of 6 houses are believed to have been burnt down and cash crops destroyed on Thursday the 9th July.

The reported allegation has it that 'on Thursday the 9th of July Kerevat Police Station Commander with one of his officers under the influence of alcohol went on a rampage at Manapki Ward, Inland Baining LLG, Gazelle District, ENB where 6 houses were burnt down and the victims were even prevented from removing their properties'.

"An elderly woman was slapped and kicked by the top cop", a source alleged.

The 'top cop' who allegedly 'slapped and kicked' the elderly women, and who also allegedly "even hit her with the butt of the gun" during the incident, has been identified as Rookie Moore (not his real name) the Kerevat Police Station Commander. Another police officer allegedly present  at the scene at the time  has been identified as Poke Spam (not his real name).

The incident on Thursday is believed to have started over from an argument on Wednesday evening by two youths.

More than a week later the affected families are believed to be still without proper shelter and are suffering whilst it is understood that  the 'top cop' ... aided by his officer ... 'and others' have not yet been detained for questioning by other police personnel over the alleged incident.

"The pictures show the scene of destruction which was done by the two policemen and others who accompanied them. Th families are now literally empty and without hope. "the source also said.

A total of 28 pictures - such as pictures of blackened burnt house stumps, fire warped corrugated iron, chopped and also fire damaged cocoa trees, chopped down bananas and betel nut trees at the site of the incident in Manapki Ward - has been received by PNG News.

It is hoped that the member of parliament for Gazelle Open, Hon. Malakai Tabar can personally investigate the incident in order to help the families in need and ensure that the police officers and others allegedly involved in the incident are immediately detained for questioning; and based on evidence including statements by the victims are immediately charged.

Meanwhile, a mediation was held today which was attended by an estimated 60 to 70 people whereby the victims reportedly were publicly advised not to talk about the burnt down houses.

The report continues with an interview but it is not stated whether it was done face to face or over telephone.

Interview

Me: Who advised them not to talk about it?

Source: The advice not to talk about the burnt down houses were given by the top cop himself Mr Rookie Moore.

Me: What actually happened at the mediation? Did this top cop offer to pay for damages? How many people were present during the mediation?

Source: At the scene during the burning down of the houses the ward member was also giving directives..... Today's mediation the charge was one sided which was aided by the PSC's public statement as i have informed you. The crowd estimated was between 60/70 people and there was no talk of compensation for the burnt down houses and charge was one sided.  The victims were beaten, unlawfully detained without charge and detained for 10 days, their houses burnt and now through this mediation today were charged 6 thousand kina.

The source went on to describe the environment in East New Britain as very frightening.

Me: So the police were not present when the houses were burnt down?

Source: It was done under police full presence who were drunk and barking out orders. Yes, police were present.

Me: Thank you.

That is the report of the incident and soon after it was shared  comments began appearing. The comments are listed in sequence as they were written. I have not made any corrections in spelling or grammar.  I have ommited names of people alleged to be perpertrators as well as the names of the people who commented. The comments are both in English and Tok Pisin
Comments.

1. Action time.

2. Mr llg president,.? action please brother

3. ???? Sorry l ol baining blood blo yumi...

4. ????

5. This can't be happening. Action please.

6. J.S

7. J.S is drunk half the time.

8. sori stret! mi ting senisim pasin pinis taim yumi makim ol people...oiyo!

9. How can this be happening in ENB, to an already deprived person, very old and defenceless old folk...

10. Investigations need to be carried out asap. How can you take away someones shelter and his/her only form of income. Sori ya.

11. Sori stret...name of top cop?

12. ...the name of the top cop in the top paragraphs.

13. Yeah sorry just read through it again and realised the name was there thx

14. ...good morning , inbox me please.

15. Good morning Minister Tabar. Right away Sir.

16. I am going to check myself and see the families affected. Total abuse of human rights. I am calling on leaders to work with usto end this nonsense.

17.  True, right away.Mi bel sore stret.

18.  Sorry tru long ol laen blong yumi long Baining.

19. Im going there now travelling Toma out. Need some help from you the Human rights defenders now. Action.

20. ....Justice please.

21. Thanks Mr Malakai Tabar for getting on board.

22. Is the PPC aware of this? If so,he should take drastic action now.

23. Em tasol now. Action.

24. This is yet another sad news for ENB. Anyway, it happened and we pray and hope that justice will prevaileventually.

25. So sorry for the families who lost their houses and valuables. I live and grew up with Baining people and i know they are not that bad. These culprits should be investigated and let justice prevail. They dont deserve such treatment. I am currently working with a doctor who is from Baining and he is Paediatrician from Raunsepna.  So noken ting ol bai stap olsem tasol.

26. PPC Wagambie and MP Tabar please get together and peacefully sort this out. Those that have acted outside of the law must answer for their actions.

27. How can a top cop do this? He must be held responsible and be charged accordingly after facts have been established. Hope he does not get away with his actions. Bainings are the original landowners and should be accorded high respect.

28. PPC do something please. In your hands.

29. Is this the role and function of PNG police? What happened?  ENB is more like what takes place in a Police State or Dictatorship regimes. Please sortthistype of brutality.

30. Anthony Wagambie please confirm and verify.

31. Good night everyone. Just got this. Let me find out the facts. Thank you.

32. Thank you PPC. Into your good hands.

33. Sad news. How come the news is from an ouside source?It seems we do not know what goes on in our society. Thanks Bapi Patrick for sharing this.

34. This is serious as shown in the photographs.My question is, how did the argument between the two youths relate to the burning of houses and slapping of an elderly woman by the police? Who's side were the Policemen on? Why was the ward member...giving direction and assisting with the raid? Why were these houses burnt down? What made the policemen to do what they did? Kindly shed some light on the root cause of this situation. 

35. Correction, these are not Bainings. This area is in the Bainings but is vested with illegal settlers who have in their possesions illegal firearms which they use to threaten the Bainings.They cultivate large amounts of marijuana and sell in Kerevat, Kokopo and Rabaul.It hasbeen a safe haven for escapees and criminals from WNB. The Bainings have been negatively impacted by thesesetllements and no longer enjoy hunting in their bushes and rivers for fear of their lives. They are the reasons why the Bainings have registered their land and are asking government to ship them back to their place of originto giveway for theBainings to add economic value to their land. Above serious report has to be properly varified because police was at the scene and apprehended a...who is believed to have come in from Kimbe with the culprits who have been terrorising our province recently with as tring of holdups.

36. Thanks EK for the clarification...but should there be a proper approach by police cos what was reported they were under liqour.

37. Thanks bro. I understand where you are coming from. My issue is innocent victims like mothers and children who get caught up in situations like these. I respect the laws and the good of society but we have a responsibility as well to protect the vulnerable.

38. Thank you....for the clarification. I am now compelled to remark ruthlessly that let us help the police to quickly get rid of these illegal settlers who engage in illegal activities.

39. East New Britain people are peaceful people. Its alarming to hear of such rouge behaviour and even more of aconcern now that the law enforces are causing destruction and instilling dictative authority on our people.

ENBTT please investigate and bring back peace into the village.

40. I feel for those affected, but did PNG News bother to contact police here to confirm reports prior to publishing this story? This report should be fair. It does not actually investigate how the event unfolded and intentionally avoids the story of how the police were there in the first place.

41. I am starting to think that there is a big conspiracy by sinister entities to spoil the good name of this province.

42. I woudnt be surprised if that were true....

43. If there is a conspiracy, then it is important to establish links between these illegal settlers and the sinister entities and find ways to deter their activities. That is if there is any substance in the "conspiracy theory".

The above are the 43 comments so far, however discussion continues and will update this post later as to the outcome of the Minister's invovement and police investigation. Comments number 34 and 35 raise important questions and shed light to the issue respectively. Comment number 34 raised the following questions:

• How did the argument between the two youths relate to the burning of houses and slapping of an elderly woman by the police? 
• Who's side were the Policemen on? 
• Why was the ward member giving direction and assisting with the raid?
• Why were these houses burnt down? 
• What made the policemen to do what they did?
• Kindly shed some light on the root cause of this situation. 

Comment number 35 is in response to the above questions:

• Correction, these are not Bainings. This area is in the Bainings but is vested with illegal settlers who have in their possesions illegal firearms which they use to threaten the Bainings.They cultivate large amounts of marijuana and sell in Kerevat, Kokopo and Rabaul.It has been a safe haven for escapees and criminals from WNB. The Bainings have been negatively impacted by these setllements and no longer enjoy hunting in their bushes and rivers for fear of their lives. They (illegal settlers) are the reasons why the Bainings have registered their land and are asking government to ship them back to their place of origin to give way for the Bainings to add economic value to their land. Above serious report has to be properly varified because police was at the scene and apprehended a man who is believed to have come in from Kimbe with the culprits who have been terrorising our province recently with a string of holdups.

Some Results of Police Intervention
What eventuated immediately after the destruction of the illegal settlement is worth noting here. Soon after this incident the police in ENB set up a special operation covering a wider area including Kokopo and Rabaul resulting in a number of arrests and identification of gangs operating in Rabaul and Kokopo. Most of those  harboring the criminals have also been identified.
.

Educational Benefits of the Social Media

Facebook

A lot has been said and written about the negative side of Facebook in Papua New Guinea and in other countries. I will not dwell too much on the negative side but on the positive side especially sharing thoughts for learning in higher education.

My experience
Before i share my thoughts on learning with Facebook in higher education let me share my experience as a user and friend of over a hundred young people. There is no doubt that informal learning and peer learning is now taking place on Facebook on the hour. More and more young people are joining Facebook for various reasons. One of them is to keep in touch with their friends or classmates. They share how they are feeling, telling each other that they are sick or angry over this or that. They even share experiences with perverts and laugh it off or curse the perpetrator. They capture events in photographs and share and discuss the situation with each. For example, a police arrest, a tribal fight, a building on fire and many more. Most of these are first hand information that reaches the public before it gets out through the traditional media. These information come from an engaged audience - the young people actively involved in interaction with each other in real time.

Informal/Peer Learning
Informal learning or peer learning takes place regularly on Facebook. From observation it is more frequent in groups where someone does not know how to solve a problem he/she asks a question. Members in the group then offer solutions and the problem is usually solved. In some cases the problem is referred to outside of the group by another member who knows where the problem may be solved. To illustrate this i share me experience next.

 I am a member of a number of groups including PNG ICT Community, PNG BOOKCLUB and  New Guinea Islands Historical Society (NGIHS). As of one hour ago from this writing a member of  PNG ICT Community posted this seeking help from members:

I tried to reset a CMOS password from an Acer Aspier 4738 model by removing its CMOS battery from MB but i still cannot solve. Any other alternatives? Please need help!

So far four comments have been posted thus:

1. There used to be a jumper on the main board but it has been a few years since i opened an Acer.

2. I couldnt locate a jumper on its MB. Maybe its MB should be replaced with a new one?

3. This blog may help http//:akidammdyusup.blogspot.com/2013/12/laptop-acer-bios-password-cleaner.html

4. Bro is it the BIOS password you are trying to remove? If so, Restart and see if it hasbeen cleared.

Members in PNG BOOKCLUB exchange ideas on reading and books, book reviews, and seek help where to locate a particular title. Members share information on favourite authors.

Students studyng Social Science, or specifically History learn a lot from NGIHS. They ask questions and their questions are answered by members in the group. They also learn facts about the New Guinea Islands region from reading posts in the group's timeline.

What can be done with Facebook for learning?

Some lecturers may have learnt from this and are using Facebook for formal learning. I have no proof of this. However, i think most have yet to consider this option and apply in their academic work.  There may be one or two exceptions, for security reasons, that may not be safe on Facebook and that includes essssment which can be done off Facebook. Google Classroom can take care of assessment and other learning activities.

Facebook Page can be used to post lecture notes and other instructions as well as additional notes and links to readings on the web. Even tutorial questions can be posted and discussions may take place there also besides the physical classroom. The lecturer may let the students drive discussions.

Web2.0: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Web2.0: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

This is the second short course that i will be offering on the use of Web2.0 Applications in the workplace, especially in higher education. The first was conducted on 17th to 18 September, 2014 for a small number of lecturers and administrative staff on campus. The aim of the two day training was using Web2.0 applications for teaching, learning, and related work. Topics covered included Blogging and cloud storage services such as My Drive,and Dropbox.

The two-day short course on Web2.0: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education will be offered through the Teaching and Learning Methods Unit from 2nd to 3rd September 2015. This is an in-house program for the Lecturers and Technical staff at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology.

Aim and Objectives

The aim is keeping up with current trends in Web2.0 Applications (Social Media) and higher education and practically adapting these to our local situations. It is not only because these are new applications, but it also to follow the students who are an engaged audience in the social media.

At the end of the two day short course participants should be able to create their own blogs which they will use for teaching and learning actvities.

Blogging skills will add to the Google Classroom skills that currently is being taught to staff here at the university thereby widening the grasp of Web2 Applications for the academic staff. Comparatively Blogger has been around longer than Google Classroom which was released only in August 2014.

Academic databases

What is an academic database?

The purpose of this post is to start the search off for academic databases in the right direction and not to list every database.
In answer to the question above, an academic database is a database on the internet, or elsewhere that contains information relevant to the student, teacher, research, and study purposes. Simple, but how does one begin a search for the academic database?

Suggested search terms that you may type into your browser are Academic Database, Free
Academic Database, and Free Academic Journal Database. You may not have free access to all the academic database available. While some are free, others are accessible by paid subscription. If you are a subscriber, then you have no limitation, but most students are not members by paid subscription. That is the reason i suggest you use the term Free Academic Database. It maximizes your chance of finding some free academic databases for you to finally locate the information required. Research and learning activities require the student to explore and collect required data and information from a variety of sources. This includes journal articles. It is the reason i have included the search term Free Academic Journal Database.

Example Academic Databases

When I typed in academic database in the Google Chrome browser the resultant figure showed

about 306, 000, 000. I looked at a number of them including "List of academic databases and 

search engines" listed in Wikipedia. I clicked on it and here are a few example databases.

AGRIS: Agricultural database

AGRIS is produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization and its web address is http://agris.fao.org

 

BioOne   www.bioone.org

If you need current research in Biodiversity Conservation, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science,

Entomology, Ornithology, Plant Science, and Zoology, try searching in BioOne.

AGRICOLA - Agricultural Online Access

AGRICOLA was created by the United States National Agricultural Library

Apart from Wikipedia's list, there are many others provided such as these.

Public Library of Science   http://.www.plos.org

PLoS was produced by non-profit organization of scientists. Its purpose is to make available the 

world's scientific and medical literature freely accessible to scientists, students and to the public.

Directory of open Access Journals (DOAJ)   http://.www.doaj.org

DOAJ lists and provides access to quality open access, peer-reviewed journals.

Matheson Library

The British Library and Infotrieve are accessible through Matheson Library. If you do not find

information sources in the Matheson Library collections, please ask the library staff at the 

Document Access Section to help you access the British Library and Infotrieve.

TEEAL (The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library) is available through the library system n 

the Matheson Library. It is available university wide on this link:

http://www.unitech.ac.pg/InformationAbout/Services/MathesonLibrary/TheEssentialElectro

nicAgriculturalLibrary    TEEAL dates from 1993 to 2012 available in full text and abstracts are

included.

Reminder

Please Bookmark relevant databases on the net that you may consult again later. It will save you

time searching all over again in future.

Sample Writing Errors

Experience in marking first year students' essays.

I share here my experience in part time teaching first years at university. In particular, my experience in marking essays. One of the courses that i tutored in is LA 101: Study Skills and presented here are some of the writing errors and my corrections. The errors that are discussed and corrected are from the students major essay for the first semester of 2006. They differ very little from previous  errors that i had come across in students' essays since 2004. In general second and third year students' essays are less fraught with errors. The topic of the essays are not given. Only some writing errors were picked out and shared here. Not all the errors are recorded here , but only some to illustrate students' errors. I hope that current students may learn from these errors.

Sample Writing Errors and Corrections

Sample 1: Ommission of citation

A statement by the Yale Faculty stated learning for college students is based on two principles: the discipline of the mind and the 'finishing' of the mind. With the demands of technological advances and the increased occupational opportunities, it increased the need for educated people in a society. With this in mind, institutions have considered this importance as a potential contribution to students' persistence and success.

The student continued on without any reference to the author or date as citation. The paragraph is the view of the Yale Faculty on learning for college students. As it is,it amounts to plagiarism.

Sample 2: Generalisation

Alcohol is the cause of alcoholism

Alcohol is the cause of alcoholism  could be edited to be more specific, especially when discussing the causes of alcoholism. In the paper the student was discussing the causes of alcoholism

Improved: Prolonged consumption of alcohol may cause alcoholism.

Sample 3 : Repetition and lacking clarity

The theme " "My Instititution Is My Path To Success" is one or the other means that you are what you are. It means what you do now will determine your future.

Sample 3 contains unneeded repetition and lacking in clarity.

Improved:  The theme "My Institution Is My Pathe To Success" means what you do now will determine your future.

Sample 4: Repetition

It is a fact that you must abide by certain rules or number of rules or obey number of rules or guidelines.

Repetition is the problem with this sentence. Repetition is unnecessary and takes up valuable space and time that can be used to discuss more important issues in an essay. It is unwise to repeat any words and phrases just to fill up space in order to meet a paper's required number of words. Make every word count. Repetition may be used to stress a point and that is where it is useful.

Improved: It requires that one must abide by the rules.

Sample 5: Multiple writing problems

"It is better to be in the current and flow with it "(Richard Clay (The Chaucer Press) Ltd,, Bungay, Sufford. Copyright @ Northcote PARKINSON. 1957, The Law of Delay, Printed and bound in the United States of America). This simly means to take into consideration a situation or happeningand with no delay find a solution or to find away out of the situation as delay can cause destruction, death, unsuccessfulness and regret.

The paragraph does not allow for smooth reading for a number of reasons. Firstly, the citation is not proper and distracts the smooth flow of reading and understanding. The proper in-text citation is (Clay 1957). The rest of the bibliographic details are not necessary because that is part of the bibliography at the end of the paper. Secondly, the sentence that explains the quotation needs to be improved firstly, to get rid of unnecessay repetition and secondly, to use proper choice of words. Edited into two sentences it now reads: This simply means to take into consideration a situation and with no delay find a solution. Deferring the task to another time may cause failure and regret.

Improved: "It is better to be in the current and flow with it"(Clay 1957). This simply means to take into consideration a situation and with no delay find a solution. Deferring the task to another time may cause failure and regret.

The source should appear in the bibilography or Reference List as:

Clay, Richard. 1957. The Law of Delay. Sufford.The Chaucer Press.

Sample 6: In-text citation error

"Most successful people have failed at one time or another - often more than once - before succeeding. But thye do not let themselves get discouraged. They perservered" (The Cpmplete Time Management System. Christian H. Godfrey & John Clark, 1989).

Sample 6 is similar to Sample 5. The citation is not proper and improved it should appear thus:

"Most successful people have failed at one time or another - often more than once - before succeeding. But they do not let themselves get discouraged. They perservered" (Godfrey & Clark, 1989).

Web2.0 and Librarianship Workshop

Theme:                Web2.0 and Librarianship: Using Web2.0  Applications in the Library

Main Presenters 

Ismael K. Isikel   Senior Librarian, Matheson Library, PNG University of                                         Technology Library.

David Decka  Acting Systems Librarian, Matheson Library, PNG University of Technology Library

Convenor

John Thomas  Acting University Librarian,  Matheson Library, PNG University of Technology Library

Contact:  Julie Tum or Georgina Yambei on 4734351

For further information or expression of attendance, please contact Ms Julie Tum or Ms Georgina Yambei on phone 4734351 at the Matheson Library.

Workshop Program

The theme of the workshop is Web2 and Librarianship: Using Web2 Applications in the Library in response to the question, How can librarians use Web2 Applications in the workplace?  

The workshop content is adapted from “Web 2.0 for Development” (Web.20forDeve) to suit the Library profession.  This workshop is part of the University Library’s effort in promoting the use of Web2.0 applications in librarianship, teaching and learning, 

 Date: 16^th 18^th June 2015.      Venue:  Matheson Library, University of Technology, Lae

Target Audience

Librarians working in university libraries, research, teachers college libraries, and other library and information professionals

Fees

K1200 per person for the three day workshop. This will cover course material and refreshment.

Payment of fees can be made to Unitech Trust Fund on account number 11188172 ANZ Bank, Lae Branch.

Accommodation:  Participants make their own arrangement. The following guest houses are within the campus or nearby.

Accommodation within campus

Rainforest Habitat Guest House

Single room K85 per night

Twin room K25 per night

Family room K165 per night

Contact: Zabare on phone number 472 4662

Unitech Guest House

Single room K140 per night

Double room K190 per night

Family room K220 per night

Contact: Miriam or Esther on phone number 4734488

Outside off campus

Pilgrim Village Guest House

Single budget K140 per night

Common bathroom/toilet

Self contain K K225 per night

Contact: Saki on phone 4728076

Requirements

1. Participants must have their own laptops that they will bring with them to the workshop to use during the three days. These will be used for workshop activities including access to the internet.

2. Participants should have a current valid gmail account

3. Mobile phone (Smart phone)

Objectives

·         Librarians will be introduced to relevant Web2 applications

·       Use Web 2 applications in information and  knowledge management services

·        Create and exchange content with users using Web2 applications.

·         Librarians to interact with each other through networking

Day 1, 16^th June 2015

8.00 -8.30             Registration

                                                              

8.30 – 9.00           Introduction

                                                                                               

 9.00 – 9.30          Web2 and Social Media Concepts

                                               

9.30 – 12.00        Mass Communication & Social Media

1.00- 4.00           Librarianship & Web2.0 Applications

                               

Day 2, 17^th June 2015

 8.00 – 10.00        Cloud computing            

10.30 - 12.00       Collaborative work

1.00 – 4.00           Social Networking

                                               

Day 3, 18^th June 2015

8.00-12.00           Selective Access to Information

                                               

 1.00-3.00             Summary

                            Discussions

                               

3.00-3.30              Course Evaluation

3.30- 4.00             Presentation of certificates and closing function

Style Manuals

STYLE MANUAL

A Short List of Style Manuals

By Ismael K. Isikel

Matheson Library

PNG University of Technology

Style Manual

A style manual is a writing guide for those who are writing including the student and researcher.  It specifies the style of writing that a writer should follow. A style manual helps the writer with grammar, sentence structure, paraphrasing, summarizing, quotation, compiling a bibliography and other communication skills.  It requires conformity in acknowledgement for using other writers’ ideas.

These style manuals are held in Matheson Library, PNG University of Technology, and may be found under the Dewey Decimal  Classification number starting at 808.00 at the Main Collection or at the Special Reserve Collection. The Main Collection is located on the first floor and the Special Reserve Collection is Located behind the Circulation desk on the ground floor.

Some disciplines around the world have their own guides to aid students and researchers within their disciplines to communicate in a standard manner. For example, the American Psychological Association (APA) has one that is titled The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. A pocket-size version of this is also available and is titled Pocket Guide to APA Style. Some academic departments find this useful and have recommended to the students and staff. The Communication for Development Studies Department recommends APA for use by staff and students. There are four sources of style manuals that I have been pointing out to students and these are: 1. Turabian; 2. APA, 3. MLA;  and 4. Citation Machine. The Citation Machine is available on the Internet (www.citationmachine.net/ ) and incorporates other style manuals including APA and MLA.

List of Style Manuals

Here is a short list of annotated style manuals held in the Matheson Library. The annotation includes their usefulness and where they may be located in the Library.  Useful excerpts from the books are also included.

Turabian, Kate L. 1987. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 5^th edition. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

Turabian provides good guides for in-text citation including rules and examples on how to write citations and how to compile your bibliography or reference list.

The 1982 edition is also available in the Library, but it is recommended that the 1987 edition is used. It is commonly known as Turabian following the author’s name.

Location: SR 808.066 T929

Achtert, S. Walter; Gibaldi, Joseph. 1985. The MLA Style Manual. The Modern Language Association of America, New York.

MLA is similar in reputation to The Chicago Style Manual and Turabian. MLA provides useful discussion and guidance on various writing skills which include:

•  Selecting appropriate language and style
•   How to avoid plagiarism
•  Standards for the mechanics of writing (punctuation, capitalization, quotations, transliterations and romanization

For the advanced students and academic staff there is useful information on:

• The types of scholarly manuscripts
• Formal preparation of a manuscript
• Analysis of the stages in submitting and publishing manuscripts
• Relationship between authors and publishers, author’s contracts and copyright law

Location: SR 808.02 A179

The University of Chicago. 1982. The Chicago Manual of Style for Authors, Editors and Copywriters. Thirteenth Edition, Revised and Expanded, University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

The Chicago Manual has been a standard reference for writers, editors, copywriters and proofreaders for well over seventy years. Part 2 of this style manual (pages 131 – 511) clearly explains the use of various writing skills such as Punctuation, Spelling and Distinctive Treatments of Words, Names and Terms and Quotations. A detail explanation of the proper use of Quotation is given from pages 281 to 302. Page 286 gives guidance with examples on how to begin a quotation and recommends the use of a colon (:) when starting a quotation.

Location: SR 808.02 C532

Paguarek, Joyce. 1984. Writing Workshop: Paragraph and Sentence Practice. Newbury House Publishers, Massachusetts.

Writing Workshop: Paragraph and Sentence Practice may not be appealing to the reader in the first instance because it requires the reader to spend time going through the course work. You are not obliged to do the exercises.  A quick review of the book will refresh your paragraph writing skills. Chapter 1 deals with constructing sentences beginning with the topic sentence, developing the paragraph and ending the paragraph with a concluding sentence. Chapter 7 is helpful to those who are writing a paper involving discussion on causes and results.  Many useful phrases (adverbial connectives) are provided and include as a result, therefore, hence and consequently. It advises that so is used in informal writing and speech. Use hence and consequently instead.

Location: 808.042 P139

Dod, Janet S. (ed.) 1986. The ACS Style Guide: A Manual for Authors and Editors. American Chemical Society, Washington DC.

ACS Style is more for the researcher than the undergraduate. However, it does not mean that an undergraduate should not consult this handbook. Students in Applied Science will find this guide helpful. Chapter 1 discusses a scientific paper: what is a scientific paper and the format in which the scientific paper is laid out. Included in the chapter are the following advice on writing a paper based on research and experiment:

·         Avoid slang and jargon.

·         Use strong verbs because they are essential to clear and concise writing

·         Use the active voice whenever possible. It is usually less wordy and unambiguous.

Example:

Poor sentence

The fact that such processes are under strict stereoelectronic control is demonstrated by work in this area.

Better sentence

Our work in this area demonstrates that such processes are under strict stereoelectronic control.

·         First person is perfectly acceptable where it keeps your meaning clear.

Example:

Jones reported xyz, but we found…

Our recent work demonstrated…

For these reasons, we began a study of…

It goes on to point out that phrases like “we believe”, “we feel”, “we concluded”, and “we can see” are unnecessary, as are personal opinion.

You will also find  guidance on the use of verb tenses in this book.

Location: 808.066 54 A187

Perrin, Robert. 2004. A Pocket Guide to APA Style. Houghton Mifflin, Boston.

Communication for Development Studies at The PNG University of Technology recommends this style manual for students. It is similar to Turabian and provides guidance on how to do citation from various sources of information. There is also guidance on how to compile your bibliography.

Location: SR 808

Snooks & Co. 2002. Style Manual: For authors, editors and printers 6^th edition. John Wiley, Australia.

Snooks & Co is another comprehensive style manual and provides guidance on:

·         Structuring documents for readers

·         Effective and inclusive language

·         Grammar

·         Spelling

·         word punctuation

·         Capital letters

·         Textual contrast

·         Shortened forms

·         Numbers and measurement

·         Methods of citation

·         The components of citation

·         Editing and proofreading

Location: 808.027 S938

Lindsay, David. 1995. A Guide to Scientific Writing, 2^nd Edition. Addison Wesley Longman, Australia.

This edition includes practical examples that writers, and students, may follow when writing. It is helpful because it features writing by scientists for non-scientists. Methods of presenting tables and improving fluency of writing are provided in the guide. Examples of referencing (citation) are presented in page 52 with guidance on smooth flow of sentences. Most of its coverage are on preparing reviews and more advanced forms of scientific writing.

Location: SR 808.0666 L748

Stapleton, Paul; Youdeowel, Anthony; Mukanyange, Joy et al. 1995. Scientific Writing for Agricultural Scientists: a training reference manual. West Africa Rice Development Association, Cote d’Ivore.

The guide follows the procedures for citing references specified in the revised Council of Biology Editors manual, Scientific Style and Format published in 1994. It is intended for young agricultural scientists.

Location: SR 808.0665 S794

Trzeciak, John and Mackay, S. E. 1994. Study Skills for Academic Writing: Student’s Book. English for Academic Study Series. Longman, UK.

This book is a useful guide for referencing, note-taking and summarising, incorporating data from textual sources, avoiding plagiarism, organizing extended writing passages.

Those who need help with note-taking and summarising will find help in pages 26 to 55. In page 39, for example, it gives the following summarising steps:

·         Read the text once or twice before writing anything down

·         Copy important sentences

·         Ask questions about when the text was written and for what purpose in order to get a more independent (detached) perspective on it

·         Find the main idea(s)

·         Take notes (or make a mind map)

·         When writing your summary, put aside the original text and work from your notes, putting information into complete sentences in your own words.

Location: SR 808.042 T876

Strunck, William Jr. 2000. The Elements of Style,  4th Edition. Allyn and Bacon, Boston.

The first chapter of Strunck’s pocket size guide begins with rules of usage and includes when to use a comma, the use of parentheses, and sentence structure. The next chapter is on principles of composition followed by matters of form. Chapter 4 presents guidance on words and expressions commonly misused.  The final chapter guides the reader on the process of writing. The book also contains a useful glossary of writing skills terms.

 Location:  SR 808.042 S 927

McArthur, Tom. 1984. The Written Word: A Course in Written Composition, Book1 & 2. Oxford University Press, UK.

The Written Word comprises two books (Book1 and Book 2) providing guides on what is acceptable written English that helps the student to develop a clear, logical and personal style. The Written Word is designed as an English composition course and contains exercises on writing and editing. Answers to the exercises are found at the end of each book. You are not obliged to do the course. Take time to read over to get help on spotting errors of style, grammar and punctuation.

Location: 808 M116

Stanton, W. 1989. Making Things Clear: A Guide to Effective Written and Oral Communication. The Parthenon Publishing Group, UK.

Making Things Clear consists of three sections. Section 1 is titled Preparing the Ground and is aimed at ensuring that the writer or speaker begins clearly with a purpose and uses the appropriate material.  Transferring ideas to paper is the focus of Section 2. Section 3 concentrates more on public speaking – preparation and presentation.

Location: 808 793m

The Economist. 1986. The Economist Pocket Style Book. The Economist Publications, London.

You will find in the beginning the following basic rules:

·         Never use a metaphor, simile or figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print

·         Never use a long word where a short word will do

·         If it is possible to cut a word, always cut it out

·         Never use the passive where you can use the active

·         Never use a foreign phrase, scientific word or jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

It continues by pointing out that if you want to capture your reader’s attention:

·         Do not be stuffy or pompous

·         Do not be hectoring or arrogant

·         D not be too pleased with yourself

·         Do not be too chatty

·         Do not be too free with slang

·         Do not be sloppy in the construction of your sentences and paragraph

It first appeared to me that the rules contain too many “Do nots” and would seem to be negative. If the student thinks over these rules, they are good and practical advice for writing a good presentable paper.

The main part of the style manual is alphabetically arranged. It makes it easier for the reader to quickly find the information. A begins with explanation of Abbreviations and usage. Similarly, if you look under S, you will find a guide on the use of semi-colons.

Location: 808 G865e

Dwight A, John and Speer, Dana C. 1979.  How to write a Research Paper. Learning Concepts, Ohio.

Dwight and Dana warn the writer that plagiarism is literary theft and offer the following guide to avoid plagiarism:

·         Introduce the quotation or paraphrase with the name of the author who said it. For example, Harold Herber stated that…or the conclusions drawn by Dr.Von Braun indicate…

·         Enclose all quoted information within double quotation marks

·         Footnote all factual information.

·         Remember that even though you will be interpreting facts and opinions, you must document the fact or opinion that is being discussed

Note that when you are using double quotes, a quotation within a quotation will then use single quotes. Remember also that footnotes are placed below the margin. Another option is to list them in the order they appear before the bibliography.

Library research guidance is also provided and includes explanation on using a card catalogue. You should be aware by now that the card catalogue is no longer used in our University Library. The library system has an OPAC.  If it is really necessary that you use a card catalogue, consult chapter 6.

Location: SR 808.02 D992

Fowler, H. Ramsey. 1980. The Little, Brown Handbook.  Little, Brown and Company, Boston.

The Whole Paper and Paragraphs is the focus of chapter 1 and treats skills such as developing an essay, writing and revising, composing good paragraphs, and convincing the reader. Chapter 2 treats grammatical sentences including understanding sentence grammar and case of nouns and pronouns.  All other chapters deal with other guides on various writing skills.

Fowler gives the following advice on jargon:

Jargon is the special vocabulary of any group; medical and economic terms are examples. But jargon is also commonly used to describe any vague, inflated language that states relatively simple ideas in unnecessarily complicated ways. The directions for using a shower head tell us that the nozzles with which this spray system is equipped will allow the user to reduce the mean diameter of the spray spectrum instead of simply saying that this nozzle will concentrate the spray. Jargon often sound as if the writer had studied all guidelines for being exact and concise and then set out to violate everyone.

Examples of jargon and translations are presented as well in the book and two examples are given here:

Example 1

Jargon    The necessity for the individual to become a separate entity in his own right may impel a child to engage in open rebelliousness against parental authority or against sibling influence, with resultant confusion on the part of those being rebelled against.

Translation    A child’s natural desire to become himself may make him rebel against bewildered parents or siblings.

Example 2

Jargon    Please interface with employees by spending time on the floor for information getting and listening to employees’ inputs and feedbacks as they offer the same.

Translation    Spend time with employees and listen to their complaints and suggestions.

The examples show us to eliminate jargon by cutting unneeded or repeated words and by simplifying both words and grammatical structures. 

Note that the translated sentences in the examples above are concise than the original sentences.

Location: 808.042 F786L


There you are! It is a quick synoptic guide.