Referencing

Learning Area Co-ordinator

Martin Sedgley, Effective Learning Adviser, School of Management, University of Bradford

Introduction

The Referencing Learning Area will research issues related to the principles and practice of referencing sources for academic and other purposes. This research will inform and guide practitioners in use and development of resources to guide students in this important area of learning.

It has begun to explore the following questions, which have derived from a literature review and from the experiences of colleagues in the Learning Development field:

• There is evidence that students do encounter difficulties with referencing practice. What particular problems do they encounter, and why?
• Where and what are the overlap areas between poor referencing practice and plagiarism?
• How do students learn best about referencing? To this end, what are the range of resources available to them to help them learn, and which of these are the most effective – and why?
• What referencing styles are currently in use within higher education in Britain? Does one referencing style predominate? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each referencing style?
• What values and principles underpin referencing practice in Britain and elsewhere? To what extent are academic practitioners in agreement on issues concerning these principles and values?

Effective Learning Service website: www.brad.ac.uk/acad/management/external/els

Resources

For Students: These will include a website that will serve as a learning point and portal to referencing practice and on avoiding plagiarism.

For Staff: The website for students will also contain a resources and research section for researchers and academic practitioners. This will include staff development material to encourage discussion on referencing issues.