Navigating Conflicting Reference Styles for Your EMAs: A Dilemma Worth Solving
It seems I’ve stumbled into another referencing conundrum, and I’m hoping to get some clarity on this issue before my upcoming EMAs.
As I work through my courses K219 and K220, I’m faced with two tutors who have contrasting preferences for citation styles. For K219, my tutor praised my adherence to proper referencing, encouraging me to maintain the same format moving forward. This style involves citing each webpage of a Learning Guide individually, similar to what you might do for journal articles. For example:
Wilson, A. (2023a) ‘Learning Guide 11, Introduction’, K219 Critical Issues in Health and Wellbeing. Available at: [URL here] (Accessed: 18 March 2024).
Wilson, A. (2023b) ‘Learning Guide 11, 1.3. Arnstein’s ladder of participation’, K219 Critical Issues in Health and Wellbeing. Available at: [URL here] (Accessed: 18 March 2024).
However, when it came to my K220 TMA, the feedback took a different turn. My K220 tutor informed me that each Learning Guide should be treated more like a chapter in a book, meaning there should be a single reference for the entire guide rather than separate entries for each individual webpage. So, in this instance, the reference would be simplified to:
Wilson, A. (2023) ‘Learning Guide 11: Involving service users, patients and carers’, K219 Critical Issues in Health and Wellbeing. Available at: [URL here] (Accessed: 18 March 2024).
Throughout this academic year, I’ve adopted the respective referencing styles preferred by each tutor, but now, as I prepare for my EMAs, I’m feeling anxious about which style to adhere to moving forward. Both tutors have pointed me toward Cite Them Right, yet I’m uncertain which specific guideline within that resource applies to Open University Learning Guides.
So here’s where I need your help! Is there anyone who can provide insight into which referencing style I should maintain for my EMAs? Should I continue using the differing styles for each course and hope it all turns out well? Any advice or direction would be immensely appreciated – thank you in advance for your assistance!
Navigating different referencing preferences from multiple tutors can indeed be challenging, especially in a modular environment where consistency is vital for EMAs (End of Module Assessments). Here are some concrete steps and practical advice to help you manage this situation effectively.
1. Understand the Context
Cite Them Right is a commonly recommended referencing guide that provides frameworks for various reference styles, including APA, Harvard, and others. The guide is invaluable for understanding how different types of sources should be cited. It’s important to align your referencing style with the academic expectations of your modules, as you’ve already experienced differing feedback.
2. Review Tutor Feedback
Since you’ve received feedback from both tutors, it’s crucial to carefully consider their directions at this stage. The tutor for K219 explicitly liked your detailed referencing structure, while the tutor for K220 preferred a more simplified approach for Learning Guides. Your understanding of both stances will be key to addressing your EMAs appropriately.
3. Reference Style Guidelines in Cite Them Right
To find the specific page that relates to OU Learning Guides in Cite Them Right, it might be useful to refer to both how to cite online resources and educational materials. Look under the section for ‘Webpages’ or ‘Reports’ since Learning Guides may be categorized loosely in these formats. Typically, it will involve recognizing the Learning Guide as an overall source rather than breaking it into individual components unless specifically stated.
You can also utilize the “Table of Contents” in Cite Them Right to identify categories relevant to your specific module materials, as this will guide you on whether to approach them as separate entities or as a single comprehensive reference.
4. Choose a Consistent Approach for EMAs
For your EMAs, it is usually advisable to aim for consistency rather than dual referencing. Here’s how you can proceed:
– Select one referencing format that aligns with both your tutors, ideally the one that has received positive feedback or the format emphasized in your module materials. Since both tutors pointed you towards Cite Them Right, use that authority as the foundation.
5. Preparing Your EMAs
Here are some additional practical tips as you prepare your EMAs:
Compile a combined reference list where each Learning Guide is cited once, following the format suggested by your K220 tutor. This would generally be cleaner and may match the academic standards for a larger submission.
Use referencing software or tools that allow you to manage your citations easily. Many of them can help you switch formats if needed.
Finally, always ensure to keep a log of any direct communications with tutors about references. This can serve as evidence should there be any discrepancies later in the evaluation process.
6. Seek Support from Peers or Forums
Don’t hesitate to engage with fellow students in forums or group chats. Sharing ideas and experiences can provide you with additional perspectives on how to handle similar issues, and you might come across someone who faced the same difficulties.
By following these recommendations and utilizing Cite Them Right as a reference guide, you should have a clearer path forward. Ensure that your final referencing style serves the objectives of both your tutors while maintaining the integrity of your academic work. Good luck with your EMAs!