APA referencing: please get it right

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It is very disappointing to note that many of you have not mastered the art of doing APA referencing. So the big question is, did you learn about APA referencing in the skills unit taught in year 1 (PG115)? Why is it difficult to be accurate when using the APA referencing format?

Referencing is an integral part of academic writing. The University of Adelaide defines referencing as acknowledging the sources of information that you have used in your written work. Since you have 24 hours access to the internet you can consult other sources to compare and contrast.

In our context, written work means your glossary posts, forum posts, write ups or essays. For IR202, the expectation is for you to reference accurately the other sources of information you used to help you understand the definition shared by your peers in 2017.

Many of you have done a lazy job in referencing. The task itself is an academic task and not a letter written to your pen pal in New Zealand or some other place. Also, it is not a love note to your beloved. As such, you should be on point with your in-text and end text references.

I am of the opinion that the end text list should be reflective of the in-text citations you make in the body of your work. I find it hard to follow when you have a long end text reference list but no in-text citations.   

I guess, I was a bit naive to think that since you are young and energetic learners by now in your second, third or fourth year you can do APA referencing blind folded.

My main suggestion would be to consult the librarians or see the academic advisers at the new Centre for Learning and Teaching for assistance. Please visit their Moodle web page or email (clt@dwu.ac.pg) for help.

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