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This resource contains example(s) of demonstrating depth and breadth in Sports Science-related disciplines. Follow the steps below to customise the slides for your course:

1. Choose an appropriate example extract from a student assignment (graded A)2. Copy the extract into the example slides (slide 4) 3. Highlight words and phrases that illustrate effective demonstration of depth and

breadth4. Provide the full version of the assignment students identify further examples

(slide 5)5. Encourage the students to bring in their own writing (slide 5) 6. Delete guidance slide 1 in this resource before using in your sessions

Guidance on customising this resourceHow to demonstrate depth and breadth in assignments

Email PAD team for further guidance pad@beds.ac.uk

In this resource: Breadth can be demonstrated through connecting the knowledge from different disciplines, with a view to provide a wider context/ scope or a historical perspective. Depth assumes author’s engagement with the subject knowledge at a more profound level, in order to ‘drill down’ to the roots of the discussed / analysed topic. Both depth and breadth can often be seen in analysis and synthesis.

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Write to attract a higher grade:

How to demonstrate depth of knowledge

Skills Edge Project Workshop

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Discussion:

How do we expand on the topic (demonstrating a depth of knowledge) in academic writing?

o What do we mean by a “depth of knowledge”?

o Why would your lecturers want to see it in your assignments?

o Think of instances/ parts of assignments - where would it be most suitable to expand on the topic and demonstrate depth of knowledge?

o How can you best expand on the topic in your writing?

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Example 2. How does the author demonstrate depth of knowledge in the following extract?

Lab Report: Isometric and Isokinetic Leg Strength with Consideration of Gender, Body Mass

and Injury Prevention in Young and Healthy University Students

“A well-known quantitative method of strength testing is a measurement of

the maximal weight which can be lifted by a specific muscle or muscle group.

However, technical progression allows us to use an isometric and isokinetic

strength testing (Baechle & Earle, 2008).

Both of the strength tests are performed by contracting target muscles against

controlled external loads (Mirkov, 2013). An isometric muscle contraction

does not involve a change within a joint angle. This is a result of the muscle's

contractile force being equivalent to the force of the resistance (Baechle &

Earle, 2008). An isokinetic activity involves a muscle contraction and a

change within a joint angle whilst the speed of the motion is specific and

remains constant but the resistance varies as the muscle go through its range

(Houglum, 2010).”

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Task 1:Can you identify any other examples of depth of knowledge in the text provided? Justify your answer.

Task 2:Identify examples of depth of knowledge in your own writing. Alternatively, establish where you could demonstrate it in your writing.