Video 1: How to write a PSMT - Formulate Part 1

Summary

In this educational video, Natalie McClatchy guides students through writing a problem-solving and modeling task, focusing on the formulation phase. She emphasizes crafting an introductory paragraph, defining variables and key terms, and outlining a clear procedure. McClatchy advises on considerations like sample selection and technology use, ensuring assignments are well-structured and professionally presented. The video also previews upcoming content on tackling PSMTs and encourages engagement with the channel.

Takeaways

• 📝 The introductory paragraph should succinctly summarize the task sheet, written in the future tense and third person, avoiding personal pronouns.
• 🔍 Defining variables and key terms is crucial for clarity and understanding the context of the assignment, and should be done early in the report.
• 📐 When defining variables, it's important to explain why certain variables are chosen as independent or dependent and how they will be measured.
• 📝 A clear and concise procedure is essential, which should be outlined in numbered or bulleted steps to ensure all aspects of the task are covered.
• 💡 The 'Considerations' section should include explanations for decisions made, such as sample size and methodology, and any unique information provided for the assignment.
• 🛠️ The use of technology in the assignment should be briefly explained, including what tools were used and for what specific purposes.
• 🔬 Observations and assumptions are necessary components of the assignment, with at least two of each required, and should be clearly outlined under a subheading.
• 📈 The script emphasizes the importance of professional tone and structure in academic writing, which can impact the communication grade.
• 📚 Examples and exemplars from educational resources, like the QCA website, can provide valuable guidance on structuring and presenting the assignment.
• 📝 The procedure section should be detailed enough that someone else could replicate the investigation based solely on the steps provided.
• 📉 The script also highlights the importance of justification in decision-making throughout the assignment, which contributes to the evaluation grade.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Natalie McClatchy's video?

The main focus of the video is to guide students through the process of writing a problem-solving and modeling task, specifically the 'formulate' part of the assignment, for students in Queensland.

What are the key parts of the assignment Natalie discusses in the video?

Natalie discusses the introductory paragraph, defining variables and key terms, writing a clear and concise procedure, considerations for the assignment, the use of technology, and observations and assumptions.

Why is the introductory paragraph important in an assignment?

The introductory paragraph is important because it succinctly summarizes the task, sets the context, and allows someone to understand the assignment's purpose without reading the entire report.

How should the introductory paragraph be written in terms of tense and person?

The introductory paragraph should be written in the future tense and in the third person, avoiding the use of 'I', 'me', 'we', 'you', or 'your'.

What is the purpose of defining variables in an assignment?

Defining variables is crucial for clarity and understanding, ensuring that the reader knows what the variables represent, how they are measured, and their significance in the context of the assignment.

Why is it necessary to define key terms in an assignment?

Defining key terms helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that the reader understands the specific meaning of terms as they are used in the context of the assignment.

What should a procedure in an assignment include?

A procedure should include clear, concise, and precise steps or instructions that outline how the task will be carried out, similar to a recipe or a scientific experiment.

Why is explaining the sample size and method important under the 'considerations' section?

Explaining the sample size and method is important because it provides justification for the decisions made, which contributes to the evaluation grade and ensures the accuracy and replicability of the research.

How should the use of technology be addressed in an assignment?

The use of technology should be briefly explained, stating what specific technologies were used and for what purposes, which helps in understanding the methodology and contributes to the 'formulate' grade.

What is the minimum requirement for observations and assumptions in an assignment?

There should be a minimum of two observations and two assumptions, which should be clearly stated and potentially under a subheading for easy reference.

What is the next topic Natalie will cover in her series of videos?

In the next video, Natalie will cover how to get started on the problem-solving and modeling task, including preparation, motivation, and the initial steps of the process.