Guidance on customising this resource How to link theory, research, and practice in assignments In this resource: Referring to relevant theory enables the author to ‘make sense’ of practice, by conceptualising the meaning of the practical activity. Similarly, grounding practice or own research in a broader body of research / literature provides broader context and invites comparison and interpretation. This resource contains example(s) of linking theory, research and practice 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 (slides 4&5) 3. Highlight words and phrases that illustrate effective linking of theory, research, policy, and practice 4. Provide the full version of the assignment students identify further examples (slide 6) 5. Encourage the students to bring in their own writing (slide 6) 6. Delete guidance slide 1 in this resource before using in your sessions Email PAD team for further guidance pad@beds.ac.uk 1 Write to attract a higher grade: How to demonstrate links between theory, research, and practice 2 Discussion: How do we link theory, policy and practice in academic writing? o What are the differences and similarities between theory, policy and practice? o Why would your lecturers want to see links between these in your assignments? o Think of instances/ parts of assignments - where would it be most suitable to demonstrate these links? o How might you be able show evidence of linking these concepts in assignments? 3 Example 1. How does the author demonstrate a link between theory, research and practice in the following extract? Sports Injury Rehabilitation Case Study: An overview and rehabilitation plan of a GH joint injury in a 24 year old female judo athlete – case study Houglum (2010) summarized that the rehabilitation process of the labral tear can last 3 up to 5 months. However, in case of the surgical repair, this can take longer due to the possible need of immobilization and the greater risk of damaging the surgical repair. Furthermore, there will be a greater loss of proprioception within the shoulder, therefore proprioceptive exercises should be emphasized (Houglum, 2010). The other factor which may affect the progress of rehabilitation is a healing process. The therapist should have a sound understanding about the physiology and the time frame of the healing process, making sure that none of the rehabilitative approaches do not interfere with it, causing slower recovery or even further damage (Prentice, 2004). 4 Example 2. How does the author demonstrate a link between theory, research, and practice in the following extract? Nutritional Analysis of 18 Year Old Female Endurance Swimmer With a Special Consideration of Health and Athletic Performance – Case Study Client A's average daily fat intake is 97.3g, out of which 45.3g are saturated fatty acids (Table 1). The averaged consumed saturated fatty acids provide 17% of Client's total weekly energy intake (Table 1). Katch, Katch & McArdle (2006) summarise that an individual should not consume more than 10% of total energy intake as saturated fatty acids. In order to lower the fat intake, Client should substitute breads with whole-grain homemade breads, cookies and brownies with low-fat snacks and decrease the intake of mayonnaise and cheedar cheese (Burke & Berning, 1996). By lowering the saturated fatty acids intake from 17% to 10%, the Client's total fat intake would fit in to the recommendations ranges, which (together with a high fibre intake) would promote health and could help in preventing CHD. 5 Task 1: Can you identify any other examples of linking theory, research, and practice in the text provided? Justify your answer. Task 2: Identify evidence of linking theory, research, and practice in your own and / or your peers’ writing. Alternatively, establish where you could demonstrate links between theory, research and practice in your writing. 6