ASSIGNMENT

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HMEL5043
SEMINAR PAPER IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
MAY 2020 SEMESTER

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION

1. Answer in English or Bahasa Malaysia.

2. Number of words: 3000 – 5000 words excluding references for EACH question
(Question 1 and Question 2).

3. Submit your assignment ONCE only in a SINGLE file.

4. Submit your assignment ONLINE.

5. Submission date : 24 AUGUST 2020

6. This assignment accounts for 100% of the total marks for the course.

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 ASSIGNMENT QUESTION

QUESTION 1 (70%)

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE

A seminar is a small group of students and teachers. A seminar paper is a record of what you say
to the group about a topic you have studied.

Preparing a seminar paper gives you practice in technical writing which will help you when you
write your thesis.

GUIDELINES FOR ASSIGNMENT

In order to prepare a Seminar Paper, the student has to search for relevant information from
various sources namely dissertations, journal articles, newspapers and books. With the
information collected, the student has to write a Seminar Paper in the length of roughly 20 pages
or 6000 words.

The following explains the important steps involved in preparing a Seminar Paper:

Research Topic

Make sure that your topic for your literature review is the one that you intend to do your final
M.Ed. thesis or is in some way related to the topic of your future Ph D project in educational
management and leadership.

Example of Title:

The title of your seminar paper should state your topic exactly in the smallest possible number of
words.

Example:

“School inspection and leader performance in the high performing secondary schools in
Selangor”

Abstract

The abstract should state the most important facts and ideas in your paper. It should be
complete in itself. The length of the abstract should be about 200 words. The abstract should
state clearly:

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  the purpose of the study
 the problem studied,
 the method used,
 the main conclusions.

Do not put information in the abstract which is not in the main text of your paper. Do not put
references, figures, or tables in the abstract.

Literature Review

Literature review in any research endeavor is the base that gives information support to the
research and its possible claim. In order to write a good seminar paper, the student is requested
to review existing works that are relevant to the study. Ideally, the literature review should
consolidate the entire research and weigh what already exists and how what is being presented
matter in future.

Obviously, insufficient literature does not help your research, on that note, the student needs to
obtain detailed literature from various sources relevant to your research to legitimize your claim
and significantly make your view point stronger. It is rather scholarly advisable to increase the
landscape of your literature review

Problem Statement

A problem statement is a statement that briefly sums up the problems or issues relating to the
study under investigation. Problem statements can be either formal--like a thesis statement--or
they can be informal--usually a sentence that explains how what you are saying will impact the
reader. A carefully crafted problem statement will help you to connect with your audience and
will help your audience to see why your document is important. 

Research Questions

The research questions must be stated and answered clearly and precisely in the paper. It is
important that the main points and the course of the investigation remain clear throughout the
paper.

Theoretical Framework

A theoretical framework consists of concepts and, together with their definitions and reference
to relevant scholarly literature, existing theory that is used for your particular study.  The
theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts that are
relevant to the topic of your research paper and that relate to the broader areas of knowledge
being considered.

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Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework is used to make conceptual distinctions and organize ideas. It provides

an outline of how you plan to conduct the research for your thesis, but it goes further than that
by also positioning your work within the larger field of research. Writing a conceptual framework
can not only help to guide your thesis to ensure that your research stays on track, but it also
helps to guide fellow researchers or advisers who are analyzing your thesis.

Research Methodology
The methodological approach in your Seminar Paper should state the following:

(1) Research Method – What Research Method are you applying

(2) Instrumentation
(3) Sample and Sampling Method
(4) Reliability and Validity
(5) Statistical measures and Analysis

Conclude your paper

There are several ways that you can conclude that will be helpful and interesting to your readers.

 Synthesize what you have discussed and explain what other lessons might be gained
from your argument.
 Explain why your topic matters to help your readers see why this topic deserve their
attention.
 Revisit that opening discussion and explore how the information you have gathered
implicates that discussion.

References

You must give references to all the information that you obtain from books, papers in journals,
and other sources.

For a journal paper give:

1. the names of the authors,

2. the year of publication,
3. the title of the paper,
4. the title of the journal,
5. the volume number of the journal,
6. the first and last page numbers of the paper.

For a book give:

1. the author,
2. the year of publication,
3. the title, and the edition number if there is one,
4. the name of the publisher,

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 5. the page numbers for your reference.

For an internet reference give:

1. the author of the web page,

2. the date of the web page,
3. the title of the web page,
4. the complete URL.

Every reference in your main text must appear in the list at the end of your paper, and every
reference in the list must be mentioned in your main text.

Tables

Tables must have a number and a caption above the table. The reader should be able to
understand the table by reading the caption without looking at the main text. Every table must
be mentioned in the main text.

Figures

Figures must have a number and a caption below the figure. The reader should be able to
understand the figure by reading the caption without looking at the main text. Every figure must
be mentioned in the main text.

General Guidelines of the Seminar Paper

1. Write your title first. This will define your topic clearly and focus your mind on exactly
what you want the paper to contain.
2. Search the literature and select the references on which the contents of your paper will
be based. Write your list of references.
3. Make a list of your section headings and subheadings. This list will define the
organization of the contents of your paper. The sections and subsections will contain not
only material collected from other sources but also accounts of new work you have done:
your observations, analysis of data, and conclusions.
4. Write the sections and subsections one by one in a simple clear style. Remember that the
reader does not know in advance any of the details of the work you have done, so your
account must be complete and easy to understand.
5. Write the abstract last by picking out the main points in your paper.

At the of the writing process, the student is required to come out with a Seminar Paper which
comprises of the following sub components as depicted in Table 1:

Table 1: Sub Components of a Seminar Paper

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1 Abstract
2 Introduction
3 Problem Statement
4 Research Questions
5 Theoretical Framework
6 Conceptual Framework
7 Research Method
8 Conclusion

The overall formal structure of a seminar paper is stated as below:

(1) Title
(2) Cover page
(3) Table of contents
(4) Table of figures and tables (when applicable)
(5) Text (refer to Table 1 above)
(6) References
(7) Appendix (Research Instrument / Articles)

Title page and Table of Contents

A title and writers are centred in the middle of the title page.
 On the centre bottom, set one below another a course code, a course name,
Department, University, a date.
 The second page is for a Table of Contents.
 No page numbers on these pages.

Body text
 Times New Roman, 12 pt
 Line spacing 1.5
 Page margins: left 3.5 cm, right 2.5 cm, top 3.5 cm, bottom 3.0 cm.
 Set the text in full justification and turn on hyphenation.
 Page numbers are set on the centre bottom corner and they start from the second body
text page.
 Indentation 1.0 cm in the first line of a new paragraph. However, no indentation after
titles, figures, tables, lists or in the first line of a new page. No empty lines between the
paragraphs.

Figures, tables and appendices

 Consecutively numbered.
 Tables’ text in smaller font and in smaller line spacing.
 Set legends below the figures, captions above the tables and appendices.
 Legends and captions are in boldface, in font size 11 pt and in line spacing 1.0.

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Citation and References

Within the text, references are made by giving in the parentheses the last name of the author,
the year of publication, colon and the page or pages referred to. If the reference is to the whole
work, page numbers are left out. An example: (Campbell 2002: 46-48).

Citation should be in line with the guidelines by the American Psychological Association (APA). If
a sentence contains an indirect citation, the citation is part of the sentence and the sentence
ends after the citation with a punctuation mark. If you quote several sentences or an entire
paragraph indirectly, the reference follows after the punctuation mark. The respective paragraph
is to be demarcated clearly (e.g. using circuits). The same applies to direct citations. If the content
of an entire section is taken from a single reference you have to indicate that in the heading of
the section (however, you are advised to use more than one reference for each section).

Notes

1. The assignment should be submitted according to the due date.

2. Plagiarised assignment will be rejected.

[Total: 70 marks]

QUESTION 2 (30%)

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SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE

The PowerPoint should be developed professionally to showcase the student’s proficiency in

synthesizing academic literature and making connections with practice in educational institutions
of his or her topic of research. The purpose of Seminar Paper Presentation concentrates on
teaching something to the audience. A good presentation means that the audience understood
the message. The student has to understand that a good PowerPoint should be brief, concise,
and attractive to the audiences to deliver the information effectively.

Presentations, whether made with PowerPoint or another tool, are a great way to support a talk,
visualize complicated circumstances or focus attention on the subject.
In this assignment, the student is requested to prepare a PowerPoint Presentation based on the
content in Assignment 1.

GUIDELINES FOR POWERPOINT ASSIGNMENT

Students will be given around 10 to 20 minutes to present the slides and 5 minutes for Q & A. In
this oral presentation, students should demonstrate good oral presentation skills and also good
understanding of educational management concepts in their own Seminar Paper. The goals of
professional speaking are to entertain, inform, inspire, and to get the audience to take action.
The truth is, in order for your presentation or speech to have its greatest effect you need to be
able to entertain and wow your audience. In the seminar, you are encouraged to speak from the
outline notes. But bring both sets of notes and your original paper to the seminar. Look at your
audience when you are speaking and make a strong ending. Evaluation will be based on the
effectiveness of the delivery of the oral presentation, Q & A session and the content of the
PowerPoint.

The PowerPoint slides should not exceed 20 slides. Suggested PowerPoint slides are as follow:

 Title & Writer’s Particulars (1 slide)

 Introduction (1 slide)
 Background of the Study / Problem Statement (1 slide)
 Research Objectives and Questions (1 slide)
 Theoretical Framework (2-3 slides)
 Conceptual Framework (1-2 slides)
 Research Method (1-2 slides)
 Conclusion (1 slide)
 References (1 slide)

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PowerPoint General Guidelines

Apply a 6-6 Rule. Quite simply, this “Rule” says that each PowerPoint slide should have one main
idea, a maximum of six bullet points, and a maximum of six words per bullet point.

Presentation Guidelines
There are seven steps to guide you to become an ef fective presenter:

1. Say something that connects to the audience

2. Connect with emotions
3. Tell the audience how good they are
4. Link back to your opening during your speech
5. Relate to audience self’s interests
6. Always give a synthesis or conclusion
7. Answer questions thoroughly and thoughtfully

Notes

1. Assignment should be submitted according to the due date.

2. Plagiarism is prohibited.

[Total: 30 marks]

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 ATTACHMENT
ASSIGNMENT RUBRICS
HMEL5043 SEMINAR PAPER IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP / MAY 2020
QUESTION 1 (70%)

Criteria Excellent Good Fair Poor Unsatisfactory Max

*QN CLO Weight
4 3 2 1 0 Marks
1 1 Title 0.5 The title very clearly The title clearly The title reflects the The title hardly No submission 2
reflects the focus of reflects the focus of focus of the study, reflects the focus of
the study, revealing the study, revealing revealing some the study, revealing
adequate information fairly adequate information about little information
about research information research variables, about research
variables, subjects & about research subjects & setting of variables, subjects &
setting of the study variables, subjects & the study setting of the study
setting of the study

1 Abstract 1 The abstract captures The abstract captures The abstract captures The abstract hardly No submission 4
all the relevant and most of the relevant some of the relevant captures the
essential points of the and essential points and essential points relevant and
seminar paper of the seminar paper of the seminar paper essential points of
the seminar paper

1 Introduction 1.5 Introduction provides Introduction provides The Introduction Introduction does No submission 6
very clear information clear information provides some not
from general to from general to information from provide any
specific specific general to specific information from
general to specific

4 Problem Statement 2.5 Issue and problems Issue and problems Issue and problems Issue and problems No submission 10
are very relevant and are relevant and are fairly relevant but are hardly relevant
provide provide a clear lead- does not and does not
a very clear lead-in to in to research provide a clear lead- provide a clear lead-
the research problem problem in to the research in to the
problem research problem

3 Research Objectives / Questions 2.5 Research objectives & Research objectives & Research objectives & Research objectives No submission 10
questions are highly questions are questions are fairly & questions are

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 focused and clear focussed and clear focussed and clear hardly focussed and
clear
3 Theoretical Framework 2.5 Literature reviewed is Literature reviewed is Literature reviewed is Literature reviewed No submission 10
very relevant to the very relevant to the fairly relevant to the is
study. The study. The study. The hardly relevant to
explanation is very explanation is explanation is fairly the study. The
detailed and clear detailed and clear detailed and clear explanation is
sketchy and vague
3 Conceptual Framework 2.5 The explanation is The explanation is The explanation is The explanation is No submission 10
very detailed and detailed and clear fairly detailed and sketchy and vague
clear clear
2 Research Method 2.5 The research method The research method The research method The research No submission 10
is very appropriate. is appropriate. The is fairly appropriate. method is hardly
The explanation is explanation is clear The explanation is appropriate. The
very clear with with quite adequate fairly clear with some explanation is rather
adequate relevant relevant justification relevant justification vague with
justification minimal or no
relevant
justification
3 Conclusion 1 Introduction provides Introduction provides The Introduction Conclusion does not No submission 4
very clear information clear information of provides some provide any
of reflections and reflections and information of information of
suggestions suggestions reflections and reflections and
suggestions suggestions
2 References 1 The references are The references are The references are The references are No submission 4
very relevant and relevant and current fairly relevant and hardly relevant and
current to the area of to the area of study. current to the area of current to the area
study. The citation The citation method study. The citation of study. The
method is very is accurate according method is fairly citation method is
accurate according to to APA style accurate according to not accurate
APA style APA style according to APA
style
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*QN = Question Number

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HMEL5043 SEMINAR PAPER IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP / MAY 2020
QUESTION 2 (30%)

Criteria Excellent Good Fair Poor Unsatisfactory Max

*QN CLO Weight
4 3 2 1 0 Marks
2 2 Quality of the PowerPoint slides 1.5 The PowerPoint slides The PowerPoint slides The PowerPoint slides The PowerPoint No submission 6
are very attractive to are attractive to the are fairly attractive to slides are hardly
the audience audience the audience attractive to the
audience
Ability to explain the theoretical 1.5 Literature presented Literature presented Literature presented Literature presented No submission 6
framework/ is is is is
conceptual framework very relevant to the very relevant to the fairly relevant to the hardly relevant to
study. The study. The study. The the study. The
explanation is very explanation is explanation is fairly explanation is
detailed and clear detailed and clear detailed and clear sketchy and vague
Ability to explain the research design 1.5 The explanation is The explanation is The explanation is The explanation is No submission 6
very detailed and detailed and clear fairly detailed and sketchy and vague
clear clear
Ability to answer questions appropriately 1.5 The answer provided The answer provided The answer provided The answer provided No submission 6
to the question asked to the question asked to the question asked to the question
is very relevant is relevant is fairly relevant asked is not relevant
Overall presentation 1.5 The presentation The presentation The presentation The presentation No submission 6
reflects the focus of reflects the focus of fairly reflects the hardly reflects the
the study very well the study focus of the study focus of the study
Total 30
*QN = Question Number

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