Swinburne lecturer publishes book on academic writing

Swinburne lecturer publishes book on academic writing

The Borneo Post

Saturday, January 8, 2011

 

Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus lecturer Fung Lan Yong has published a book entitled ‘Academic Writing: Essays for Analysis’.  The book is divided into four sections – the writing process, academic essays for analysis, sample essays and checklists.

 

Published by Lambert Academic Publishing (LAP) Germany, the book is available at 68 euros on eBay or US $90 via Amazon.com.

 

Each step of the writing process for different genres, including descriptive, cause-effect, compare-contrast and argumentative essay, is thoroughly explained.

 

Yong said in a press release that the significance of academic writing is explained through the book.

 

“Tertiary students should know its value, not only as a course prerequisite but also as a soft skill vital for professional development.  Many disciplines, including business and engineering, evaluate students’ academic performance in terms of how logically they reason and how well they write,” she said.

 

She stressed that quality writing goes beyond the classroom.  “While it equips tertiary students with the expressive skills that have a positive influence on their academic performance, it is far more importantly a preparation for engagement with the world outside.”

 

The book was also written with working professionals in mind.  “Since many professionals spend a significant amount of their working hours writing, the ability to write well is crucial to their job performance.  In fact, many business managers and engineers write more frequently on the job than English lecturers.”

 

Yong has previously published research articles including learning styles, study skills, locus of control, academic procrastination and self-efficacy.

 

Originally from Kota Kinabalu, Yong holds a PhD in Special Education (Gifted and Talented Education) from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, USA.  She is also Institut Prima Bestari Pine Academy Group honorary advisor.

 

She is currently attached with the School of Language and Foundation at Swinburne Sarawak.