Difference between an 'essay' and a 'project'?

Ell69

Can anyone give me guidlines on the above.
I'm currently doing a PLC course in order to return to college in September. Aiming for high marks in all my modules.
They're both on history,tiny assignments ,only 1000 words each, dificult to do anything in so few words., but I want to get a distinction for both. One just says write an essay the others says put together a project.
Thank you

Further Ed.

Look at the module syallbus on www.fetac.ie for further guidance and also examine in detail the brief you received from the tutor outlining in writing what you are required to do for the assignment or project.

JCDUB

Good advice from Further Ed there^^^^

Read the brief and if you are unclear on anything don't be afraid to ask your tutor, no matter how silly it seems, that's what I do!

From the sounds of the essay and the project required both being about 1000words I reckon they are the same thing, just phrased differently by the tutors, but it's their job to tell you what they want from you.

By the by, you say you need distinctions in your subjects, but also be aware that your results may not be available from Fetac by the time your interview comes around, so you may not be armed with any results to bring in with you.
Depends on when your course finishes up, when Fetac assess your coursework and when the interviews are.

Worth bearing in mind I think.

Good luck with everything:)

koHd

The tutor usually shows you past students efforts at the same type of thing as an eample of what they're looking for. Maybe ask and see if there is any you cann look over in class. Very helpful. But maybe that's just Whitehalls policy.

Further Ed.

There is a difference between an assignment and a project. The following taken from a Level 5 FETAC module guide may be of assistance

Glossary of Assessment Techniques

Assignment An exercise carried out in response to a brief with specific guidelines and
usually of short duration.

Each assignment is based on a brief provided by the internal assessor.
The brief includes specific guidelines for candidates. The assignment is
carried out over a period of time specified by the internal assessor.
Assignments may be specified as an oral presentation, case study,
observations, or have a detailed title such as audition piece, health fitness
plan or vocational area profile.

Collection of
Work A collection and/or selection of pieces of work produced by candidates
over a period of time that demonstrates the mastery of skills.

Using guidelines provided by the internal assessor, candidates compile a
collection of their own work. The collection of work demonstrates
evidence of a range of specific learning outcomes or skills. The evidence
may be produced in a range of conditions, such as in the learning
environment, in a role play exercise, or in real- life/work situations.
This body of work may be self- generated rather than carried out in
response to a specific assignment eg art work, engineering work etc

Examination A means of assessing a candidate’s ability to recall and apply skills,
knowledge and understanding within a set period of time (time
constrained) and under clearly specified conditions.

Examinations may be:

· practical, assessing the mastery of specified practical skills
demonstrated in a set period of time under restricted conditions

· oral, testing ability to speak effectively in the vernacular or other
languages

· interview-style, assessing learning through verbal questioning, on
one-to-one/group basis

· aural, testing listening and interpretation skills

· theory-based, assessing the candidate’s ability to recall and apply
theory, requiring responses to a range of question types, such as
objective, short answer, structured, essay. These questions may be
answered in different media such as in writing, orally etc.

Learner Record A self-reported record by an individual, in which he/she describes
specific learning experiences, activities, responses, skills acquired.

Candidates compile a personal logbook/journal/diary/daily diary/
record/laboratory notebook/sketch book.
The logbook/journal/diary/daily diary/record/laboratory notebook/sketch
book should cover specified aspects of the learner’s experience.

Project A substantial individual or group response to a brief with guidelines,
usually carried out over a period of time.
Projects may involve:
research – requiring individual/group investigation of a topic
process – eg design, performance, production of an artefact/event
Projects will be based on a brief provided by the internal assessor or
negotiated by the candidate with the internal assessor. The brief will
include broad guidelines for the candidate. The work will be carried out
over a specified period of time.
Projects may be undertaken as a group or collaborative project, however
the individual contribution of each candidate must be clearly identified.
The project will enable the candidate to demonstrate: (some of these –
about 2-4)

· understanding and application of concepts in (specify area)

· use/selection of relevant research/survey techniques, sources of
information, referencing, bibliography

· ability to analyse, evaluate, draw conclusions, make
recommendations

· understanding of process/planning implementation and review skills/
planning and time management skills

· ability to implement/produce/make/construct/perform

· mastery of tools and techniques

· design/creativity/problem-solving/evaluation skills

· presentation/display skills

· team working/co-operation/participation skills.

Skills
Demonstration Assessment of mastery of specified practical, organisational and/or
interpersonal skills.

These skills are assessed at any time throughout the learning process by
the internal assessor/another qualified person in the centre for whom the
candidate undertakes relevant tasks.
The skills may be demonstrated in a range of conditions, such as in the
learning environment, in a role-play exercise, or in a real-life/work
situations.
The candidate may submit a written report/supporting documentation as
part of the assessment.
Examples of skills: laboratory skills, computer skills, coaching skills,
interpersonal skills.

FETAC Assessment Principles

1 Assessment is regarded as an integral part of the learning process.

2 All FETAC assessment is criterion referenced. Each assessment technique
has assessment criteria which detail the range of marks to be awarded for
specific standards of knowledge, skills and competence demonstrated by
candidates.

3 The mode of assessment is generally local i.e. the assessment techniques are
devised and implemented by internal assessors in centres.

4 Assessment techniques in FETAC modules are valid in that they test a range
of appropriate learning outcomes.

5 The reliability of assessment techniques is facilitated by providing support
for assessors.

6 Arising from an extensive consultation process, each FETAC module
describes what is considered to be an optimum approach to assessment.
When the necessary procedures are in place, it will be possible for assessors
to use other forms of assessment, provided they are demonstrated to be valid
and reliable.

7 To enable all learners to demonstrate that they have reached the required
standard, candidate evidence may be submitted in written, oral, visual,
multimedia or other format as appropriate to the learning outcomes.

8 Assessment of a number of modules may be integrated, provided the
separate criteria for each module are met.

9 Group or team work may form part of the assessment of a module, provided

each candidate’s achievement is separately assessed.