ARAU, 12th June 2023 – Webinar on “How to write in-text citations and references” was conducted on Friday, 9th June 2023, with the primary objective of educating students about academic writing practices. The program aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to effectively use in-text citations and references while avoiding plagiarism. It also focused on supporting arguments through referencing credible sources, thus enhancing the quality of their academic work and final year projects (FYP).
The webinar garnered significant interest, attracting a total of 115 participants, mainly undergraduate students enrolled in ELC501 and ELC590 courses. The speaker for the session was Associate Professor Dr. Ina Suryani Ab Rahim from the Faculty of Business and Communication at Universiti Malaysia Perlis. Dr. Ina Suryani Ab Rahim covered a comprehensive range of topics, including the distinctions between in-text citations and reference lists, various types of in-text citations, plagiarism, in-text citations in APA and IEEE styles, and the utilization of reference management software.
One of the key takeaways emphasized throughout the webinar was the critical role of in-text citations and references in academic writing. Participants were made aware of the potential consequences of plagiarism and the importance of properly attributing ideas to their original sources. By equipping students with the knowledge and understanding of correct citation methods, the program aimed to empower them to avoid unintentional plagiarism and produce high-quality academic work.
The webinar adhered to the scheduled timeframe, commencing at 2.45pm and concluding at 3.45pm. It was conducted via the Webex platform, enabling seamless remote participation for the attendees.
The success of the program can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of the program committee members. Associate Professor Dr. Latisha Asmaak Shafie served as the patron, overseeing the event, while Surina Nayan and Dr. Hafizah Hajimia acted as directors, ensuring smooth program execution. The registration process was managed by Dr. Lew Ya Ling and Nur Fairuz Wahida Ibrahim, while Fadhlina Che Arshad managed publicity, website, and graphic design. Dr. Amizura Hanadi Mohd Radzi skillfully coordinated the opening and closing ceremonies.
In conclusion, the webinar on “How to write in-text citations and references” proved to be a valuable educational experience for the participants. By enhancing their understanding of academic writing practices and emphasizing the importance of proper citation techniques, the program successfully contributed to the students’ development of essential skills for their academic journeys. The positive response from attendees highlights the relevance and significance of such initiatives. It is recommended that similar webinars and programs continue to be organized in the future to support students in their pursuit of academic excellence.