APA style and citations for dummies - Joe Giampalmi 2021

Utilize professors as a source
Ten strategies for creative source engagement
The parts of ten

Some of the most obvious sources to engage with are the ones you see in every class: professors. Professors are sources of expert knowledge; in fact, the media frequently call on them to comment on current events.

Professors regularly teach courses with topics that reflect their expertise. Search professors and their courses at your school, and you’ll see your list of topic expertise. Most colleges have faculty with expertise on topics such as social media, business law, pop culture, language and literacy, online sales, business management, health and exercise, and sports management.

Contact a professor in a field related to your writing topic and request to meet for no longer than 15 minutes. Explain that you’re a student working on a research project and want to reference their expertise in your paper. Most professors are readily willing to extend themselves to help students. They chose their profession to help students. Show respect for the professor’s time by preparing three or four questions that elicit the information you’re looking for. Form questions that require a why or how response. Briefly explain your paper and ask your questions.

Keep these additional tips in mind:

· Don’t extend your 15 minutes.

· As soon as you leave, expand your notes, clarifying what you learned.

· Cite the professor in your paper and follow up with a thank-you.

· When you reference the professor as a source, look for opportunities to advance your argument.