Assignments

This page contains the main assignments for the MAP Dar ECR Development Program. Each assignment is described below in a collapsible section. Click on the heading to expand or collapse the details.

Intro to Comms Assignments

Deadline: 1 April 2025. All work should be placed in your Google Drive folder under Assignments > [Your Name].

If you’re recording a presentation, you can use PowerPoint’s built-in recorder, Zoom, Google Meet, or any other screen recording method (with audio). We encourage you to record with your camera on if possible, to create a more engaging video.

Remember: Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, or even non-specialist friends. Each assignment will be reviewed by at least two people (mentor + 1 other), but you’re welcome to ask more folks to chime in!

Below, each assignment is described with instructions and a scoring guide.

Assignment 1: 500-Word Summary of a Scientific Article

Description & Objectives

Pick a published scientific article not authored by you.
Write a concise, 500-word summary aimed at non-specialist readers.
Include a figure, photo, or short video snippet that clarifies the science.

How to Approach It

Choose a Malaria Article: Something interesting or relevant to you, ideally with a spatial mapping element.
Key Points:
- What was the research question/hypothesis?
- Methods used & key results.
- Why it matters (impact/significance).
Adapt Language & Tone: minimal jargon; define crucial terms. Keep it friendly.
Visual Selection:
- Adapt a complex figure or create your own small schematic.
- Check licensing or cite the source if it’s not yours.
Polish & Seek Feedback:
- Read aloud; ask a non-specialist if it’s clear.
- Incorporate feedback from mentors/peers.

Upload & Feedback

Create a Google Doc named Assignment1_YourInitials.
Insert your figure/photo or a link to a short video snippet.
Reviewers add a scoring table after reading.

Assignment 2: 250-Word Abstract (Formal Scientific Audience)

Description & Objectives

Write a concise, 250-word abstract suitable for a scientific publication or conference.
It can be your current/ongoing research or a hypothetical project.
Follow typical abstract conventions: background, methods, results, conclusion.

What to Include

Background/Context: a couple lines about the broader problem.
Objectives: the specific question(s) or hypothesis(es).
Methods: brief outline of design, data, or analysis.
Key Findings: main/anticipated results.
Conclusion/Significance: why it matters or next steps.

Approach & Tips

Structured Draft: use headings, then merge into one paragraph if needed.
Refine for Brevity: keep ~250 words, remove fluff.
Check Scientific Tone: keep it precise; discipline-specific terms are okay.
Feedback Round: ask a mentor/peer if it’s logical and coherent.

Upload & Feedback

Document: Assignment2_YourInitials in your folder.
Reviewers add the scoring table in the doc.

Assignment 3: 5-Minute Talk on a Scientific Article

Description & Objectives

Select any scientific article (not authored by you).
Create a recorded 5-minute presentation for a “general scientist” audience.
Use visuals (graphs, diagrams, photos) to highlight question, methods, results, & significance.

How to Approach It

Slide Planning (~4–6 slides): minimal text, 1 main point per slide.
Narrative Flow: main question, brief methods, main findings, “So what?”.
Recording: use PPT’s built-in recorder or Zoom; keep camera on if possible.

Upload & Feedback

File: Assignment3_YourInitials.pptx plus an MP4 or link in the same folder.
Reviewers provide feedback in the PPT’s Notes or a separate doc.

Assignment 4: 3.5-Minute Research Presentation/Pitch

Description & Objectives

Create a concise 3.5-minute recorded talk about your own research (or planned project).
Use the “What, How, Why” structure to keep it focused.
Imagine your audience as potential collaborators you want to impress.

How to Approach It

Hook: a startling statistic or question to grab attention.
Outline Approach: briefly explain your method or plan.
Why It Matters: emphasize significance, potential impact.
Visual & Delivery: limit text, prefer diagrams; be enthusiastic.

Upload & Feedback

File: Assignment4_YourInitials.pptx + a 3.5-min recording in your folder.
Reviewers watch & comment in slides or doc.

Reviewers: Scoring Guide (1–5)

1 – Poor

Clarity: Content unclear; heavy jargon.
Structure & Flow: No logical structure, transitions missing.
Accuracy: Key points misrepresented or missing.
Engagement: Lacks interest or creativity.
Visuals: Absent or poorly executed, irrelevant.
Delivery: Hard to follow, lacks confidence.

2 – Below Expectations

Clarity: Partially understandable but includes complex or unclear bits.
Structure & Flow: Some structure, but lacks thorough development.
Accuracy: Some correct info, but errors or omissions.
Engagement: Minimal audience connection, limited energy.
Visuals: Present but not well-chosen or integrated.
Delivery: Audible but not polished; possibly distracting visuals/audio.

3 – Meets Expectations

Clarity: Generally clear with minor lapses.
Structure & Flow: Logical, with occasional inconsistencies.
Accuracy: Mostly accurate, minor overlooks.
Engagement: Moderately engaging, decent attention-holding.
Visuals: Relevant, moderately polished.
Delivery: Clear, audible, somewhat confident pacing.

4 – Exceeds Expectations

Clarity: Clear, concise, well-tailored to audience.
Structure & Flow: Logical with smooth transitions.
Accuracy: Key points represented accurately.
Engagement: Creative, appeals well to audience.
Visuals: High-quality, well-integrated.
Delivery: Confident, good pacing, uses visuals effectively.

5 – Outstanding

Clarity: Exceptionally clear, minimal jargon, elegantly explained.
Structure & Flow: Seamless transitions, compelling narrative.
Accuracy: Comprehensive, no errors, well-researched.
Engagement: Highly captivating, stands out for creativity.
Visuals: Thoroughly enhances content, outstanding quality.
Delivery: Extremely polished, memorable, top-notch professionalism.

Assignment 5: Informational Interviews

MAP Dar ECR Development Program: Cohort 1 (2025)
In this assignment, you will write an informational interview in an RMarkdown file and publish it on GitHub. This workflow combines the power of RMarkdown with GitHub's collaborative features, letting you share your work easily and track changes effectively.

We encourage a fork-and-branch workflow so you can:

Safely develop features in your own copy of the project.
Easily track and discuss changes before merging into the main repository.

Guide to Conducting Informational Interviews (Shortened)

Define Your Goal: Clarify what you want to learn (role specifics, career path, etc.).
Identify the Right People: Find professionals in your network, explain you’re part of MAP Dar ECR Program.
Prepare Your Questions: Explore career path, daily tasks, skill sets, industry trends, advice, etc.
During the Interview: Be respectful of time, listen actively, confirm if they allow public posting.
Close & Follow Up: Thank them; send the final article if they want to see it. Ask for referrals!

Guide to Writing & Publishing Your Article (Shortened)

Create RMarkdown: Insert text, images, links. Knit to HTML in RStudio.
Fork & Clone Repo: So you can develop in your own branch without affecting the main repo immediately.
Commit & Push Changes: Stage your .html, push to your fork, then open a Pull Request.
Add a Link: Edit this 06_Assignments.html to link your new HTML interview in the Participant Submissions section below.
Done!: Others can now read your interview from the website.

Participant Submissions

Below, we list final HTML interviews or assignment outputs.
Participants: Please add a bullet linking to your .html in the 06_Assignments/YourFolder .