Teaching APA paper format?
Some basic information you must know

APA paper format is the most frequently used alternative to the MLA style guide. APA stands for American Psychological Association.

The APA's Publication Manual is used by many disciplines besides psychology that insist on the most up-to-date scientific communication. That is one reason it is frequently chosen as the style guide at colleges and universities with a research focus.

Why APA style is hard for students

If you are going to teach APA style, you need to first teach students academic writing skills so they understand the process of planning and executing research. The APA manual assumes readers already have those skills.

Unlike the MLA style guide, which is available in a "lite" version, for high school and college undergraduates writing research papers, and a regular version, the APA Publication Manual is available only in a full-strength version.

It is primarily intended primarily for those who write and edit scientific journals. That means the APA is a tough slog for college students and just about impossible for most high schoolers.

Tutorial for the first-time APA user

The APA website houses a useful but extremely boring tutorial designed for those who have no previous knowledge of APA paper format.

The tutorial assumes the viewer knows the research paper writing process. Therefore, the tutorial focuses on elements such as how to:

• Structure and format a paper.

• Reduce bias in language.

• Avoid charges of plagiarism.

• Cite references in text.

The narrator reads the content of the 26 slides. For specifics, users are directed to sample papers. Students will not be able to figure out what to look for in the sample papers without help.

The best way to use the tutorial would be to project selected slides for a class and use the slides as a basis for class discussion. The worst way to use the tutorial would be to assign students to view it.

APA paper format peculiarities

APA paper format has some specifications that are noticeably different from the MLA format, namely:

• Double space after periods and other ending punctuation.

• APA uses a title page

• Page numbering begins on the title page.

• Author-date citation system is used.

Buyer beware

The current edition of the APA is the sixth edition, issued in 2009. The APA softcover sixth edition lists for $28.95. Beware of buying an unusually cheap copy. Do not buy or use the first printing of the sixth edition. It contained errors significant enough to require a second edition almost upon release.