By Jalyn Sneed/reporter

Students learned the importance of the MLA/APA format for their academic papers, ways the two styles differ and the importance of giving credit to correct sources at a student success seminar on writing Oct. 17 on NE Campus.

NE English assistant professor Shewanda Riley explained the basics of MLA style to the 18 students who attended. She said the MLA and APA styles were different and that it was important to know how both should be applied.

“MLA is used in humanities, which is anything but the sciences,” she said. “APA deals with history, economics and sciences.”

Riley said some students don’t see the importance in citing sources correctly, but it needs to be done.

“When it’s not your original idea, you need to give credit to whom it belongs,” she said.

Riley gave students an exercise where they worked together to directly quote, paraphrase and summarize from an original paragraph.

She also provided students with handouts that explained how MLA style works and how it is correctly formatted.

NE writing center manager Jared Landin demonstrated APA and then stressed the importance of citing sources.

“Taking an idea without giving credit to the sources can get students in trouble,” he said. “Citing sources is important because it proves that you are borrowing and not taking the information.”

Landin presented a step-by-step demonstration of MLA style.

NE student Tyler Cox said he found the event to be helpful in areas where he struggled. What stood out to him most was learning how to distinguish between the two styles.

“I always thought they were the same format, but they’re very different from one another,” he said.

Cox had a few words of encouragement for students who struggle with the MLA and APA formats.

“When you struggle, don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he said. “There are the English teachers, the writing center and other students who can help when they know what they’re doing.”