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Dissertation Club

Dissertation Club. A Concept for Collaborative Cross-Subject Support for Dissertation Students. Verity Aiken. Pecha Kucha Style….

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Dissertation Club

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  1. Dissertation Club A Concept for Collaborative Cross-Subject Support for Dissertation Students Verity Aiken

  2. Pecha Kucha Style… Pecha Kucha (Japanese: ペチャクチャ, IPA: [petɕa ku͍̥tɕa],[1]chit-chat) is a presentation methodology in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each (approx. 6' 40" in total), usually seen in a multiple-speaker event called a Pecha Kucha Night (PKN). Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecha_Kucha

  3. Name: Dissertation Club • About me: This session will be an opportunity for dissertation students to have a cross-subject, open dialogue about ‘doing a dissertation’. This is the chance to ask any question you want. • Vitals: 1 Hour Workshop; Semester 1 (mid Nov); No pre-sign up – turn up on the day • Suitability & Compatibility: Any student doing a dissertation within the Faculty of Humanities and social sciences. Aimed at undergraduates although PGTs welcome (although 2 PGRs attended) • What I’m looking for: To support students undertaking independent research; To develop communication amongst dissertation students; to supplement support provided by supervisors and Dissertation module leaders; to develop networks with Dissertation module leaders to develop cohesive support; to position my role as an additional source of help for dissertation students

  4. Past Relationships…

  5. Dissertation Club 2011/12 • Early semester, open call to Faculty colleagues via email • Used previous years forums as evidence for a successful model • Date and location pre-arranged to avoid logistical complications • Final year students studying within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences emailed about the event the week before

  6. Dear Colleagues I will be running a dissertation forum on Thursday 17th November between 1 and 2 in room CBA1.099/100. The aim of the session will be to provide an opportunity for dissertation students from the faculty of humanities and social sciences to have a cross-discipline, open dialogue about 'doing a dissertation'. This session has been run successfully twice before in previous years. Dr Joe Bloggs the current dissertation module leader for criminology will be joining me and I extend the invitation to other dissertation module leaders in the faculty. I also ask colleagues to consider circulating this session amongst relevant student groups. Best Verity (Sent on 27th October 2011)

  7. Immediate Response from Colleagues • 6 Schools, 18 undergraduate disciplines all offering some form of Independent Study Project (ISP) • Dual Honours system • 2 colleagues accepted the invitation • 3 enquired about a PGT equivalent

  8. On The Day • 4 Lecturers attended (from the disciplines of Criminology, Sociology, History & Management) • 18 Students attended (6 Criminology, 4 Sociology, 3 History, 3 Management, 1 Education, 1 American Studies, 1 Politics, 2 social work, 1 Medical Ethics) • 12 undergraduate finalists, 3 PGTs, 2 PGRs

  9. How it worked… • 5 Mins Introduction • 5 Mins starter activity. Students in small groups and given flashcards and folders. Students asked to write down their individual questions and place in folders. Folders passed on clockwise. • 40 Mins. In turn, each group poses one question from the folder to the panel. Issues discussed. • 5 Mins. Students offered the opportunity to ask any final ‘burning question’ • 5 Mins. Thank everyone and close. Students asked to complete evaluations.

  10. Student Questions…

  11. Example of Content Questions (Broad-individual) Questions relating to the genre of dissertation writing • What is the difference between method and methodology in the context of a literature based dissertation? • Format of theory if no empirical work? • Should a literature review contain a review of sources relative to the theories being used in the dissertation or all sources

  12. Example of Process Questions (Broad-collective) Questions centred around ‘doing’ a dissertation relating to issues such asresearch, writing and time management • How are we meant to do dissertation work on top of essays, presentations and revision? • How will I know what to write? • How to avoid going off topic

  13. Example of Specific Questions (Narrow-individual) Questions of a highly individualised nature relating to specific sets of circumstances • How many words • How would you do a history dissertation going up to the present day? • Differences in expectations between my own country and England • Ethics form 2 confused?

  14. Example of Realities Questions (Narrow-collective) Questions framed in ‘real terms’ requiring tangible, concise answers • How do you get assigned a supervisor and when? (PGT question) • How much guidance will I get? • Binding dissertation – where is it done? • Input of supervisors – how much can they read?

  15. Student EvaluationsResponses to the question ‘What was the most useful thing about the session?’ • Being able to openly ask questions to lecturers from different disciplines • Sociology lecturer’s input • Expert advice • The individual replies from the different subject tutors was very beneficial. Answers and advice on the management were useful • Advice on dissertation structure, referencing and time management • Opinions • Different opinions on how to structure your dissertation • Answered relevant questions • Ability to ask questions • Asking questions and hearing what others find difficult

  16. Student EvaluationsResponses to the question ‘Do you have any other suggestions or improvements you would like to see?’ • More disciplines involved • Perhaps one specifically for post-grad students i.e. MA (taught) courses • Extension of the meeting time • Handouts • More about practicalities of doing a dissertation – binding, etc • Powerpoint slides, explain the layout of dissertation • Swapping questions led to confusion

  17. Past Relationships…

  18. Future Directions? • Return to twin sessions (1 in semester 1 and 1 at the beginning of semester 2) • Themed, structured session in Sem 1 • QuestionTime panel forum in Sem 2 • Facebook group to maintain contact in between • PGT specific forum • Dissertation Day? Dissertation Symposium? • http://insight.glos.ac.uk/tli/activities/ntf/creativehops/events/Symposium2012/Pages/default.aspx

  19. Final Thoughts • Students value space to openly discuss the experience of ‘doing a dissertation’ • Format and styles may vary, but collaborative sessions with academic staff add value • Students not only responded well to a cross-discipline dialogue but also recognised it as a benefit • Value of dialogic space and interdisciplinary discussions echoes other research • Lee, A & Boud, D (2003) ‘Writing Groups, change and academic identity: research development as local practice’ in Studies in Higher Education 28: 2

  20. What would your dating profile be? • Name (Title): ??? • About Me (tagline): ??? • Vitals: ??? • Suitability and compatibility: ??? • What I’m looking for (aims and objectives): ???

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