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Research skills Sara Steinke

GET AHEADPOSTGADUATE SUMMER PROGRAMME 2012

1Aims of the sessionTo (re)undertake a study skills audit of your research skills

Look at postgraduate research skills

Consider how these skills differ from undergraduate research skills

2The importance of research skills for postgraduate studySelf-management and motivation

Engagement with methodology

Understanding and managing the research process

Reflected in the structure of a dissertation

What employers expect of you/pay you for

3Think about the followingWhich undergraduate research skills can you bring to your postgraduate studies?

Critical thinkingNote-taking techniquesReading for learning SQ3RAnalytical writing skills essay writingTime management /organisational skillsIdentifying and (de)selecting informationFinding information in the libraryUsing the internetReferencingPresentation skills speaking in public/small groups

4Making the transition to postgraduate researchWhich research skills do you require for postgraduate study?All of the previous research skills, plusPreparing for your viva Presentation skills conference /teaching d)Writing/structuring your thesis Time management/dealing with procrastination and isolationResearch ethicsKnowledge managementProject planningManaging discussionWriting for different audiencesCreative thinking Managing your supervisor

5Write down the three most important things about research skills that you have learnt/thought about in this session? Why were they important to you?

What are your areas for improvement in your research skills? What are you doing to do to improve this aspect of your learning?

6Recap of the sessionUndertaken a study skills audit of your undergraduate research skills

Identified the postgraduate research skills that you will require

Looked at the similarities and differences between under and postgraduate research skills

7Becker, L. (2004) How to Manage your Postgraduate Course (Palgrave)

Wisker, G. (2007) The Postgraduate Research Handbook (Palgrave)

http://www.palgrave.com/skills4study/studentlife/postgraduate/index.asp

http://www.bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck/services/facilities/support/phd-support

http://www.bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck/services/facilities/support/research-ethics

http://www.bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck/services/facilities/support/research-projects

http://www.bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck/services/facilities/support/research-skills

http://www.bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck/services/facilities/support/internet

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