Study Orientation for International Postgraduate Taught Students
Sue RigbyAssistant PrincipalUniversity of Edinburgh
Welcome to the University and to this Orientation day
Introduction content More welcomes People running the programme Context The Challenge Plan for session
Who we are
Tony LynchLanguage specialistJon TurnerInstitute for Academic DevelopmentSandra MorrisDeputy Head, International OfficeJohanna HoltranEdinburgh University Students Association
TimePresentationPresenter2.05Welcome and IntroductionDr Sue Rigby2.15Active LearningProfessor Tony Lynch2.40Time ManagementDr Jon Turner2.55Writing and reading EffectivelyProfessor Tony Lynch3.20Assessment and FeedbackDr Sue Rigby3.50Understanding LocalsProfessor Tony Lynch4.15Help, Advice and resourcesJohanna Holtan and Kim Pearson4.30Getting Out There!Sandra Morris4.40QuestionsAll participants4.50CloseSue Rigby5.00Reception at Appleton Tower FoyerAll participants
Programme context: Scotland and Edinburgh
Edinburgh isnt so much a city, more a way of life ... I doubt Ill ever tire of exploring Edinburgh, on foot or in print. Ian Rankin, bestselling crime writer and alumnus of the University of EdinburghVoted Best place to live in the UK YouGov Poll of 10,000 UK residents, 2009Top 10 best City in the World Voted by Wanderlust readers, 2008
Programme context: Edinburgh University
We are consistently ranked one of the top 50 universities in the world* * THES QS Ranking96% of our disciplines have research that is world leading** 2008 UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise
Sharing our Global Vision withChina.France.Germany.Australia.Switzerland.Norway.India.Belgium.Mexico.America.Africa.Japan.Austria.Fiji.Pakistan.We are also part of the Russell Group which represents 20 of UKs leading Universities.
It is similar to USs Ivy League group of Universities and Australias Group of Eight.
Influencing the world since 1583
Our role in shaping the modern worldOne scientific epoch ended and another began with James Clerk Maxwell the special theory of relativity owes its origins to Maxwells equations of the electromagnetic field. Albert Einstein, physicist and philosopher
Masters study in Edinburgh
Short timescaleHigh expectationsHigh aspirationsLarge investmentLots to do, not just work
-How to succeed and make the most of your studies?
Your blueprint for success assessment and feedback
Your expectations
Vocational or research masters?
Costly should have value to you in future
Should give you specific and generic skills
PTES highlights challenges confidence in new settings, transkills, career support we are working on these, so must you..
Your School
Provides teaching, but you may also take courses from other Schools or CollegesProvides advice and administrative support for your ProgrammeSets and marks your examsThrough the Board of Examiners ratifies your degree award
The academic year 2010/11
DatesEvents19 September 2 DecemberTeaching5-21 DecemberRevision and examsVacation16 January 6 AprilTeaching (ILW)23 April 25 May(Exams), first BOE28 May DissertationsSeptemberFinal Boards of Examiners
Taught component of masters
Two taught semestersMost courses assessed by course work and examMust pass first time, you should check your local progression rules to see if you can continue with the Masters if you fail any elements of a course.
Common marking scheme
MarkWhat it means> 70 %Excellent, really good work60-69%A high level of achievement50-59%Competent but not exceptional40-49%A pass but not at Masters level diploma standard< 40%Fail
Feedback
How to do better next time must be timely and forward lookingComes from Programme Director,Lecturers, DemonstratorsMake sure they do this!
Can come from Peers
Audit yourself how to do this.
Dissertation
Research dissertation over the SummerPrepare for this earlyTalk to staff, use personal contactsMake sure you get on with your SupervisorMake sure you are clear about what is required from youNag, bully, be persistent in getting the help you may need
Where next?
ACTIVE LEARNING Tony LynchEnglish Language Teaching Centre
Expectations of PGs
LECTURES
What are lectures for?One local view:
I dont want just to hear my voice. What I really want is to hear students who are willing to question and challenge me, and take the debate forward.
An alternative view:
Being quiet in class, listening carefully and taking precise notes are regarded as traits of a good student
Decisions in note-making
What the lecturer has saidWhat it meansWhether its important enough to go into your notesHow to note it down efficiently
Is a point important?A critical attitude:AnalysingEvaluatingApplying if relevant
Lecturing stylesReading (more formal language)
Conversational (more informal)
Multi-modal (speech, writing, image, and body language - SWIBL)
Active = InteractiveInteraction inside your head: KELKNOWLEDGE EXPERIENCE LECTURERS WORDS
Interaction with other peopleLECTURER STUDENTS
Lecturers languageMarkers of importanceMarkers of topic changeDIGRESSION and RETURNMarkers of summary / conclusion
But relatively informal speech (so conversation practice helps)
Markers of importanceCentral / key / core / vitalStress / underline / highlight
What this boils down to isThe crux of the matter isThe $64,000 question is
Markers of topic changeHaving looked at X, lets turn to YId like now to move on to
Incidentally / By the way / While I think of it = DIGRESSIONAnyway / As I was saying = RETURN
Markers of summary / conclusionTo sum up / In conclusionWhat does all this mean?
At the end of the dayFor my moneyIn a nutshell
SEMINARS
What are they for?The local view:ExplorationExchange Participation
An alternative view:We just talk
What can go wrong?
It was a disaster. They hadnt done the reading. Nobody wanted to say anything, so I thought we might as well finish early
Stages in participationUnderstandingProcessingForming a response to the speakers pointProducing that responseListening to the next speaker(Understanding, etc.)
Sources of difficulty
Not understanding the previous speaker(s)
Not having anything to say
Having something to say, but not working out your response in time
Improving your understanding
Listen to a range of accents
Listen to discussions
Listen in on others conversations
Improving your speaking
For fluency - talk (to yourself, if necessary) in English
For conciseness : the 4-3-2 technique
Asking questions
Any questions?Complex relationship
Threat to face: - for the person asking - for the person asked
Intercultural differences
An Indonesian exampleTL: Any questions?S: No questions.TL: What about the others?S: They have no questions, either.TL: How do you know they dont have any questions?S: Because...
... you are a good teacher.
Replies to requests
Ill see what I can doIll do my bestIll do what I can
Youre not asking much, are you?Send me an email
Ask
the right question
of the relevant person
at the appropriate time
Time Management
What will be the two biggest time management challenges that you face this year?
Please write them down
General adviceUnderstand yourself:How and when do you work best?What are your bad habits?Rewards and targetsMaintain a healthy work/life balance:Stay healthyDont get over-tiredPace yourself
On-courseManaging your workload: Be preparedQuality of work: CompromiseTask prioritisation: AssignmentsUsing feedbackYou and your co-students are a brilliant resource for one another
Dissertation Projects: planning & managementHave a plan! : the process is significantly aided by clear project designResearch problemspecific questionsmethods and implementationAccept the need for flexibilitySet intermediate targets and short term goals & deadlinesDiscuss with supervisor(s)
Write down two examples of effective time management that you will try to follow this year
www.ed.ac.uk/iad/postgraduates
Reading and Writing Effectively
Tony LynchEnglish Language Teaching Centre
Reading effectively
Economically
Strategically
Selectively
Everyones problems
size of reading lists
making time to do the reading
Strategies Look for clues on priorities Decide your own priorities
Structure your readingSQRRR (SQ3R)
SQRRR Survey (sample, skim) Question Read Recall Review
Advice on effective readingwww.uefap.com
Links Skills Reading Effective reading
Writing EffectivelyKey elements in academic writing:
APPROPRIACY (STYLE)ACCURACYCARE with REFERENCES
Appropriacy
Style = vocabulary > grammarUse your reading to extend your stock of words and expressionsMake a note of those you find usefulUse them in your draftIf in doubt, google for them
AccuracyImportance of writing cycles:Rough planReading and note-makingOutlineFirst draftRevisionSecond draft etc
RevisionThe difference between successful and unsuccessful writers is that the successful ones revise more often.
Final revisionEditingSpellcheckingProofreading
Acknowledging your sourcesThe five Cs:CareConsistencyCompletenessCorrectnesseConomy
Care
If you note down all the details of your sources when you do your reading, this takes care of itself.
It also means you save time when you are finalising your essay.
Consistency
Ask your Programme Director if there is a programme stylesheet for the presentation of References.
If not, analyse and follow the system used in one of the journals you are recommended to read.
CompletenessALL the sources you have used
ALL the details required for the types of source you are using: bookjournal articlechapter in an edited collection, etc.
CorrectnessMake sure you get right:
Spelling of authors names and technical terms in your fieldSurname versus first nameOrder of presentation in your References (alphabetical order, chronological order, etc.)
eConomyBrown, G. (2009) The value of the semi-colon in academic writing. Journal of Pedantry, volume 56, issue 3, pages 200-214.Brown G. 2009. The value of the semi-colon in academic writing. Journal of Pedantry 56/3: 200-214.
Guidance on academic writingwww.uefap.com
Links Skills Writing
Your blueprint for success assessment and feedback
Your expectations
Vocational or research masters?
Costly should have value to you in future
Should give you specific and generic skills
PTES highlights challenges confidence in new settings, transkills, career support we are working on these, so must you..
Your School
Provides teaching, but you may also take courses from other Schools or CollegesProvides advice and administrative support for your ProgrammeSets and marks your examsThrough the Board of Examiners ratifies your degree award
The academic year 2010/11
DatesEvents19 September 2 DecemberTeaching5-21 DecemberRevision and examsVacation16 January 6 AprilTeaching (ILW)23 April 25 May(Exams), first BOE28 May DissertationsSeptemberFinal Boards of Examiners
Taught component of masters
Two taught semestersMost courses assessed by course work and examMust pass first time, you should check your local progression rules to see if you can continue with the Masters if you fail any elements of a course.
Common marking scheme
MarkWhat it means> 70 %Excellent, really good work60-69%A high level of achievement50-59%Competent but not exceptional40-49%A pass but not at Masters level diploma standard< 40%Fail
Feedback
How to do better next time must be timely and forward lookingComes from Programme Director,Lecturers, DemonstratorsMake sure they do this!
Can come from Peers
Audit yourself how to do this.
Dissertation
Research dissertation over the SummerPrepare for this earlyTalk to staff, use personal contactsMake sure you get on with your SupervisorMake sure you are clear about what is required from youNag, bully, be persistent in getting the help you may need
Where next?
UNDERSTANDING LOCALS and MAKING YOURSELF UNDERSTOOD
Tony LynchEnglish Language Teaching Centre
(Video clip)
Comprehensionis active
exploits linguistic input, context, and the listeners background knowledge
involves looking for reasonable interpretations of input
Extract from a radio interview
sex bendersix bendersick spendersuspendersex spender
Six-bender?
Ballyregan Bob
Input: British accents (1955)
What ear jar ye?
High yoldar ye?
Aim seven
Accents
There is no Scottish accent
There are lots of Scottish accents!
Main ones are: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Borders, Galloway, Dundee, Aberdeen, Highland, Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland
Good news about Scottish accents
partpath
S England /pt//p/ N England/pat//p/ Scotland /paRt//p/
Practical tipsListen to Radio Scotland news:
Newsreader (written English, slight accent)Reporters (spoken from notes, stronger accent)Interviewees (spontaneous, accent/dialect)
Dialect wordsListen out for:-nae instead of nt (cannae, didnae)wee for smallstay for live (where do you stay?)will for shallthats me = Ive finished
Tips for speaking practiceTANDEM (EUSA)
Talk to shop assistants, lab technicians, servitors
Listen out for feedback from people listening to you
PROFILE (book)Principles, Resources and Options for the Independent Learner of EnglishKenneth Anderson & Tony Lynch
Available for 5 from: English Language Teaching Centre21 Hill Place
Thats me
University of Edinburgh HelpAdvice andResources
Kim Pearson and Johanna Holtan
University of Edinburgh
Ongoing visa and immigration advice and services with trained advisors
Police registration
University of Edinburgh
Information EventsWorking after StudiesPreparing to go home
University of Edinburgh
University Sources of HelpCareers ServiceCounselling ServiceStudent Disability ServiceUniversity Health Centre
University of Edinburgh
Other Resources
Online Study Skills Support at the IAD - http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/institute-academic-developmentAlso: courses offered by English Language Teaching CentreInstitute for Academic DevelopmentEUSA
Edinburgh University Students Association
The Advice Place
Edinburgh University Students Association
Edinburgh University Students Association
Best resource?
University staff and other Students..
University of Edinburgh 16th September 2011Sandra Morris, International OfficeJohanna Holtan, EUSA
Edinburgh University Students AssociationStudent LifeFreshers WeekClubs and SocietiesSports FacilitiesVolunteeringEvents ProgrammeGo GlobalPG RepresentationTandem Language Exchange
Edinburgh University Students Association
The International Student Centre (ISC)
The ISC is run by students for students. TripsSocial eventsCoffee eveningsPub NightsFacebook: International Student Centre EdinburghWeb:www.isced.blogspot.com
Edinburgh University Students AssociationThe International Student Centre (ISC)
Friday 16th September @ 13.00 and 16.00Historical Tour of EdinburghMeet outside Teviot Debating Hall
Saturday 17th SeptemberAll day trip to St AndrewsTickets: 8.00
University of Edinburgh
Some examples of events last year
Trip to StirlingTrip to Culzean CastleTrip to LindisfarneTrip to Bamburgh CastleTrip to Loch KatrineTrip to Whisky Distillery
Web:www.isced.blogspot.com
University of Edinburgh
The Universitys Hospitality Scheme
All new international and EU students can apply.
Hosts include staff of the university, alumni, friends of the university, students.
Applications for the Hospitality Scheme for 2011 academic year will open shortly.
University of Edinburgh
Some useful websites and places to gotheOracle.co.uk( Google free things to do in Edinburgh)
Edinburgh.Gumtree.comFor furniture, electrical items, accommodation
Charity ShopsFor clothes
5 Things you MUST do while you are in Edinburgh!!!
You must climb Arthurs SeatYou must attend at least one ceilidhYou must eat haggis (at least once!)You must visit a castleYou must visit another part of Scotland (for instance catch a train to North Berwick)
University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh All good people agree, And all good people say, All nice people, like us, are We And everyone else is They: But if you cross over the sea, Instead of over the way, You may end by looking on We As only a sort of They! From We and They, Rudyard Kipling
University of Edinburgh Enjoy your Studies! Enjoy Edinburgh!
Our scientists work beyond the laboratory and journey to far-flung corners of the world. Their discoveries are crucial in shaping our understanding of the Earth and how to nurture it. For example: The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghTop 10 best City in the World (voted by Wanderlust readers,2008)Voted Best place to live in the UK (YouGov Poll of 10,000 UK residents 2009) Ranked on Atmosphere, Reputation, Safety, Friendliness, Cost of living, Ease of getting around, The Buzz, Cuisine, Variety of Shops, Cultural experience
UNESCO World Heritage Centre1st UNESCO City of Literaturec. 0.5 million people live here5 restaurants in Edinburgh with a Michelin starRoyal PalaceVolcanic RockAncient Castle4 miles from the beach15 miles from rural Scotland4 hours by train from London, 1hr flightEdinburgh airport flies to 138 destinations around the world
The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghRanking20th in World (THES, 2009)5th in UK (THES, 2009)RAE - 200896% of our disciplines produce World Leading research in terms of originality, significance and rigour (RAE 2008)5th best in UK in terms of % of world class or international researchAcademic prizes14 staff/ students past and present who have received the Nobel Prize5 who have received the Lasker Award1 person who has received the Fields Medal1 person who has received the Abel prizeSport (http://alumni.eusu.ed.ac.uk/index.php?s=content&p=Alumni)25 Commonwealth Medals3 Euro Championship Medals19 World Championship Medals10 Olympic Medals
The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghEuropeWe are a member of the League of European Research Universities and Eurolife, two European networks of research-focused universities. We host the Europa Institute, a research centre of advanced study on European Integration. Asia/AfricaOur connections to China have been bolstered by the creation of the Confucius Institute. We are a member of the Research Consortium on Educational Outcomes and Poverty (RECOUP), a partnership between universities from the UK, South Asia and Africa. We were selected by UNESCO to host a chair in international development.North AmericaOur association with the US can be traced back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Two of the Declarations signatories were Edinburgh graduates John Witherspoon and Benjamin Rush. AustraliaThe University signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Macquarie in Sydney to run a joint PhD programme. The University of Edinburgh is also a founding member of global network Universitas 21, which counts the universities of Melbourne, New South Wales and Queensland among its 21 members.
Other factsThe Russell Group: represents the 20 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector the League of European Research Institutions (LERU): an association of 22 European research-intensive universities sharing the values of high-quality teaching within an environment of internationally competitive research Universitas 21: an international network of 21 leading research-intensive universities in thirteen countries The Coimbra Group: an association of 38 long-established European multidisciplinary universities of high international standard. The Coimbra Group is committed to creating special academic and cultural ties in order to promote, for the benefit of its members, internationalisation, academic collaboration, excellence in learning and research, and service to society 170 international exchange places throughout the world The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghOur MissionThe mission of our University is the creation, dissemination and curation of knowledge. As a world-leading centre of academic excellence we aim to: Enhance our position as one of the worlds leading research and teaching universities and to measure our performance against the highest international standards Provide the highest quality learning and teaching environment for the greater wellbeing of our students and deliver an outstanding educational portfolioProduce graduates fully equipped to achieve the highest personal and professional standards Make a significant, sustainable and socially responsible contribution to Scotland, the UK and the world, promoting health and economic and cultural wellbeing.
HSSAdam Ferguson, PhilosopherAdam Smith, economistDavid Hume, PhilosopherDugald Stewart, PhilosopherGordon Brown, former UK Prime MinisterIan Rankin, writer, creator of the bestselling Rebus novelsJ.M.Barrie , WriterJames Macmillan, ComposerJames Wilson and John Witherspoon, signatories to the US Declaration of IndependenceKenneth Leighton, ComposerLord John Russell (matriculated, not graduated)Lord PalmerstonPeter Mark Roget, lexicographer, created Rogets Thesaurus Robert Louis Stevenson, WriterSir Arthur Conan Doyle, WriterSir Chris Hoy, CyclistSir Walter Scott, WriterSir Walter Scott, writer, author of literature classics including Rob Roy and IvanhoeSir Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of the UK, Literature Nobel Prize winner and Rector of the University from 19291932.MVMArthur Ignatius Conan Doyle - novelist. Charles Darwin - briefly studied medicine at Edinburgh. Erasmus Darwin physician, poet, author and evolutionary biologist. James Gregory - President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and author. James Syme - pioneering Scottish surgeon. John Batty Tuke - pioneering neuroscientist. John Fothergill (1712 1780), English physician, plant collector, philanthropist Joseph Black - discoverer of carbon dioxide and of latent heat. Joseph Lister - the first to practise antiseptic surgery in the 1870s ("the father of modern antisepsis"), Professor of Surgery 1870-77. Professor Zhong Nanshan, President of the Chinese Medical Association, identified the SARS virusRobert Liston - pioneering Scottish surgeon. Sir James Young Simpson - discovered chloroform anaesthesia in 1847, revolutionising obstetric and surgical practice. Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton, 1st Baronet FRS - discovered organic nitrates had the ability to alleviate angina pectoris. Sophia Jex-Blake - the first woman to study medicine at Edinburgh. William Cullen - First Physician to the King in Scotland. William Withering - botanist and physician, discovered Digoxin.Joseph Lister, MedicS&EAlexander Graham Bell, engineerCharles Darwin, naturalistColin Maclaurin, MathematicianDaniel Rutherford, ChemistIan Wilmut, BiologistJames Clark Maxwell, PhysicistJames Hutton, GeologistJoseph Black, ChemistMax Born, PhysicistNarayan Hosmane, ChemistPeter Guthrie Tait, PhysicistPeter Higgs, PhysicistPiers Sellers, astronaut, third Briton to travel into space Robert Brown, BotanistSir David Brewster, PhysicistSir Michael Atiyah, MathematicianTom Kibble, PhysicistWilliam Rankine, engineer
The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University was founded in 1583 and taught the important subjects of the time: Greek, Logic, Ethics, Philosophy and Mathematics. In the 17th century, the University rapidly adapted to the new experimental sciences and the Newtonian revolution: it created chairs of Botany in 1676 and Physiology in 1685 with a botanical garden designed to explore the medicinal use of plants and later created the first chair in Agriculture in the UK. It was at the heart of the glittering era of the Scottish Enlightenment in the late 18th century, when the creativity of University's academics such as Adam Smith, the founder of modern economics; James Hutton, the founder of modern geology, David Hume the philosopher; Joseph Black, the chemist, who discovered carbon dioxide and latent heat; and Adam Ferguson, the historian, were at the hub of the movement that had a great impact on the intellectual life of the world. The University's modernised curriculum and teaching methods also helped establish the University as the most admired enlightened university during this period. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Edinburgh also became known as the leading medical centre in Europe. It played a major role in founding the disciplines of pathology, public health and psychiatry, and made great advances in surgery. James Young Simpson revolutionised surgery and obstetrics with the development of effective anaesthesia and Joseph Lister introduced antiseptic techniques. It was during this period that the University saw some of its first foreign graduates from China, Africa and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Today, The University of Edinburgh continues to attract the greatest minds from across the globe, reflecting its position as one of the worlds leading universities. The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghSince 1969, the University has supported its researchers to make an impact with their work in the real world. Innovative applications of Edinburgh-based research have led to the creation of new inventions that many of us wouldnt be able to live without. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghOur VisionTo shape the future by attracting and developing the worlds most promising students and outstanding staff.The University of Edinburghs revolutionary thinkers have introduced the world to many inventions, discoveries, and ideas, from penicillin to Dolly the Sheep, by believing that anything is possible. Our people continue in that tradition, consistently striving to uncover the unknown, transforming science fiction into fact, and unveiling new possibilities for future generations. For example:
The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghOur scientists work beyond the laboratory and journey to far-flung corners of the world. Their discoveries are crucial in shaping our understanding of the Earth and how to nurture it. For example: The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh*Managing your time as a Masters student is demanding and can be a significant challenge.
On most Masters programmes the workload is high whilst the teaching and assignments are intellectually demanding. You may also find that you are working on several different assignments at the same time with strict deadlines for the submission of your assignments.
You also have the additional challenge of working in an academic environment (and in some cases a language) that is unfamiliar to you.
It is, therefore, well worth thinking carefully and monitoring your approach to time management.
The University of Edinburgh*So what do you think will be the two biggest time management challenges that you will face this year?
Please write them down
GIVE THEM ABOUT 30 seconds
Now lets see what some of last years students said about time management The University of Edinburgh*So what advice do I have for you? First a couple of general pointsI found that postgraduate study was when I learnt a lot about my own effectiveness both good and bad. Whilst, particularly during the teaching semesters, you have a timetable of lectures and other activities you also have control over a great deal of your own time. One of the key challenges in postgraduate study is managing that flexible time.Be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses.How and when do you work best? I find that I am at my sharpest in the morning. I then tend to struggle in the early afternoon and pick up again towards the end of the day. I therefore try to schedule time in the morning to do work that is more demanding intellectually to try and work out problems or write. In the afternoons I try to get through more routine tasks, like dealing with e-mails, or schedule meetings so that I can get an energy boost from talking with others.What about you? Find out when you are at your most creative and sharpest and make sure you use this time to do the difficult stuff.And what about your bad habits? Do you get side-tracked into dealing with e-mail or web browsing? Do you procrastinate spend lots of time avoiding making a start on a task and put off tasks that are difficult or you dont like? Try to identify your own bad habits and then do something about them. I know one colleague who realised that his progress with writing his thesis was getting slower and slower because he would settle himself at his comfortable desk in his room, make himself a copy, just check a few e-mails and do a bit of web browsing to get warmed up and realise hed been there 40 minutes and not written anything. He therefore changed his office, moved his computer away from the internet socket and made a rule never to check e-mail or the web until hed worked for at least 2 hours. It worked for him. And this leads into my next point. Think of ways to motivate yourself. Maybe you are someone who likes to set targets. This can be helpful as long as the targets are realistic and dont demotivate you, and as long as you prioritise the right things. I do operate my own reward system finish off these two sections of a paper and Ill check the news online or go for a walk. I also find that spending a few minutes at the end of each day putting things in order, deciding on what Im going to prioritise for the next day and getting things ready helps. Masters students at Edinburgh are highly motivated, competitive and generally work very hard. This is good BUT it is important to maintain a healthy work/life balance.Make sure that you have some outside interests and that you make time to relax, socialise and think about other things. This will help you to stay sharp and maintain your concentration and focus. Masters study is demanding but it is also a year long process. It is important to make sure that you make time to stay healthy and not get over-tired. Pace yourself. Particularly as I get older I find that the quality of my work rapidly deteriorates if I get too tired. Taking a proper weekend off, relaxing and doing something other than work can pay big dividends.
The University of Edinburgh*demands of having to balance several different courses and competing schedules and assignment deadlines.The inevitable compromises that sometimes have to been made to meet deadlines and that this means that you cant always produce the perfect assignment
The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh*Ok
While I hand over to the next speaker what Id like you to do is think about what youve just heard, from me and from last years students, what youve heard during the last week and your past experience.
And please write down two examples of effective time management that you will try to use this year.
This is you making a resolution to yourself of how you will try to manage your time and look after yourself during the year ahead. The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of EdinburghSince 1969, the University has supported its researchers to make an impact with their work in the real world. Innovative applications of Edinburgh-based research have led to the creation of new inventions that many of us wouldnt be able to live without. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghThe University has been saving lives for 270 years with world-class teaching and research in medicine. The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghOur VisionTo shape the future by attracting and developing the worlds most promising students and outstanding staff.The University of Edinburghs revolutionary thinkers have introduced the world to many inventions, discoveries, and ideas, from penicillin to Dolly the Sheep, by believing that anything is possible. Our people continue in that tradition, consistently striving to uncover the unknown, transforming science fiction into fact, and unveiling new possibilities for future generations. For example:
The University of Edinburgh The University of EdinburghOur scientists work beyond the laboratory and journey to far-flung corners of the world. Their discoveries are crucial in shaping our understanding of the Earth and how to nurture it. For example: The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh* The University of Edinburgh
Top Related