Finding a Focus for your

Dissertation

Towards preparation for your Dissertation proposal

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The Dissertation ProcessThe Dissertation Process

•The Dissertation will begin in Semester 2 with: •Notice as to your supervising dissertation•Narrowing your research focus to a researchable question•Putting together your Research proposal – this must be approved before you can go any further in your research.

University of Winchester Y3 Dissertation LL3 2013 KP

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SESE• Whilst on SE as part of your observations and

reflective practice begin to consider areas of interest that may have the potential for a future research project.

• You will be provided with a list of research areas and associated reading to help focus your thinking in areas that may be suitable for your dissertation research.

• After your SE try to find out more about these interests in the research literature – reading is a key part of your research. This will give you a good start to your proposal.

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Finding a focus for study

What areas am I interested in?

Choose an area for your study in which you have a deep interest. You are going to be working on this for a year!

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Finding a focus for study

An aspect of An aspect of

practice class management

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Finding a focus for study

An aspect of An aspect of

practice learning

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Finding a focus for study

An aspect of An aspect of

class management learning

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Finding a focus for study

Is my idea researchable?

Some questions do not lend themselves to research – they are matters of opinion.

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Finding a focus for study:Finding a focus for study: Reflective PracticeReflective Practice

Is my idea researchable?

Can this question be researched by considering my own practice?

It is not appropriate to base your Dissertation study on the practice of qualified professionals.

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Finding a focus for study: Finding a focus for study: Ethical IssuesEthical Issues

Is my idea researchable?

Some questions are too sensitive for short-term study by people who are in the setting only temporarily.

This does not mean that they cannot be researched, but that the

Dissertation is not a suitable vehicle for student research in the area.

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Finding a focus for study:Finding a focus for study:Data Collection MethodsData Collection Methods

Is my idea researchable?

Some questions require large quantities of data in order to be resolved.

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Finding a focus for study:Finding a focus for study:Time and QualityTime and Quality

Is my idea researchable?

Will I get outcomes that tell me something useful in the time that I have available?

Some questions require longer time scales than you may have at your disposal.

For example, you are unlikely to be able to effect a change in attitudes, or to see permanent change in attainment over a short period of time.

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Finding a focus for study

Refining my question

You will need to read widely around the topic, to contextualise your research - you will find out much more than you will eventually write up!

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Finding a focus for studyRefining my question

Ideally, your research focus will be on an aspect of your practice in school, so that data collection will focus on your development as a teacher and your developing understanding of children’s learning.

You may want to link your research with a key developmental target from SE or link it to specific aspects of research..

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Widening Participation

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The Expansive Education Network

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What happens now?What happens now?

University of Winchester Y3 Dissertation LL3 2013 KP

• It is important for you to enjoy and finish SE3.

• Gather ideas that you may use as a research topic.

• In week 6 you will be provided with a list of research areas and some readings for you to “dip into” whilst on SE to help you identify an area for your dissertation research.

• At the beginning of week 12 you will be provided with information (via a podcast) and an application form and requested to nominate 2 topic areas in which you are interested to research. (We do not need a specific research question at this stage). You will be required to hand your form in on the Friday of week 12 – the last day of term – when you return from SE.

• On the basis of your topic areas and other information in the application form you will be allocated a tutor on your return in semester 2.

• Tutors are allocated by a team and you will be assigned a tutor who is considered matches your needs – please fill out the application form in week 12 carefully. You will have full details about this nearer the time.

• In the meantime…17

GOOD LUCK for your SE!GOOD LUCK for your SE!

• Enjoy your practice and being with the children.

University of Winchester Y3 Dissertation LL3 2013 KP

Drawing courtesy of Liverpool Hope University – downloaded from http://www.adm.heacademy.ac.uk/events/teaching-creative-practice

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Any Questions?

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