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Session 3:Dissemination

Sess

ion

Aim

s Gathering and sharing of research material

The “nuts and bolts” of academic writing

Re-considering the process to improve the product

Part 1: A Research Reminder...

“The outcome of any serious research can only be to make two questions grow where

one question grew before.”Thorstein Veblen 1857-1929: University of California Chronicle (1908)

research The systematic search for answers to certain questions, often using empirical evidence but also using logical arguments and reflection on social understandings. The search may aim at discovering facts, putting forward theories, increasing understanding, and/or changing practice.M.G. "research" A Dictionary of Education. Ed. Susan Wallace. Oxford University Press, 2009.

research The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions."research noun" The Oxford Dictionary of English (revised edition). Ed. Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson. Oxford University Press, 2005.

Research Options

Search Engine?

Library?Own

notes?

Wizards have featured in Western art forms for

centuries. Analyse the ways in which representations of wizards have evolved and changed.

"How have representations of wizards evolved?" found no matches in the library you searched.

“Wizards”?

1. Make the most of your time

2. Make your research efficient: go to the best

sources first

3. Keep the question in mind

4. In your notes “show your workings”, that way

you can go back to your sources

Summary: Good research habits

Part 2: Putting it all together

o Working with primary sources

oQuoting from secondary material

oIntegrating primary and secondary texts

WHOLE CLASS: The Planning Stage:

e.g. Mind Mapping, Analysing the question and Organising Ideas

INTO GROUPS: The Thinking Stage:

e.g. and researching the topic, working on sections

GROUPS & WHOLE CLASS:

The Writing Stage:

e.g. Typing, formatting and editing

3 steps for our essay

Identify the questions within the question:

Begin with the Question String’

Facebook has changed the way university students interact, develop and study. Discuss.

• What limits shall we impose on the scope of our essay?

• Build our structure based on key ideas

• What do we need to research?

Facebook has changed the way university students interact, develop and study.

Discuss..

Step 1:

You have one source per group.

- Read through, annotate and discuss

- Select useful quotations and ideas from the material

Break into Research Teams

Step 2:

In note form (bullet points/spider diagram etc) write up your discussions and identify which area of the essay your work fits into.

Introduction

1. Provide an interpretation of your title & outline your research questions

2. Outline the structure of your answer, the map the reader is going to follow.

• In this way you will ensure markers realise the relevance of your approach to the question and prevent them from getting lost as they try to follow your arguments and ideas.

Set the context – provide general information about

the main idea, explaining the situation so the reader can make sense of the topic and the claims you make and support

State why the main idea is important – tell

the reader why s/he should care and keep reading. Create a compelling, clear, and convincing argument.

State your ‘thesis’/claim – compose a sentence

or two stating the position you will support with logos (sound reasoning), pathos (balanced appeal), and ethos (author credibility).

Sample Introduction

‘Placing’ Terms Contextualising

Scaffolding ‘Branching Out’

• Think about how to put your research and thoughts together: blending primary and secondary sources with your analysis

• Contribute to the overall argument

• Use language which improves the strength of your points

Discussion

Conclusion

• After moving from general to specific information in the introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information that restates the main points of your argument.

• restate your topic and why it is important,

• restate your claim

• call for action or overview future research possibilities.

• Remember: simplicity is best for a clear, convincing message.

Sample Conclusion Areas

Reminding Highlighting Shortcomings

Impact Recommendations

Part 3: Peer Review of Essay Plans

Reminder: Feedback is about direction

• Feedback should pick up on mistakes to help you avoid them

Stop what you’re doing

• Feedback should point out your strengths so you continue building on them

Keep on doing what you’re doing

• Feedback should start a cycle so you keep developing with each piece of work

Reflect on what you’re doing

Sum

mar

y Use the module materials to guide your work

Use feedback from one essay to improve the next

Don’t take feedback personally, comments are given to support your work, not damage your confidence

Learn to read your work through the eyes of the marker before you hand it in

Look closely at published sources for indicators of style and referencing