settling into your postgraduate study dr. mark matthews & dermot coonan student learning...
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Settling into yourPostgraduate Study
Dr. Mark Matthews & Dermot Coonan
Student Learning Development
http://student-learning.tcd.ie
1pm- 2pm 3rd FloorRoom 318
The long distance runner…
Progress hard to monitor and much of the work is done in
isolation
• Smaller student network
• Tutorial responsibility
• Smaller academic network
• Often need to work off own schedule
Getting started
1. What stage are you at?
2. What are your concerns?– Transition– Orientation– The research process– Confusion and lack of control– Study skills
Write down on a piece of paper the greatest
challenge you will face:
My greatest challenge might be……
Ask yourself: What is it I most love about my studies?
1. What do I enjoy about my course….2. Why am I doing this….3. What do I want to have learned at the end..
Getting Started
• Where can I find what I have to do?
• Order out of chaos
• Reading about the process
Visit: http://www.tcd.ie/orientation/
Your Toolbox
Technical Skills
Research Skills
Self-ManagementCommunication
Skills
1. Subject-Skills
Department specific
• Course Handbook
• Department Seminars
Self-directed
2. Communication Skills
• Supervisor’s rolePeer Support
• Study Partners
• Discussion Groups
• Postgraduate Advisory Service
• Social
• English
3. Research Skills
Library• Literature Reviews, Database Searches
Information Systems Services• Software support (Word, SPSS, Endnote)
Student Learning Development• Academic Writing, Critical Thinking
Reflective Journals
4. Self-Management
• Psychological
• Realistic planning
• Steady pace
• Plan where to put effort
• Balanced life
• Specific, measurable goals
• Rewards
Get a diary
• Practical
• Check daily
• Dates, meetings,
lectures, timetable
When stressed, try to come back to what you know.
When bored look for the novel.
Practical Tips
• Plan a time in the day when you do nothing at all
• Learn to switch off –to rest your brain
• Constant brain stimulation without a break can drain you
• “Down time”-Meditation, walk, clearing the mind of the noise
In groups, take some of the challenges written down earlier and find solutionsfor them.
Problem:
Possible Solution:
Are there common themes?
“I feel like I’m being taken advantage
of – doing work not related to my PhD”
Space
I am very particular about where and when I study. I find it more comforting when I am studying in a clean and comfortable spot. I find it best to study between late afternoon and evening. I can't stand much background noise so I usually study in my bedroom with the door closed and the window open for a nice breeze to come through.
David
Social
"I'm not a Trinity graduate and
I've found it difficult to meet
people and get involved in
other things ?"
Need more help?
I need help with study skills? • Contact Student Learning Development | http://student-
learning.tcd.ie• The Post-graduate Summer School runs once a year in the
summer: https://podcast.tcd.ie/users/summerschool/
I’m writing a literature review?• Contact your subject librarian
http://www.tcd.ie/Library/support/contact/index.php
I need training using Word, Powerpoint, SPSS, Endnote etc.• Information Systems Services (http://isservices.tcd.ie/training/ )• Other Postgrads may be willing to offer a tutorial service
Need more help?
I need advice on dealing with stress• Student Counselling Service | Ph:018961407 | email: student-
counselling@tcd.ie
I need general advice on being a post-graduate• Postgraduate Advisory Service |
http://www.tcd.ie/Senior_Tutor/postgraduate/ • Graduate’s Student Union | http://www.gsu.tcd.ie/node/ • Student Learning Development | http://student-learning.tcd.ie |
I want to get involved in social events:• Get involved in a society | http://www.trinitysocieties.ie/ • Join the gym | http://www.tcd.ie/Sport/• Join one of the 50 sports clubs | http://www.ducac.tcdlife.ie/
You are responsible for your own learning
• Get involved socially
• Develop skills systematically and progressively
• Get going now
• Stay on top of your work
• Seek help if you want to do better
What can you do now?
1. What can I do to clarify what I am doing?2. What do I need to formalise with my
supervisor?3. What supports can I set up for myself?4. How will I know if I am making progress?5. Will I be coming to the other Student
Learning workshops?
Other Resources
https://podcast.tcd.ie/users/summerschool/
Student Learning Development
Thank you for your time
Visit our website at: http://student-learning.tcd.ie
My greatest challenge might be _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Problem Re-write the problem in your own words
Possible Solutions List as many things to do that you can think of
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