how to organize phd or other types of academic writing like a pro
TRANSCRIPT
Exploiting Rapid Change in Technology
Enhanced Learning
… for Post Graduate Education
Motivation, Inspiration vs Procrastination on the PhD Journey
My Writing
Books
Blogs
Journals
Dissertation
Thesis
Agenda – How to… 1. Organize your thoughts 2. Organize your writing process 3. Keep your “golden thread” alive
Please ask questions about a set of tools
as we finish that section – this will be a whirlwind tour but a blog series that is being published this week will go into more detail.
NOTE: if you are viewing these slides in
slideshare – a lot of live content on how the tools here all go together are both in our DoctoraNet conference area and on our blog – look for March 2-7 dates,
Organize Your Thoughts… Multiple Ways and Iteratively Cycle Through Them for Best Level of Critical Analysis
1. Evernote 2. Gliffy 3. EndNote, Mendeley or other 4. Spreadsheet 5. Slides (?) if you also present
Organize Your Thoughts in prep for writing…
1. Research Design Tool 2. General Topics in columns 3. References in reference software –
groups then transposed to column A 4. Headings from models 5. Word set up for final publication before
you begin 6. Reading models first just before writing 7. All materials for that section in one
place. 8. Then go
Organize Your Writing
Headings organized Writers and thoughts from others in spreadsheets All your “raw material” in one place If writing to a new format – look at outstanding examples and then model your first attempts after them
Revisions By yourself or with others? The beauty of peer review Difference between editing and review – when to use each Pre publication – adhere to style
Your Golden Thread
What are the three things you want your reader to take away from your writing? No matter how many pages, they will only retain 3 things? Out of that 200 pages how does each section support the evolution of those three key ideas? This target – only things that support those three key points will greatly reduce the potential for your writing wavering. You keep from being redundant by plotting how each section develops the key themes from a different angle.
Your Voice Why do you do this work? What theories do you relate to? What drives you? These are the ties to your voice – over a body of work the various threads should weave a pattern for your readers. They should feel like they know you when they meet you.
Odd Thoughts… Procrastination
Is your house too clean? Your email box empty? All your friends caught up on all your social media? Are you afraid of being fully engaged? Have you begun with a clear view of the end in mind and do you keep it at the forefront of your awareness? Commit to something bigger than yourself and let that pull you forward – it makes it easier to ignore small distractions.
Things to keep in mind…
No Fear of Mistakes! Perfectionism holds us back and it also keeps us from empathy with others – one of life’s gifts Regular practice – get in your 10,000 hours Day dream the process, not just the ending – see yourself writing long hours, see yourself discussing hard problems Maintain a Growth Mindset
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Top professors Efficient help In support of the guidelines and decisions of your supervisors Timely feedback Supportive Environment
This week we feature Dr Joanne Preston – multi year editor of organizational
development journals and previous Dean for Business at several universities.
Want to publish? Want to ensure your work is in the ball park with your field?
Joanne is your coach.