WRITING AN ABSTRACT FEASST@8 – session 2

Recap Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Getting to know each other Session 2 Writing an abstract Session 3 Reviewing an abstract Session 4 Preparing the presentation Session 5 Rehearsing the presentation WE ARE HERE In Session 1 we got to know each other and we shared something about our research. Session 2 is the first of 4 sessions aimed to help you write and review an abstract, and design and deliver your presentation. Although not comprehensive of everything you need to know and do when attending a conference, these are 4 key common stages you will need to master and feel confident with.

STRUCTURE OF SESSION 2 , What is an abstract? Why do we need it? What are the key features? Different types of abstracts Let's write one!

What is an abstract? Note: never expect your reader to know what you know, to think like you and to have your same knowledge. Always start with a definition of key terms to set a share understanding.

Activity 1 – searching, sharing and comparing definitions Individual task - SEARCHING Group Task - SHARING Group task - COMPARING Take 5 minutes and using a search engine find a definition of abstract Paste the URL so that your search is visible to all in the group Now share your definition with the group What are the key points you can draw from this exercise? Was this useful? What questions remain unanswered?

GROUP CONTRIBUTION 1 – Definition of abstract The activity has been designed to take you through some key steps of any good research, that is: search, define, compare, and, now, evaluate and share. Most useful sites …. Best definition

WHY DO WE NEED ABSTRACTS? We might wonder why, having spent so much time writing an entire PhD, or a journal article, we also need to spend time writing an abstract. Surely, it is a waste of time, or is it?

ACTIVITY 2 – Why do we need abstracts? Based on what we have learned so far and on your knowledge and experience, one by one offer a reason why we need abstracts. Because …. …

GROUP CONTRIBUTION 2 – Reasons why we need abstracts

What are the key features? Now that we have a definition of what an abstract is and we also have a number of reasons why we need abstracts, the next step is to start writing one. Before jumping into the task, we need to stop and think what an abstract looks like and therefore what its key features are.

ACTIVITY 3 – Features of good abstracts Individual task Group task Check the FEASST@8 NILE site Session 2 Folder On our NILE site you will find some examples of abstracts. What do you think are their key features? Write them down and share them with the group Let’s look at the list of features and choose those we agree are key features

GROUP CONTRIBUTION 3 – Key features of good abstracts

Different types of abstracts Although all abstracts share the same features, not all abstracts look the same. Different journals, conference, and other public activities might require different styles and formats. It is important to know what they are, what they look like and what they require so that you are prepared to write them. For the FEASST@8 purpose we will focus on the abstract guidelines set out for the PhD conference.

ACTIVITY 4 – Different abstract styles Individual task In Group Check the FEASST@8 NILE site Session 2 Folder Look again at the document listing a number of different abstracts. Can you guess whether they were submitted to a journal, a conference, or part of a PhD thesis? Share your guesses with the group and provide an explanation for your choice