Dr Simon Tate & Dr Alison Williams Geography

Background Context: The Geography Dissertation Process in Stage 2  October: dissertation introduced through a whole-year, stage 2 dissertation preparation module (Geo2111).  February: the dissertation conference - stage 3 students present their dissertation projects to stage 2 students.  March: stage 2 students submit their Dissertation Research Proposal.  May: stage 2 students allocated a dissertation mentor.

The ‘problem’  Too much of the dissertation preparation module and information was staff-led, about staff research projects.  Partly addressed by a stage 2 dissertation conference - but this is a single 1 hour long event, not recorded, and thus not available to students as they progress through their dissertation planning.  Conference presentations tend to oversimplify / smooth out the process of doing research.

The ‘solution’  Student advisory team established Provide a peer learning tool to give stage 2 students an insight into the dissertation process – as it is experienced by students. Offer an opportunity for stage 3 students to reflect on their dissertation project

The ‘solution’  Create a series of 10-minute videos of stage 3 students Recorded May/June 2012 (ie after dissertation submission). A variety of Human and Physical Geography projects. No staff voices – peer learning. Questions designed by student focus group.

Where are we now  10 videos available on Blackboard by January 2013  First cohort of stage 2 students starting to access the videos  Focus groups with students in May 2013 to assess usefulness of videos  Carry out more interviews in June 2013 to add to videos that are available.

Opportunities  Easier to recruit students than we thought!  All videos produced with Windows Live Movie Maker  Hosting videos NU Vision  New version of Blackboard for displaying videos easily

Problems  Steep learning curve with technology / filming / editing  Not an entirely student run process.  Logistics- finding a room to record in - student availability  Managing insecurities and outtakes