R esearch skills Sara Steinke GET AHEAD POSTGADUATE SUMMER PROGRAMME 2012

Aims of the session To (re)undertake a study skills audit of your research skills Look at postgraduate research skills Consider how these skills differ from undergraduate research skills

The importance of research skills for postgraduate study Self-management and motivation Engagement with methodology Understanding and managing the research process Reflected in the structure of a dissertation What employers expect of you/pay you for

Think about the following Which undergraduate research skills can you bring to your postgraduate studies? a)Critical thinking b)Note-taking techniques c)Reading for learning – SQ3R d)Analytical writing skills – essay writing e)Time management /organisational skills f)Identifying and (de)selecting information g)Finding information in the library h)Using the internet i)Referencing j)Presentation skills – speaking in public/small groups

Making the transition to postgraduate research Which research skills do you require for postgraduate study ? a)All of the previous research skills, plus b)Preparing for your viva c)Presentation skills – conference /teaching d)Writing/structuring your thesis e)Time management/dealing with procrastination and isolation f)Research ethics g)Knowledge management h)Project planning i)Managing discussion j)Writing for different audiences k)Creative thinking l)Managing your supervisor

1.Write down the three most important things about research skills that you have learnt/thought about in this session? Why were they important to you? 2.What are your areas for improvement in your research skills? What are you doing to do to improve this aspect of your learning?

Recap of the session Undertaken a study skills audit of your undergraduate research skills Identified the postgraduate research skills that you will require Looked at the similarities and differences between under and postgraduate research skills

Becker, L. (2004) How to Manage your Postgraduate Course (Palgrave) Wisker, G. (2007) The Postgraduate Research Handbook (Palgrave) index.asp support research-ethics research-projects research-skills internet