Transcript Kay's thesis slides

++ thesis tips from the writers
++ getting into the habit of writing
Dr Kay Guccione
Researcher Mentoring & Coaching
WHAT I DO
++ my work on writing…
① Researcher Professional Development team
② Mentoring & Coaching specialist
③ Run the Thesis Mentoring programme
④ My research is on what prevents people from
writing their thesis…and how we can help them.
GET STARTED
++ thinking of writing…
① Researcher Professional Development team
② Mentoring & Coaching specialism
③ Run the Thesis Mentoring programme
④ My research is on what prevents people from
writing their thesis…and how we can help them.
Who has started
writing?
???
++ question
Who feels ready to
write their thesis?
GET STARTED
++ thinking of writing…
…as a
form of
thinking…
…not a
means of
recording.
GET STARTED
++ thinking of writing…
…as a
separate
skill set…
…as
something
you need
to practice
at.
GET STARTED
++ thinking of writing…
…as a
TRUST
separate
skill set…
THE
…as
something
you need
PROCESS!
to practice
at.
MY RESEARCH
++ working with writers…
data via 50+ 1:1 thesis mentoring and
surgery sessions
150+ mentoring programme participants
barriers to thesis writing AND the solutions
that overcome them
MY RESEARCH
++ barriers to completion
(A) Unclear
expectations
and lack of
definite
goals
(B) Lack of
confidence &
associated
delaying
tactics
(C) Isolation in
the academic
environment
MY RESEARCH
++ barriers to completion
(C) Isolation in
(A) Unclear
the academic
GOOD NEWS! All these can
expectations
environment
and lack
of
(B)
Lack
of
be overcome with some new
defined goals
confidence &
thinking, discussion,
and
associated
planning.
self
sabotage
TIPS!
++ barriers to completion
KEEP IN TOUCH
WITH PEERS
LOOK AT SOME
(A)THESES
Unclear
expectations
DEADLINE 
and
lack of
TIMELINE
defined goals
MAP / OUTLINE
JUST START!
SOMETHING EVERY
(B) Lack
DAY of
confidence &
ACAD COMFORT
associated
ZONE
self
FIND
A FRIEND
sabotage
PRACTICE
OWN IT!
(C)
Isolation in
AND WITH YOUR
the
academic
SUPERVISOR
environment
WRITE WHERE
YOU ARE
PRODUCTIVE
SNACK WRITING
++ develop a writing habit
Write with
others to keep
you on track –
regular weekly
2h
sessions?
Avoiding the
‘binge’ and
writing in
snacks. Its
never too
early.
Murray, R. (2005) Writing for Academic Journals.
Being as
specific as
possible in
setting small
and definite
writing
goals.
WATCH OUT!
TIPS
++ in summary
Look at what you’re aiming at
Start now
Small steps
Figure out your timings, track your progress
Trust the process – you’ll get there
Find a buddy
Something every day
And something else every day
If there are gaps in the data you’ll see them
1 MIN
++ 1 thing you’ll do by the
end of the week
So what are you
going to do NOW?
PANEL Q&A
++ thesis experts…
①What was your approach to
writing?
②What did you find hard/easy?
③What lessons did you learn?
④What’s your top tip for PGRs?