Once again we’ve had requests from people who are at the beginning of their thesis journey asking us to facilitate a workshop about how best to make that complex trip towards successful completion enjoyable and easier. We’re pleased, therefore, to tell you about a second one-day workshop for thesis students and their supervisors. The workshop will be held on Saturday 17th April from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. at the Woodhill Park Research Retreat. The day will cost $200.00 (plus GST) per person with morning and afternoon tea, and lunch included along with a korero over wine and cheese at the end of the day.
The workshop is targeted at people who have only recently started their thesis preparation work. The workshop will be limited to a maximum of ten places (although supervisors are invited to accompany their protégés at no cost providing that they are mainly focused on guiding their student throughout the day). During the workshop:
· Participants will consider what is required for the formulation of a thesis topic and what is involved in the thesis preparation process. Participants will learn about the nature of examination criteria and about what level of working partnership they should develop with their supervisor/s;
· Participants will become introduced to useful software applications which can help them to work smarter. They will also begin to learn about strategies for the effective use of software for thesis preparation and will learn about options for further developing their computer skills;
· They will learn about approaches to writing clearly and concisely; they will learn about reviewing and presenting a thesis so that the probability of success becomes heightened;
· They will receive handouts and ideas about where to access further information, help and support;
· Participants will discover the importance of formulating a strong supportive network so that the thesis journey becomes smoother and beneficial for Whānau, and finally;
· They will meet and learn from others who have either recently completed their theses or who are nearing completion. (The day will conclude with a wine and cheese and an opportunity to mix and mingle so that your journey plans can be shared with others!)
To enrol:
Contact Dr. Hansen at the Woodhill Park Research Retreat:
· Phone 09 411 7703
· Mobile 021 172 8320
· Email jhansen@woodhillpark.com
What to bring and what to tell us:
You should bring your laptop and you may even want to bring your supervisor (for free) but please let us know first so that we can cater appropriately. We’ll confirm your enrolment by email and we’ll also ask you to tell us about your learning needs so that we can be sure to work at accommodating those needs throughout the day. We also ask you to let us know about any special dietary requirements you may have. Coffee will be served on the day from 8.30 a.m. and there is plenty of free parking at the retreat. (For details about how to get there, go to www.woodhillpark.com and visit the home page.)
The programme:
9.00 – 10.30 a.m. The thesis process and what to expect:
o How to get started and handy hints for capturing your thinking
o What really is the difference between a masters and a doctoral thesis;
o Examination Criteria;
o Supervision expectations and more.
10.30 – 10.50 Morning tea
10.50 – 11.45 Technology Part One:
o From Inspiration to Word, EndNote and beyond;
o Mastering your toolkit of software;
o Managing your information and files;
o Demonstrating the use of Inspiration and introducing some MS Word strategies
11.45 – 12.30 What is a thesis?
o How do you generate a proposal?
o The cocktail party approach to summing up your study;
o How do you tell significant others about your contemplated study?
o Some practical activities – speed dating oops, speed summarising the nub of your thesis.
12.30 – 1.15 Lunch
2.00 Technology Part Two:
o Powerful stuff to use that will almost certainly move you ahead of your supervisors in mastering the digital divide;
o Introducing NVivo 8;
o Introducing MindManager.
2.45 Quality Writing:
o Assembling an examinable thesis;
o Writing it;
o Proofing it;
o Presenting it.
2.45 – 3.00 Compulsory Walk and short break
3.00 – 3.45 The Journey and How to Survive it:
o Supportive Whānau are absolutely crucial to your success,
o Growing candidate supervisor relationships;
o Tapping into resources within your institution;
o Developing collegial, professional and familial support.
3.45 – 4.15 The Woodhill Park Research Retreat and its Community of Scholars
o An open discussion including commentary from those who have been there.
4.15 – 5.00 Wine and Cheese