The thesis process: all you wanted to find out about the thesis process but didn’t know how to ask

Faciliated by Dr Jens J. Hansen and Anna Jo Perry

This workshop is for people who are beginning their thesis journey.  It’s about how best to make that complex trip towards successful completion remain enjoyable, easier and hugely rewarding. 

The workshop will be held on Saturday 11^th February from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at the Woodhill Park Research Retreat.  The day will cost $150.00 (plus GST) per person with morning and afternoon tea, and lunch included. 

The workshop is targeted at people who are either contemplating commencing a thesis or have 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 primarily 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, and finally;

·         participants will discover the importance of formulating a strong supportive network so that the thesis journey becomes smoother and beneficial for Whānau.

To enrol contact Dr. Jens 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:

·         How to get started and handy hints for capturing your thinking

·         What really is the difference between a masters and a doctoral thesis;

·         Examination Criteria;

·         Supervision expectations and more.

10.30 – 10.50  Morning tea

10.50 – 11.45  Technology Part One:

·         From Inspiration to Word, EndNote and beyond;

·         Mastering your toolkit of software;

·         Managing your information and files;

·         Demonstrating the use of Inspiration and introducing some MS Word strategies.

11.45 – 12.30  What is a thesis?

·         How do you generate a proposal?

·         The cocktail party approach to summing up your study;

·         How do you tell significant others about your contemplated study?

·         Some practical activities – speed dating oops, speed summarising the nub of your thesis.

12.30 – 1.15  Lunch

2.00  Technology Part Two:

·         Powerful stuff to use that will almost certainly move you ahead of your supervisors in mastering the digital divide;

·         Introducing QSR NVivo;

·         Introducing MindManager.

2.45  Quality Writing:

·         Assembling an examinable thesis;

·         Writing it;

·         Proofing it;

·         Presenting it.

2.45 – 3.00  Compulsory Walk/short break

3.00 – 3.45  The Journey and How to Survive it:

·         Supportive Whānau are absolutely crucial to your success,

·         Growing candidate supervisor relationships;

·         Tapping into resources within your institution;

·         Developing collegial, professional and familial support;

·         The Woodhill Park Research Retreat and its Community of Scholars.

3.45 – 4.00  Poroporoaki

We’re unashamedly using viral marketing techniques and that means we’d like you to tell others about this workshop.  We’d like them to let others know too.  Remember that thesis candidates can bring their supervisor for free providing we’re told about it beforehand.