Post on 22-Dec-2015
Preparing for your first annual progress review
FMS postgraduate training workshopMonday 2 March 2015Professor Dianne Ford
Associate Dean for Taught Postgraduate Studies, FMS(Previously Director of PhD Studies), FMSPhD supervisor/progress panel member
Overview
• Progress review timeline• Preparation
– Research report/literature review• Relevant researcher development programme
sessions– Presentation
• Relevant researcher development programme session
– Other documents/materials– Student’s report to panel– (Supervisors’ report to panel)
• During the interview• After the interview
Progress review timeline
4 year MRes/PhD
3 year PhD
12 months
submissiondeadline!
submissiondeadline!
6months
12 months(MResresult)
8 months 20 months 29 months
8 months 20 months 29 months 42 months*
*if still to submitFirst PhD
progress review
Progress review timeline
• Full details:
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/fms/postgrad/documentation/documents/Resstudenthandbook2014-15.pdf
Preparation• Research report/review
– Read guidelines.• First review – literature review, aims, preliminary results (7,500
words)• Second (and third) review – shorter report (3/4 pages; maximum
10): summary of data, detailed analysis of some data; strengths and weaknesses; “to do” list; appendix
• Final review – detailed breakdown of structure of thesis; identify research to complete
– Be sure to cite information from other sources correctly• Plagiarism will be treated seriously• www.ncl.ac.uk/right-cite
– Provide sufficient information to “bring your panel up to speed”.– Ask your supervisor for feedback.
• Check he/she will be available and agree a deadline for submission of a draft, giving you sufficient time tomake any changes
– Pay attention to presentation.– Submit in good time, including a hard copy if required.
Preparation
• Research Student Development Programme training sessions
• Tomorrow (Tuesday 3 March) – “Writing a literature review”; Writing Development Centre
• Tuesday 12 March 2015 – “Writing your first year report”; Dr AlisonTyson-Capper, Faculty Postgraduate Tutor (Associate Dean)
Preparation
• Presentation– Stick to rules/guidelines– Make sure the presentation helps you to communicate
effectively• Show key “visual” information, avoid use of lots of
text etc.– Ask for input from supervisor
Preparation
• Documents/materials of possible use to your panel (and thus of use to you)– Your e-portfolio– Research diary or lab book– Copies of abstracts/conference proceedings etc.– (Approved project proposal; upload with report)
Preparation
• Student’s report to the panel– Be honest and reflective
• Discuss in advance with your supervisor/supervisory team/institute PG Research Student Coordinator any issues raised?
Preparation
• Supervisors’ report to the panel– A reminder will help speed up the process of you
receiving official notification of the outcome of your review.
Preparation
• Know your panel.• Read your report, and your project
proposal.• Lab books/research diaries and
information on training attended• Be organised.
– Arrange date and time well in advance and as convenient for panel members, book room (and inform panel), get key, set up PC and projector etc.
During the interview• Don’t assume the panel has expert knowledge of
every aspect of your project.– Provide reminders/clarification where you think helpful.
• Don’t be afraid to defend your research, but be receptive to panel’s suggestions.
• Take the opportunity raise any concerns you may have.– E.g. completion of research, attendance at training courses and access
to other activities important to your training and future career
• Remember, it’s a “progress review” rather than an “assessment”
Possible outcomes
Possible outcomes
After the interview
• Reflect• On receipt of panel report
– Discuss recommendations etc. with supervisor/supervisory team.
– Be proactive in engaging in any activities/practices recommended or required by the Head of Institute (Institute PG Research Student Coordinator).
Finally....
• Bear in mind that the review process is for YOUR benefit