1. Settling into your Postgraduate Study Dr. Mark Matthews & Dermot Coonan Student Learning Development http://student-learning.tcd.ie 1pm- 2pm 3rd Floor Room 318

2. The long distance runner… Progress hard to monitor and much of the work is done in isolation

5. Smaller student network Tutorial responsibility Smaller academic network Often need to work off own schedule

6. Getting started 1.What stage are you at? 2.What are your concerns? –Transition –Orientation –The research process –Confusion and lack of control –Study skills

7. Write down on a piece of paper the greatest challenge you will face: My greatest challenge might be……

8. Ask yourself: What is it I most love about my studies? 1.What do I enjoy about my course…. 2.Why am I doing this…. 3.What do I want to have learned at the end..

9. Getting Started Where can I find what I have to do? Order out of chaos Reading about the process Visit: http://www.tcd.ie/orientation/http://www.tcd.ie/orientation/

10. Your Toolbox Technical Skills Research Skills Self- Management Communication Skills

11. 1. Subject-Skills Department specific Course Handbook Department Seminars Self-directed

12. 2. Communication Skills Supervisor’s role Peer Support Study Partners Discussion Groups Postgraduate Advisory Service Social English

13. 3. Research Skills Library Literature Reviews, Database Searches Information Systems Services Software support (Word, SPSS, Endnote) Student Learning Development Academic Writing, Critical Thinking Reflective Journals

14. 4. Self-Management Psychological Realistic planning Steady pace Plan where to put effort Balanced life Specific, measurable goals Rewards

15. Get a diary Practical Check daily Dates, meetings, lectures, timetable

16. When stressed, try to come back to what you know. When bored look for the novel.

17. Practical Tips Plan a time in the day when you do nothing at all Learn to switch off –to rest your brain Constant brain stimulation without a break can drain you “Down time”-Meditation, walk, clearing the mind of the noise

18. In groups, take some of the challenges written down earlier and find solutions for them. Problem: Possible Solution: Are there common themes?

19. “I feel like I’m being taken advantage of – doing work not related to my PhD” Space I am very particular about where and when I study. I find it more comforting when I am studying in a clean and comfortable spot. I find it best to study between late afternoon and evening. I can't stand much background noise so I usually study in my bedroom with the door closed and the window open for a nice breeze to come through. David

20. Social "I'm not a Trinity graduate and I've found it difficult to meet people and get involved in other things ?"

21. Need more help? I need help with study skills? Contact Student Learning Development | http://student- learning.tcd.iehttp://student- learning.tcd.ie The Post-graduate Summer School runs once a year in the summer: https://podcast.tcd.ie/users/summerschool/https://podcast.tcd.ie/users/summerschool/ I’m writing a literature review? Contact your subject librarian http://www.tcd.ie/Library/support/contact/index.php http://www.tcd.ie/Library/support/contact/index.php I need training using Word, Powerpoint, SPSS, Endnote etc. Information Systems Services (http://isservices.tcd.ie/training/ )http://isservices.tcd.ie/training/ Other Postgrads may be willing to offer a tutorial service

22. Need more help? I need advice on dealing with stress Student Counselling Service | Ph:018961407 | email: student- counselling@tcd.iestudent- counselling@tcd.ie I need general advice on being a post-graduate Postgraduate Advisory Service | http://www.tcd.ie/Senior_Tutor/postgraduate/ http://www.tcd.ie/Senior_Tutor/postgraduate/ Graduate’s Student Union | http://www.gsu.tcd.ie/node/http://www.gsu.tcd.ie/node/ Student Learning Development | http://student-learning.tcd.ie |http://student-learning.tcd.ie I want to get involved in social events: Get involved in a society | http://www.trinitysocieties.ie/http://www.trinitysocieties.ie/ Join the gym | http://www.tcd.ie/Sport/http://www.tcd.ie/Sport/ Join one of the 50 sports clubs | http://www.ducac.tcdlife.ie/http://www.ducac.tcdlife.ie/

23. You are responsible for your own learning Get involved socially Develop skills systematically and progressively Get going now Stay on top of your work Seek help if you want to do better

24. What can you do now? 1.What can I do to clarify what I am doing? 2.What do I need to formalise with my supervisor? 3.What supports can I set up for myself? 4.How will I know if I am making progress? 5.Will I be coming to the other Student Learning workshops?

25. Other Resources https://podcast.tcd.ie/users/summerschool/

26. Student Learning Development Thank you for your time Visit our website at: http://student-learning.tcd.ie

27. My greatest challenge might be _____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Problem Re-write the problem in your own words Possible Solutions List as many things to do that you can think of