Summary and More Think About
Opportunity to explain your views, defend and elaborate you argument, and display your grasp of the research. Obviously participation in seminars is a useful preparation for this oral exam. It gives you practice in academic argument and it also develops your confidence that your knowledge of your subject is sound. Summary
In this chapter we have presented some strategies which experienced postgraduates and supervisors have found useful in coping with the problems overseas students commonly have in relation with their supervisor
- The choice and development of their research topic,
- In participating in seminars and discussions, and
- In writing and presenting their thesis
We have emphasized, however, that there is no single correct method of working at postgraduate level. The best strategic will be those you develop for your self. We suggest that one systematic way to develop your own study habits is to follow these stages
- Observe
- Practice, and
- Participate
By following these procedures you can develop confidence and gain the skills you need for successful postgraduate study
MORE TO THINK ABOUT
- Go to the library and make up a bibliography of the books and articles that are relevant to your probable research interest. Include materials in your own language as well as appropriate. Discuss your bibliography with a senior staff member in your department and find out what other sources of information he or she can suggest.
- In Appendix 6 you will find a brief guide for new postgraduate. This guide was prepared by senior postgraduate in Botany in an Australian university. After reading this guide, make a team of two or three fellow students and equivalent set of notes for research students in your own department. What advice would be most important to give them?
