Presenting is powerful stuff - by Heather McEwen
PhD students in the School of Computer Science are about to reap one of the benefits of the merge of the former Computer Sciences Laboratory (CSL) and the Department of Computer Science.
"Student monitoring of theses progress via twice-yearly verbal presentations to supervisor panels, peers, and staff within the College was originally the brainchild of Professor John Lloyd as former Head of CSL," said Professor Henry Gardner, Head of School.
"This is an excellent example of how we nurture and guide our students throughout their PhD experience from a research training viewpoint, but also helps to build rapport within research groups which is essential in any team environment," he said.
Just like the College HDR Student Poster Day held last year, and which will be held again on 22 July 2010, the forum prepares students for presenting their work, dealing with positive and negative feedback, planning, learning about the work of their colleagues, networking and socialising.
"The PhD monitoring seminars are a great opportunity to practice my presentation skills and get early feedback on my research from academics other than my supervisors," said PhD student Linda Postniece who is in her final year of study. "In fact, a major development in my thesis was inspired by a question that I received after a presentation in my first year. It's also interesting to find out about the research that my peers are doing."
"We are a relatively small College, but it is amazing how many students don't know what their fellow students are doing," said Dr Peter Christen, Associate Dean (HDR). "These seminars provide another opportunity for students to contextualise their research in the academic and world environments," he said.
All students participate, even those that have just commenced, because it helps to introduce them to the rest of the research group and prepares them for their more in-depth presentation later in the year.
The presentations also provide a pipeline for students to express their thoughts on the quality of supervision provided to them.
"We act on that feedback," said Dr Christen. "Our students, that we consider to be researchers, have a right to expect the best possible support from staff in the College."
Attendance by research staff outside specific disciplinary areas is particularly welcomed by students because of the increased potential for different feedback.
Check the seminar website for session details which are filling up fast.
