Preparing for your first annual progress review

FMS research student development workshopMonday 3 March 2014

Professor Dianne FordDirector of PhD Studies, FMS

PhD 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:

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 4 March) – “Writing a literature review”; Alicia Creswell, Writing Development Centre

• Thursday 13 March – “Writing your first year report”; Professor John Kirby, Faculty Postgraduate Tutor

• Monday 12 May – “Document management; content and layout”; Sue Vecsey, Library

• Thursday 15 May – “Document management; images and tables”; Sue Vecsey, Library

• Thursday 15 May – “Communication and presentation skills”; Professor John Kirby

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

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