PERS09001 2021 Personal Skills for Researchers
The aim of this module is to present the learner with a range of contextual perspectives, metacognitive strategies and personal skills appropriate to the different stages of the research process.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Participate actively as a member of a research community
Display ethical and political awareness in relation to the research project undertaken
Develop cognitive skills, including the use of analytical and mind mapping tools
Reflect on themselves and their research project by developing a personal development plan
Develop strategies of autonomous behaviour in relation to the research
Recognise the importance of interpersonal skills in collaboration with others
Teaching and Learning Strategies
A variety of teaching and learning techniques will be incorporated including case studies, problem-based learning, guest lecturing, flipped classroom, peer learning.
Module Assessment Strategies
Assessment will be formative and summative and conducted by means of a portfolio, which will incorporate a reflective journal. The portfolio will incorporate the following:
- evidence of participation in individual and group task and exercises
- samples of work from the module or if appropriate, from the research process
- a critical analysis of literature and of teaching materials
- examples of case studies or critical incidents drawn from the researcher's own practice
- an evaluation of the researcher's strategies in relation to the development of personal skills
- ongoing reflections relating to participation in the module and the acquisition of personal skills.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat assessments requirements will be based on failed components and be recorded at the Progression and Award Boards.
Indicative Syllabus
Early stage - research context experienced by the new researcher , necessity to understand key epistemological, ethical and social issues, initial metacognitive skills, academic writing, self-confidence, assertiveness
Middle stage - local context in research, identify key stakeholders and their roles in the research process, Metacognitive strategies include those of analysis and the construction of argument. motivation, work-life balance and the maintenance of a relationship with the supervisor
Late stage material - acquisition of scholarly and intellectual values, importance of reflection and reflexivity and considers the topic of career management and the development of an academic portfolio
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Reflective journal | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 60 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
2 | Personal Development Plan | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 20 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
3 | Presentation Assessment | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 20 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Part Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Online | Information dissemination | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Independent Learning | Online | Reflection, module theory | 9 | Weekly | 9.00 |
Module Resources
Ali, L. & Graham, B. (2000) Moving On in Your Career, a Guide for Academic Researchers and Postgraduates. London: Routledge Falmer.
Carlile, O. & Jordan, A. (2010) Personal Development for Researchers. Sligo. Research Alliance.
Clifton, D. & Anderson, E. (2002). StrengthsQuest: Discover and develop your strengths in academics, career, and beyond. Washington, DC: Gallup Organization.
Collard, B., Eppenheimer, J. and Saign, D. (1996) Career Resilience in a Changing Workplace. Information Series no. 366. Columbus, OH ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career & Vocational Education.
Hoffman, R. & Casnocha, B. (2013) The Start-up of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform Your Career. NY. Random House.
Kahnemann, D., Sibony, O. and Sunstein (2021) Noise; a Flaw in Human Judgment. NY. Harper Collins.
Kearns, K.D., Subino Sullivan, C (2011) Resources and practices to help graduate students and postdoctoral fellows write statements of teaching philosophy. Adv Physiol Educ 35: 136-145.
Linley, P. & Harrington, S. (2006). ‘Playing to your strengths’. The Psychologist, 19, 86–89.
Mitchell, K. Levin, S. & Krumbolz, D. (1999) Planned Happenstance. Constructing Unexpected Career Opportunities. https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/wiley/planned-happenstance-constructing-unexpected-career-opportunities-Z4jOzRBg9h
Pollak, L. (2012) Getting from College to Career https://lindseypollak.com/books/getting-from-college-to-career/
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Videos and research handbooks