Tutorial – Research; How and Why

Takeaways

I found this online tutorial really helpful as I begin my first module of this degree. It has been many years since I have completed any formal studying, and research was one area I was really nervous about applying into my studies.

Andrea explained how to record my research clearly, and I now feel more confident in recording relevant (and side tracked) reading and research as I go.

• Keep a rolling bibliography of research to refer to as needed (I have done this in the form of a draft post on this page)
• “Delve deep, explore wide”… Allow yourself to follow what you find interesting not what you think you should be reading.
• Don’t worry about reading the whole book.
• Record all your research using UCA Harvard referencing.
• Use software – Paperpile, Zotero, BiB, Notion…
• Bullet point and summarise when reflecting.
• Take 30 seconds at the end to write down what you took from it.
• Question everything and validate sources.
• Feel free to “copy”. Attempts to emulate will result in learning new techniques.
• 10 minutes a day reading adds up quickly; make a reading list to call on in dead time (i.e. when feeding baby!)
• Back up notes.
• Include research in Learning Log.
• Research will be broad now and become more focused as course progresses.