Training for PhD Students
Writing and analysis session
Skills and competencies
analysis and write up of findings, preparing a thesis, structuring a manuscript, developing collaboration, compiling a progress plan towards completion
Duration and scheduling
Regular, protected time with facilitator/s
Mode of delivery
Virtual or in-person interactive on-demand guidance and support
Outline
Writing and analysis sessions (WAS) are designed to give students relevant skills, stimulate their thinking and build their confidence. WAS ensure that students have expert advice and quality support, along with opportunities to write, receive feedback and submit manuscripts and thesis chapters. In these protected time slots, the student analyses, talks through and writes up the evidence from the research data. One or more carefully selected facilitators are present and available (in-person or virtually) during these sessions to provide guidance in preparing the thesis and writing the manuscript – the student has only to ask for advice.
Objectives
- To improve understanding of data analysis
- To clarify the writing up of the main points from the research findings
- To build writing skills to make a progress plan for analysis and writing
Preparation
Trainer/s or coordinator/s
Select and invite facilitators with extensive research experience as well as analytical and mentoring skills
For an in-person session
Prepare the physical venue
Ensure access to small break-out rooms for participants to work privately or with assigned facilitators
Steps
Elements of the WAS include:
- One-one on support
- Small-group interactions of students from related disciplines in breakaway rooms
- Opportunities for the student to ask the facilitator for assistance in addressing challenges during the analysis stage
Content
Principles of good data analysis and writing
- Organization of data
- Questions under the study
- Data and model
- Results of data analysis
- Substantive conclusion
Considerations for analysis and writing
- Relevance of data to research purpose
- Essential points that emerge from the analysis of data
- Capacity to identify trends, patterns and themes within the data
- Various theoretical interpretations while writing
- Balance between pros and cons of these different perspectives
- Assertions supported with tightly argued reasoning and empirical backing
- Audience/ reader of study findings
Details to be included in analysis and writing
- Acknowledging the limitations of the study as well as the strengths
Developing collaboration
- Identification and approaching the relevant facilitator to indicate where more support is needed
- Networking and interactions with peers to discuss common concerns
Outcomes
By the end of a series of WAS, PhD students should be able to:
- Generate a sound analysis and report based on study objectives
- Develop a work plan and activities that will ensure improvement of analysis and writing for timely PhD completion
- Create practical approach to solve issues experienced during analysis and write-up
| Expected Learning Outcomes | Session contents | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Research project presentations | Critical reviews by peers and facilitators | Managing and responding to critical reviews | |
| ELO1 | |||
| ELO2 | |||
| ELO3 | |||
Assessment
Students may submit a work plan listing activities to ensure timely completion of their PhD.
Contact US
P.O. Box 10787 – 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
cartaenquiries@aphrc.org
+254 (20) 400 1000, 266 2244, 266 2255