Tara Brabazon's Blog, page 64

Capstone 4 The literature review

Along with research methods, the literature review is a constant - if dull - attendant to any programme of research.  Yet literature reviews are not only done poorly, but are often pointless and obliquely connected to the research question or thesis statement.  Tara ensures that the focus of the literature review is clear and frames the research effectively and carefully.

Capstone 3 Research Methods

Teaching (and learning about) research methods is often the dullest of topics and courses. Yet methods are important, but perhaps not in the way in which they are conventionally taught. Tara talks about why methods matter, but why they must be at the service of theory.

Capstone 2 The stages of progress through your research

The phrase "doing research" does not capture the complex stages and milestones between finding an idea and submitting a thesis or major assignment.  Tara talks through the stages of a research project, understanding how and why examiners give high marks to some students and remove marks from others.

Capstone 1 Making a start - Making a plan

While the intensity of a research project is often focused on the days before submission, the success of a thesis or dissertation is often determined by the first few days of planning.  Tara shows how to make that plan, and the tricks and tips that will create a successful research trajectory.

How to fail a research project

Tara talks with Steve Redhead and discusses the characteristics of research projects that fail, or are marginally successful. How can students avoid the pitfalls and errors in their research?

Research: theory and method

Research training is a major area of the contemporary academy. A key - yet underasked question - is the difference between theory and method. Steve Redhead and Tara explore 'the turn to methods' and the impact of this 'turn' on the scale, scope and quality of research.

Nicole Grifoni and Tara explore the capacity of podcasting for university-level assessment in professional communication

Nicola and Tara talk about the capacity of podcasting for assessment in professional communication programmes.

Claire Pennells and Tara discuss and demonstrate the potential of podcasting for university assessment

Claire and Tara explore how podcasting can be used in assessment for professional communication programmes. Claire shows how complex ideas can be presented in new ways.

Tara talks with social science librarian Stephanie Orfano

Tara discusses the availability and use of social science and humanities resources for students at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Tara and Steph explore the nature of 'new librarianship,' where ebooks outnumber paper-based resources.

Tara talks with Sharon Lauricella

Tara talks about non-violent communication with Sharon Lauricella.