Dissertation motivation!

pandora205

Hi everyone who's back at it studying hard.
Got my third assignment back and great feedback. I can even use this as part of my literature review for my thesis - which should save some time.

Now for number 4. So far I've found lots of relevant documents and papers. I need to read what I have, make a plan, then do a more systematic review. It sounds easy written down but it's always tricky getting going at the start for me.

bestpud

pandora205 wrote: »

Hi everyone who's back at it studying hard.
Got my third assignment back and great feedback. I can even use this as part of my literature review for my thesis - which should save some time.

Now for number 4. So far I've found lots of relevant documents and papers. I need to read what I have, make a plan, then do a more systematic review. It sounds easy written down but it's always tricky getting going at the start for me.

Well done, you seem to be cracking on with it!

I have that problem too - goodness only knows what I'll be like at postgrad level!

Be firm with yourself as you know you'll feel great once you have got started.

pandora205

Thanks bestpud. I do feel encouraged to have had some good feedback not least as my assignment was way over word length. Fortunately this wasn't even commented on.

I do get very stuck sometimes, especially if I've had a break. It's difficult to fit it all in with work and family too, though really that is an excuse as I knew I'd have to study evenings and weekends.

I've been reading a very good book about time management which has lots of relevant advice. One idea is if you have a big important piece of work that you want/need to complete to do something every day, with a minimum of 5 minutes. And it should be done before everything else (like checking emails, making phone calls, coffee breaks!). Don't set a time limit for this work apart from the minimum amount. The theory is that once you get back into the habit of studying it's easy to keep on.

I am planning to try it, starting tomorrow. Watch this space!

princesslizzie

I'm joining this thread now because as a hard working third year (ahem) I think I should! My dissertation is terrifying me. 10,000 words on my chosen topic, oh my god. Oh my god!!

The_One_Who

I really need to start thinking of topics. Geography is such a large subject though. I think I've got it down to something hazards related like flooding or earthquakes; something related to planning or regeneration; or something to do with globalisation and the economy.

So really, I've hardly narrowed it down at all!

Catseyez

I've just begun the 3rd year and am beginning to think of ideas for the dissertation. The proposal doesn't have to be handed in until January but I want to get it done sooner.

What are other people's deadlines looking like?

pandora205

Well started my new regime and did 5 minutes today before just about everything else. The 5 minutes increased once I got into it, so I did about 45 minutes. It's a good approach I think - 5 mins doesn't seem like a mountain and it's enough just about to get started on something.

So, tomorrow another 5!

Hi to those MSEs who are just starting out thinking about dissertations. I'm not very far with mine being a part timer and having the taught part of my course first, though I'm trying to slant other assignments to my topic.

I've stumbled across a useful strategy though - choose something that no-one at your uni knows anything about! It does mean you will be in a position of power as you are likely to have more knowledge than your superviser (though this won't apply to external examiners and vivas).

bestpud

Catseyez wrote: »

I've just begun the 3rd year and am beginning to think of ideas for the dissertation. The proposal doesn't have to be handed in until January but I want to get it done sooner.

What are other people's deadlines looking like?

My hand in date is early December. I'm freaking out already but I am actually getting on with it too - and that is a massive break through for me!

I think the sooner you start writing the better really. Otherwise it becomes such a big thing it is tempting it put if off iyswim?

I'll be interested to see how your new strategy pans out though pandora205.

At the moment I am sticking to specific 'uni' days and that is working much better for me.

Good luck with choosing a topic The One Who and Catseyez - hardest part I reckon!

Have you got a topic princesslizzie?

The_One_Who

How long should I give for the research part? Roughly? Obviously it will depend on the topic, but my department says roughly three weeks. That doesn't sound like enough to me.

srichards

I suppose I ought to start thinking about my MSc dissertation for next summer now

Im doing science communication and society btw.

I did a lab project for my 1st degree so this time round Id like to do a written diss.

!!!!!! on?? hmm, not sure, I think id like to look at something that caused whopping controversy in society and its communication - maybe something on the morning sickness drug? or cervical cancer vaccine? or mmr?

argh dont know