Writing & Publishing
This theme focuses on the skills and knowledge needed in sharing and disseminating your research at all stages, from the conception of your writing to the findings and conclusions. The practical elements of writing and opportunities to actually write are also covered.
Upcoming workshops
An Overview of Academic Publishing
Facilitator: Claire Pike
A1 – B3 – C2 – D2
This session offers an overview of the current range of options for publishing academic work. Specific topics covered include: the journal environment and selecting a journal for your work; Open Access publication and Plan S; publication of monographs, including developments in OA options. Additionally, this session will consider publication formats for non-traditional publication. The publishing process is varied, and this session will adapt to the concerns of the participants.
This workshop will help participants consider the rapidly changing landscape of publishing, appreciate how to disseminate their research work. It will also expand their knowledge of Open Access considerations.
Writing Literature Reviews for International Students
Facilitator: Chokri Ben Raouf Ghezal
A1-A2-A3-D1
In this session we will look at how literature reviews are written in English. This will include useful vocabulary, reporting verbs, and other phrases. We will look at extracts from real-life doctoral literature reviews, and discuss what you need to do in yours. You will have a chance to ask questions and bring your own work.
Microsoft Word for Long Documents and Dissertations
Facilitator: Graham Freestone
This workshop will teach you tips and tricks to make the most out of Word for your dissertation or other long document.
At the end of this workshop participants will know how to structure a document into sections (abstract, methods section, chapters, etc.); create and manage headers and footers, including page numbers; use footnotes or endnotes for referencing and create a bibliography; create and manage tables of contents and tables of figures; and use outline view to manage their documents.
Writing about Methods for International Students
Facilitator: Chokri Ben Raouf Ghezal
A1 – C2 – D2
This session will focus on writing the methodology chapter. We will look at the language used to present and discuss your chosen methods, including useful vocabulary and grammar. Extracts from real-life PhD methodologies will be used. You will also be able to ask questions and bring your own work.
Using Library Resources
Facilitator: Alexis Lamb
A1 – A2
This session offers an overview of library services for teaching, learning, and research. Specific topics which may be covered include:
How the library can support your teaching through bespoke workshops for your students, electronic reading lists, digitised readings and copyright compliance, assistance with planning and resources for new modules or courses. How the library supports students through our Learning Development programme. How the library can support your research through interlibrary loans, purchase or trial of research resources, and participation in the Sconul access scheme. How to access our Special Collections and how to contact your Academic Subject Librarian and other members of the library team.
Accessing Archives
Facilitator: Sarah Lewis
A1 – A2
Aimed at PhD students at the start of their degrees, this session will also be of interest to any researcher who is beginning to work with archives for the first time.
This workshop aims to help participants explore the potential importance of archived material to their research projects. It will also offer hands-on demonstrations of how to access archival sources online.
Participants will learn how to use tools for locating archives, such as Archives Hub effectively, and will be prepared to get off to a good start in their archival research.
Writing Results/Findings for International Students
Facilitator: Chokri Ben Raouf Ghezal
A1-A2-B2
In this session we will focus on the Results / Findings chapter of the thesis. We will look at the best ways of representing your findings and how to refer to them in your writing. You will learn useful vocabulary and grammar, and analyse extracts from real-life thesis chapters. You will be able to ask questions and bring your own work.
Writing Discussions/Conclusions for International Students
Facilitator: Chokri Ben Raouf Ghezal
A1 – A2 – B1 – D2
This session will focus on the Discussions and Conclusion chapters. We will look at useful vocabulary and grammar to express your analysis and conclusions. We will also consider how to refer to previous chapters. Extracts from real-life theses will be used as examples. You will be able to ask questions about your own work.
Critical Reading and Writing for Research Students
Facilitator: Dr Anne Rixom
A1 – A2 – A3
This seminar offers detailed approaches to enable you to conduct effective critical reading and writing. Discussion will cover the principles underpinning criticality and why it is fundamental to evaluating what you read and in strengthening your written work. The session will also include the features of a successful literature review and how to use your Core Research Question to manage the literature. Techniques to develop detailed research questions as effective investigation tools will be examined, with an analysis of how you can integrate your arguments using multiple sources. These approaches are then linked to key critical writing skills to develop your arguments clearly and concisely to structure your narrative.
Aims of the Session
- To increase your understanding of what the term ‘criticality’ means in academic reading and writing, and why it is fundamental
- To provide guidance on how you can formulate your research question, and how you might manage your references and other resources to enable you to use them effectively
- To develop approaches to clear and concise academic writing, and how it can be structured to support your argument.
Academic Writing for the Thesis or Dissertation
Facilitator: Dr Anne Rixom
A1 – A2 – A3
This seminar covers some general principles of effective writing for the Thesis or Dissertation, then builds on this framework by suggesting techniques to manage detailed academic content. In particular discussion will focus on how to structure academic text, and approaches to organise information within and between paragraphs. Practical tips will enable you to evaluate fundamental aspects of your research and then construct your argument to convey a concise yet persuasive narrative. There will be a focus on the key purpose of each chapter of your Thesis or Dissertation to ensure that every element contributes to the overall aim of your work, and how you can avoid ambiguity as an author.
Aims of the Session
- To increase your understanding of how a Thesis or Dissertation is structured, and its primary purpose in supporting your argument
- To outline the academic criteria the examiners will use to judge the Thesis or Dissertation, specifically in terms of its core research question, structure and logical narrative
- To offer guidance on how you might develop strategies for ‘Writing Up’ and how you can draft chapters in the most effective way
Writing a Literature Review
Facilitator: Dr Neil Raven
A1 – A3 – C2 – D2
The writing of a literature review can seem a daunting prospect. This workshop aims to overcome such fears. The session begins by exploring the concept and purpose of the
literature review and where it fits into the PhD thesis. The key question of what makes a good review will also be addressed. Attention will then be given to the development of a research plan for undertaking a successful review. This will include a consideration of information sources and search strategies.
The second part of the workshop will explore approaches for effective note taking and referencing, with consideration also given to the critical analysis of secondary sources. The structuring of a literature review and the integration of material will also be examined. The workshop will conclude with a look at writing styles and strategies for overcoming the challenge of starting the writing process.
Doctoral School Writing Retreats
Facilitators:
Jim Rogers, Ros Kane, Ana Jordan
A1-A3-B1
Training and developing your writing skills as a researcher is all well and good, but finding the time and space to write is often challenging. We invite you to join us for one or more structured writing workshops which are taking place this term. The aim is to focus on writing projects in a collegial and constructive environment. Research on writing retreats suggests that writing with others in a structured format increases productivity, constructive conversations, confidence in writing, quality of writing and cross-disciplinary talk, and reduces stress (see e.g. Murray and Newton 2009).
These online events are designed to give researchers time away from other priorities and to focus solely on writing. Whether you use the time to prioritise writing a journal article, proposal, or even your thesis, our academics will help facilitate your productivity. This is your chance to not only develop your writing skills as a researcher, but also encourage motivational skills and ‘retreating’ techniques to allow yourself space the write. All we ask is that you bring along something in mind to work on, and be open to writing!
Writing a Great Conference Abstract
Facilitator: Dr Neil Raven
A1 – A3 – C2 – D2
Whilst much academic writing, including the PhD itself, is associated with long pieces of work comprising many thousands of words, there is value in being able to complement this skill with more concise writing. This ability is required in preparing abstracts, providing a concise overview of a larger study. Whilst they often accompany articles, abstracts are increasingly used in the selection of conference and seminar papers. Consequently, there is much value in being able to master the skill of writing abstracts.
This workshop begins by identifying the characteristics that distinguish a conference abstract from one that would accompany an article, and the purposes it serves. It then considers the typical format and key components of a conference abstract, before exploring what makes a great abstract, and providing a range of tips for writing a successful conference abstract. In the final part of the workshop, focus will turn to supporting participants in planning and preparing their own abstract.
Writing Conference Presentations and Papers
Facilitator: Chokri Ben Raouf Ghezal
A2 – A3 – B3 – D3
In this workshop you will learn how to write conference papers and what language to use to make your work accessible to a wider audience. Useful vocabulary and practical tips will be given. You will be expected to bring your notes or drafts of your own conference papers to this session.
Microsoft Word for Long Documents and Dissertations
Facilitator: Graham Freestone
This workshop will teach you tips and tricks to make the most out of Word for your dissertation or other long document.
At the end of this workshop participants will know how to structure a document into sections (abstract, methods section, chapters, etc.); create and manage headers and footers, including page numbers; use footnotes or endnotes for referencing and create a bibliography; create and manage tables of contents and tables of figures; and use outline view to manage their documents.
Accessing Archives
Facilitator: Sarah Lewis
A1 – A2
Aimed at PhD students at the start of their degrees, this session will also be of interest to any researcher who is beginning to work with archives for the first time.
This workshop aims to help participants explore the potential importance of archived material to their research projects. It will also offer hands-on demonstrations of how to access archival sources online.
Participants will learn how to use tools for locating archives, such as Archives Hub effectively, and will be prepared to get off to a good start in their archival research.
Critical Reading and Writing for Research Students
Facilitator: Dr Anne Rixom
A1 – A2 – A3
This seminar offers detailed approaches to enable you to conduct effective critical reading and writing. Discussion will cover the principles underpinning criticality and why it is fundamental to evaluating what you read and in strengthening your written work. The session will also include the features of a successful literature review and how to use your Core Research Question to manage the literature. Techniques to develop detailed research questions as effective investigation tools will be examined, with an analysis of how you can integrate your arguments using multiple sources. These approaches are then linked to key critical writing skills to develop your arguments clearly and concisely to structure your narrative.
Aims of the Session
- To increase your understanding of what the term ‘criticality’ means in academic reading and writing, and why it is fundamental
- To provide guidance on how you can formulate your research question, and how you might manage your references and other resources to enable you to use them effectively
- To develop approaches to clear and concise academic writing, and how it can be structured to support your argument.
Academic Writing for the Thesis or Dissertation
Facilitator: Dr Anne Rixom
A1 – A2 – A3
This seminar covers some general principles of effective writing for the Thesis or Dissertation, then builds on this framework by suggesting techniques to manage detailed academic content. In particular discussion will focus on how to structure academic text, and approaches to organise information within and between paragraphs. Practical tips will enable you to evaluate fundamental aspects of your research and then construct your argument to convey a concise yet persuasive narrative. There will be a focus on the key purpose of each chapter of your Thesis or Dissertation to ensure that every element contributes to the overall aim of your work, and how you can avoid ambiguity as an author.
Aims of the Session
- To increase your understanding of how a Thesis or Dissertation is structured, and its primary purpose in supporting your argument
- To outline the academic criteria the examiners will use to judge the Thesis or Dissertation, specifically in terms of its core research question, structure and logical narrative
- To offer guidance on how you might develop strategies for ‘Writing Up’ and how you can draft chapters in the most effective way
Writing a Literature Review
Facilitator: Dr Neil Raven
A1 – A3 – C2 – D2
The writing of a literature review can seem a daunting prospect. This workshop aims to overcome such fears. The session begins by exploring the concept and purpose of the
literature review and where it fits into the PhD thesis. The key question of what makes a good review will also be addressed. Attention will then be given to the development of a research plan for undertaking a successful review. This will include a consideration of information sources and search strategies.
The second part of the workshop will explore approaches for effective note taking and referencing, with consideration also given to the critical analysis of secondary sources. The structuring of a literature review and the integration of material will also be examined. The workshop will conclude with a look at writing styles and strategies for overcoming the challenge of starting the writing process.
University of Lincoln Library Events and Workshops
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Really enjoyed everything about this (Writing a Literature Review), thank you!. I found the session to be very informative, relevant, and it was helpful and engaging to get involved with