Summer holidays beckon - do they?

Waiting.. not knowing.... 'It's dire' you say? I am guessing that a lot of people are guessing what is possible for a holiday. Well, academia seems to take a long break from studies: does it? Actually, no. Summer is still the season for students doing re-sits and dissertations.

What's more, it is time for academic staff to plan the following year. They are supposed to do their own research projects too. So is it holiday time?

May I suggest we all do have a break of some kind? 'A change is as good as a rest,' they say. Sunshine or rain we all need a physical and psychological break somehow, even at home.

So what is hanging over you? Resits? Do be careful to get the right guidance on the papers that have missed the mark. Your tutors should assist with that. Contact them and if needed, me too. Look carefully at the comments already on the marked paper and work out what you should do to sort it out and get a revised paper written in time for the deadline. August is one deadline often given; it is in time for the administrators to meet an exam board in September.

Another deadline might involve the dire Dissertations! Masters degrees dissertations can be submitted in June or August or September depending on the college. I have written on how to check papers and dissertations in an earlier blog; take a look. One key thing is to keep the thread of the argument through every section. Answer your own research question and if the evidence points away from your original conclusion then, argue the reasons out. Strong structures have strong arguments.

Do I detect a dire need for a bit of Dyer logic to help a floundering student? If the reader is not already preparing to finish a year, what of those starting to study in September? Preparation is still needed.

Is summer a holiday? May I suggest you start reading books on study skills for academic writing? I would be happy to discuss study skills with any of you reading this at whatever stage you are. Please contact me and we can arrange a zoom or phone call at least!