Lisa Harris Marketing

…with an obvious answer in 21st century educational settings, conveniently confirmed by Cristina Costa in her informative post earlier today about the challenges for learners that are inherent in today’s digital world. Cristina notes:

“It is important to bring people together for true collaboration, not just for representation in committees. It is by working closely together that we will be able to understand people’s approach and transform ours.”

What prompted me to write this was an email exchange that I observed the other day, and which has been winding me up every time I recall it. Someone was complaining that the new departmental shared printing facilities meant that other people might “steal his ideas”. Are there really any ideas that would not be enhanced from sharing, feedback and discussion? Surely you “get back” far more than you “give away”? And just think how easy it is now to achieve this position with modern communication tools. So why are some people still so resistant to sharing? Answers on a blog post please… 

With a number of new Masters and PhD students starting this month, it seems timely to update my note from last year on harmonious tutor/tutee relationships:

If you have chosen your supervisor because your project matches their research interests, then it does make sense to actually read and comment on their blogs, follow them on Twitter and Slideshare, read the articles they have bookmarked on (new) Delicious, attend their classes etc. They may well do the same for you in return, and then you both end up learning something

Do not expect to discuss a blank sheet of paper with your supervisor – be proactive and give him/her something in writing that they can feedback on. We DO NOT expect perfection but we DO expect you to show some initiative.

Please don’t refer to yourself in the 3^rd person throughout your work – in the 21^st century this is a privilege reserved only for royalty…

Please don’t use American English – unless you are based in North America, in which case you are reluctantly excused

If you are submitting drafts for feedback that your supervisor has already seen, please make sure you have used “track changes” so that they can see exactly what you have changed since the last version.

Plain English is fine – please note that strangulated sentences and outdated academic language do not add any value to your work.

Please do not annoy your supervisor by asking impossible questions such as “tell me what I’ve left out?” or “how many references do I need?”

Finally, remember that apostrophes are possessive not plural!

Feedback on these points, or additional comments from colleagues and current students would be most welcome!