9  Semester 2 Week 5

9.1 Developing evaluation in the discussion, peer review of discussion

In this session, we concentrate mainly on Discussion sections. I cover evaluation using the resources from the RM2 lab (Introductions were covered in Semester 1 Week 9). We then use this as jumping off point to talk about their Discussions. We then discuss peer review of Discussing sections.

At the end of the session, I remind students that the next group session will be no-stakes presentations on their initial findings (no need to have completed analysis). There are no slides and they should prepare to talk for 5 mins.

9.1.1 Expected progress

  • By week 5, projects should be finished in terms of data collection and analysis ongoing
  • I would be expecting Methods sections to be submitted by now (unless the student is submitting it alongside results/analysis)

9.1.2 Evaluation in discussions

  • Here, I show the students the poor and stronger versions of excerpts within Discussions and we then have a chat about what they think. The three things we look at are:
    • Linking findings to the evidence base
      • i.e. where students link to the evidence base but only say if it agrees/disagrees, rather than going further
    • Limitations
      • including quantitative limitations,
      • covering lots of different limitations but not going into depth
    • Implications
      • not linking to the evidence base in support
      • over-inflating the importance of the study
  • I also (briefly) discuss with students the importance of situating their findings within the wider context (i.e. why is it important/does it link to theory etc.?).

9.1.3 Peer review of the Discussion section

  • As students don’t get feedback from supervisors on their Discussion sections, I discuss doing peer review with them.
  • Either I can organise it or they can organise it within themselves (they usually self-organise along methods in some way (qual reading qual etc.))
  • I provide them with a some guidance for completing feedback

9.2 Internal resources

Staff notes, tips and excerpts on Developing Evaluation in Discussions

Guidance on completing peer feedback for the Discussion

Resources on evaluation in Discussion sections (from RM2 ODL book)

9.3 External resources

Guidance from APA about what to include in a Discussion section

Phrasebank from Manchester University which students might find helpful as a starter, when discussing their findings