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- Title
IDENTIFYING UNMET TRAINING NEEDS FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS IN THE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES THROUGH AUDIT OF EXAMINERS' REPORTS.
- Authors
Tonks, Amanda Jayne; Williams, Anwen Sian
- Abstract
Aim/Purpose Understanding the educational needs of postgraduate research candidates (PGRs) is essential to facilitate development, support attainment, and maintain graduate quality. Background The production and effective defence of the research thesis are the summative assessment tools used in postgraduate research education. Examiners' reports provide a rich source of feedback and indicate the gap between the candidate's level of performance and that expected for the award. This provides a lens through which to view the unmet training needs of PGR cohorts. Methodology Following a review of all examiner reports for PGR assessments held over a 12 month period, we explored the quantitative and qualitative dimension data in context in order to identify common training needs for our PGR students. Utilising this theoretical framework and standard thematic analysis, we identified recurring themes and were able to determine key areas for future focus. Contribution This study utilises independent comment from postgraduate research candidate thesis and oral examination assessment to identify unmet core research training needs. Findings We recognised seven key areas identified by the examiners for improvement: i) quality of scientific writing, ii) general presentation of thesis, iii) statistics /data analysis, iv) understanding / critical appraisal, v) experimental design, vi) English language and vii) supervision. Academic literacy and numeracy stood out as key areas for future training focus. The results highlight areas for future focus in educational provision and targeted training for PGRs undertaking biomedical and life sciences research within our faculty.
- Subjects
GRADUATE students; MEDICAL sciences; DATA analysis
- Publication
International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 2018, Vol 13, p169
- ISSN
1556-8881
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.28945/4003