8/18/2019 MS Thesis Methodology Workshop Session Plan Jan 2016.pdf

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8/18/2019 MS Thesis Methodology Workshop Session Plan Jan 2016.pdf

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Post Grad Thesis Planning and Methods Workshop - Copyright Mukesh Patel 2 

SESSION 2 – CONDUCTING THE KNOWLEDGE BUILDING PROCESS

JOINT SESSION - Wednesday 6th

 Jan 2016 (9am)

  Importance of knowing the state-of-the-art in the field/topic/idea.

  Process of determining appropriate approach and method for thesis topic/idea/statement.

 

Data/Information gathering - Case-based methodology and its relevance for Architecture,Planning and Design (contrast with scientific research method).

  Analysis and Inferences/Conclusions.

  Value of drafting an outline and/or an abstract.

ASSIGNMENT 3 – Apply the How do I make my thesis statement Strong (subsection in How to Write

a Thesis Statement) to your MS Thesis Proposals. Critically review appropriateness of

Approach/Method vis-à-vis thesis topic/statement for presentation in SESSION 3. 

ASSIGNMENT 4 – SELECT TWO ARTICLES/PUBLICATIONS relevant to your MS Thesis Topic and write

ONE Paragraph synthesized summary of both. Use the Synthesise Grid Handout. To be reviewed in

SESSION 4. 

HANDOUTS:

  How to Write a Thesis Statement  – Subsection How do I make my thesis statement Strong 

  Template for Analyzing the LOGIC of an Article/Essay 

  Article Synthesis Grid 

SESSION 3 – REVIEW OF PROPOSED THESIS TOPICS 

SESSION 3a - Thursday 7th

 Jan 2016 (9am)SESSION 3b - Thursday 7

th Jan 2016 (3pm)

SESSION 3c - Friday 8th

 Jan 2016 (3pm)

In-class Review of proposed MS Thesis topics and associated approach and method. This will

include very short (2/3 min) presentations.

The outcome would be a deeper understanding of the importance of the following:

1- 

Iterative process of idea generation as a result of critical review of question/topic to address

the research focus. Utility of brainstorming and awareness of the state-of-art in the chosen

field.2-  Fine tuning the question/topic/idea and determining the appropriate/applicable approach

method of study/investigation; role of other relevant knowledge/publications in helping

with this process. Utility of literature survey and review, Mind Maps, etc.

3- 

Appreciate the importance of systematic and methodological approach to knowledge

gathering, sampling, data collection, etc. WHAT; WHERE; WHO and HOW? Importance of

this for other academics and/or verification.

4-  Analysis of data with respect to research question/topic; weighting/evaluating evidence

applicable in verifying/refuting research question/issue.

5-  Drawing valid conclusion or inferences supported by analysis. How this is part of the

collective knowledge building process.

In-class Review: Template for Analyzing the LOGIC of an Article/Essay/Publication

8/18/2019 MS Thesis Methodology Workshop Session Plan Jan 2016.pdf

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Post Grad Thesis Planning and Methods Workshop - Copyright Mukesh Patel 3 

ASSIGNMENT 5 – SELECT TWO ARTICLES/ESSAY (Publications in a peer reviewed and respected

 journals) in any area of architecture/planning/design and Apply template to analyse it. Apply

Template for Analyzing the LOGIC of an Article/Essay/Publication for review in SESSION 4.

HANDOUTS:

  Critical Thinking - Concepts and Tools (for SESSION 6) 

 

Peer Review Worksheets (for SESSION 6) 

SESSIONS 4 – CLOSE READING AND CRITICAL EVALUATION OF ARTICLES/PUBLICATIONS

SESSION 4a - Monday 11th

 Jan 2016 (9am)

SESSION 4b - Monday 11th

 Jan (3pm)

SESSION 4c - Tuesday 12th

 2016 (9am)

  In-class Review of analysis/assessment of chosen papers (are per Template for Analyzing

the LOGIC of an Article/Essay/Publication)   In depth evaluation of selected papers with respect to:

1-  Inquiry or Research focus/topic

2-  Review approach and method and data collection and analysis

3-  Review discussion of analysis, inferences and conclusion

  In-class Review of ONE paragraph synthesis of two articles relevant to their research

topic/question.

SESSION 5 - REVIEW OF REVISED THESIS PROPOSAL and EVALUATION ASSIGNMENT

JOINT SESSION - Tuesday 12th 2016 (3pm)

  In-class Review of Critical Thinking - Concepts and Tools. 

  Review of selected design/research/thesis proposal and proposed methods, etc.

  Recap of nature of scientific/academic research and communication.

  Key elements of the knowledge building process with respect to

ARCHITECTURE/PLANNING/DESIGN.

  GENERAL DISCUSSION and Q and A.

List of Handouts (written, complied, edited by Mukesh Patel):

1-  Guidelines for Analyses and Assessment of Academic Inquiry or Research Dec 2015

2-  How do I Write a Thesis Statement Dec 2015

3-  Brainstorming Fundamentals Dec 2015

4-  How Do I know if my Thesis is STRONG Dec 2015

5-  Template for Analyzing the LOGIC of an Article/Essay Dec 2015

6-  Article Synthesis Grid Dec 2015

7-  Critical Thinking - Concepts and Tools Dec 2015 

8-  Peer Review Worksheets Dec 2015