NARRATOR:
You will hear a university tutor discussing dissertation planning and study skills with a student called Caroline.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 23.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 23.
TUTOR:
Caroline, come in and take a seat.
TUTOR:
How are your dissertation plans progressing?
CAROLINE:
To be honest, Dr. Schulman, I'm still struggling to settle on a title.
TUTOR:
That's quite normal at this point.
TUTOR:
One purpose of these tutorials is to help you make that decision.
TUTOR:
Let's note down a few things that may guide you.
TUTOR:
You have already selected a broad subject area, haven't you?
CAROLINE:
Yes, I want to focus on the fishing industry.
TUTOR:
I remember that was one of the fields you were considering.
TUTOR:
Which parts of the course do you feel most confident about?
CAROLINE:
I'm doing well in statistics, and I find it interesting rather than tedious.
CAROLINE:
Computer modeling really appeals to me.
CAROLINE:
I can follow the material without difficulty, although several people in my class find it hard.
TUTOR:
Those sound like useful elements to include in the dissertation.
TUTOR:
Could you bring them into your research?
CAROLINE:
I'd like to, but I can't yet see how to combine them.
CAROLINE:
I also feel that I don't know enough background material.
TUTOR:
How effective are your notes?
CAROLINE:
Note-taking is one of my weakest skills.
CAROLINE:
My teachers used to point that out as well.
TUTOR:
Then you should deal with those weaknesses before moving much further.
CAROLINE:
What would you recommend?
CAROLINE:
Before you hear the rest of the tutorial, you have some time to look at questions 24 to 30.
CAROLINE:
Now listen and answer questions 24 to 30.
TUTOR:
I can talk you through several possible approaches, and you can decide which ones might suit you.
CAROLINE:
That would be helpful.
TUTOR:
Some students organize discussions with their peers.
TUTOR:
Each week, one member researches a separate topic and explains it to the rest of the group.
TUTOR:
Presenting material to other people can do a great deal to increase your confidence.
CAROLINE:
That makes sense.
TUTOR:
The disadvantage is that members of a group often exchange the same ideas, and those ideas then appear repeatedly in everyone's dissertation.
CAROLINE:
Yes, that could be a problem.
TUTOR:
Another option is a service called Student Support.
TUTOR:
It provides a structured program lasting several weeks to improve academic skills.
CAROLINE:
That sounds useful.
TUTOR:
It is, but only a limited number of places are available.
TUTOR:
Even so, it is worth investigating.
CAROLINE:
I know my study methods need attention.
TUTOR:
You could also consult some of the books on study skills.
TUTOR:
They can be valuable for reference, but their advice is sometimes too general.
CAROLINE:
Yes, I've noticed that myself.
TUTOR:
Apart from those options, I strongly recommend a few simple techniques, such as keeping a card index.
CAROLINE:
I've never tried that.
TUTOR:
It is straightforward but effective, because it forces you to record each point in a small space.
TUTOR:
I also tell students not to put their notes away and forget them.
TUTOR:
Read every set of notes three times.
TUTOR:
That helps the information stay in your memory.
CAROLINE:
I can see the benefit, although it would require discipline.
TUTOR:
If you develop strong study habits now, they will remain useful throughout your life.
CAROLINE:
My difficulty is making myself follow a routine.
CAROLINE:
I find it helpful to discuss things with someone.
TUTOR:
We'll continue these tutorials, of course.
TUTOR:
Let's arrange the next one now.
TUTOR:
I'm available at almost any time in the week, beginning January 22nd.
CAROLINE:
Could we meet on the 24th?
CAROLINE:
I'm free that afternoon.
TUTOR:
I'm afraid I already have an appointment then.
TUTOR:
How about the day after?
CAROLINE:
Thursday the 25th?
CAROLINE:
I could come in the morning.
TUTOR:
Let's make it the 25th.
NARRATOR:
That is the end of part three.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute to check your answers to part three.
