The more original and innovative, the better
Sunday, 21 December 2008
M A Islam
IN recent years there has been more practice of research works and report writing at university level in Bangladesh. This is a very good sign that the higher level students are being involved in this creative and innovative exercise. This has surely added value to the education standard in the country.
But a question arises: how much our students have been inspired to do such works?
There are students who always try to do research works on their own. They do not copy from other reports. They base their research on their own work. Such exercise makes their works original, they become competent. Their works are appreciated by faculty members. When faculty members read their original reports, they also learn things and are impressed.
But there is also tendency among students to copy from previous reports and not to conduct research in the true sense of the term. They do prepare questionnaires, but instead of going to the respondents, they fill them up in their own desks. Such 'fake' research activities do not bring the really intended results. So, the ultimate objective of research goes in vain.
When students copy from previous reports, their repors are not original and so reading those reports might be boring often. Such practice of 'copying' is responsible for their low level of confidence.
Following are some tips about conducting research and writing report at university level:
First, involve yourself with the whole process. The more you are involved and active, the more you will be able to learn and you will be original in thinking. Your report ultimately will be a worthy one.
Second, if it is a group work, let there be distribution of work. No one should sit idle and no one should take excessive burden. If it is a concerted effort, the presentation will likely be a sound one. The teacher will easily understand that you have put in team efforts and each one of you will get good marks for your sincere and hard work.
Third, prepare your questionnaire very carefully. Before doing the field work, do a pre-testing of the questionnaire. This means: go to respondents, ask and fill out the questionnaires. When you come back, think what questions needs to be modified and modify them so that the questionnaire become more practical and this will make your research work valuable.
Fourth, start writing of the report from the very beginning of the day. You might ask: how will I write a report without data or findings from the field? Yes, you can easily start. At least, you can make a skeleton of your report. And work gradually on the report. This will help you even in field activities of the research. You will understand what type of questions you need to ask to the respondents and how to ask them.
Fifth, in the middle of your report writing, start making slides for your power point presentation. If you work on the slides for a good number of days, your presentation can be be a satisfactory one.
Sixth, the whole task will be inspiriting for you if you know the implications of your research. It is better if you can explain how your findings can be used or the findings can later be used by the next batches of the department. If you can do so, your teachers will surely appreciate your thinking.
Seventh, when you are busy with research and report writing, you must continually remember the benefits of your research. This will stimulate you all the time.
Eighth, if possible, take help of some professional researchers. This will help you in conducting a standard research work and you will be appreciated by your faculty.
Ninth, update your teacher from time to time and take his or her feedback. This will help you be on the track.
If you are good in research, report writing and presentation, you will be very confident in your professional life and this skill will be a great asset for you to succeed in your future endeavours.
IN recent years there has been more practice of research works and report writing at university level in Bangladesh. This is a very good sign that the higher level students are being involved in this creative and innovative exercise. This has surely added value to the education standard in the country.
But a question arises: how much our students have been inspired to do such works?
There are students who always try to do research works on their own. They do not copy from other reports. They base their research on their own work. Such exercise makes their works original, they become competent. Their works are appreciated by faculty members. When faculty members read their original reports, they also learn things and are impressed.
But there is also tendency among students to copy from previous reports and not to conduct research in the true sense of the term. They do prepare questionnaires, but instead of going to the respondents, they fill them up in their own desks. Such 'fake' research activities do not bring the really intended results. So, the ultimate objective of research goes in vain.
When students copy from previous reports, their repors are not original and so reading those reports might be boring often. Such practice of 'copying' is responsible for their low level of confidence.
Following are some tips about conducting research and writing report at university level:
First, involve yourself with the whole process. The more you are involved and active, the more you will be able to learn and you will be original in thinking. Your report ultimately will be a worthy one.
Second, if it is a group work, let there be distribution of work. No one should sit idle and no one should take excessive burden. If it is a concerted effort, the presentation will likely be a sound one. The teacher will easily understand that you have put in team efforts and each one of you will get good marks for your sincere and hard work.
Third, prepare your questionnaire very carefully. Before doing the field work, do a pre-testing of the questionnaire. This means: go to respondents, ask and fill out the questionnaires. When you come back, think what questions needs to be modified and modify them so that the questionnaire become more practical and this will make your research work valuable.
Fourth, start writing of the report from the very beginning of the day. You might ask: how will I write a report without data or findings from the field? Yes, you can easily start. At least, you can make a skeleton of your report. And work gradually on the report. This will help you even in field activities of the research. You will understand what type of questions you need to ask to the respondents and how to ask them.
Fifth, in the middle of your report writing, start making slides for your power point presentation. If you work on the slides for a good number of days, your presentation can be be a satisfactory one.
Sixth, the whole task will be inspiriting for you if you know the implications of your research. It is better if you can explain how your findings can be used or the findings can later be used by the next batches of the department. If you can do so, your teachers will surely appreciate your thinking.
Seventh, when you are busy with research and report writing, you must continually remember the benefits of your research. This will stimulate you all the time.
Eighth, if possible, take help of some professional researchers. This will help you in conducting a standard research work and you will be appreciated by your faculty.
Ninth, update your teacher from time to time and take his or her feedback. This will help you be on the track.
If you are good in research, report writing and presentation, you will be very confident in your professional life and this skill will be a great asset for you to succeed in your future endeavours.