International researcher gives feedback on products

Brief description

Through a series of sessions on Zoom, an international guest lecturer provides feedback on PhD students' products (draft texts, presentations or similar). This strengthens students’ academic level and how they identify with the subject's international research field, which may in turn increase motivation for the individual student.

Motivation

It may be relevant to involve an international guest lecturer in cases where this person is a recognised figure within a particular field, theory, methodology, etc. that the students are working on as part of the course. Meeting the author of articles students have read can have great academic and pedagogical value for the students, and so can receiving feedback from the author of an article that has been used or assessed in an assignment.  

Having to give keynotes can be very time-consuming for international researchers. Giving feedback on students' products is easier and more dynamic for them.

Description of the activity

Background

The course takes place at a summer school, which is part of a large international collaboration project between several universities (ANTHUSIA). The project/summer school has 16 PhD students who are part of clusters, which can be viewed as study/research groups.

Online feedback sessions

The students meet in their clusters for feedback sessions on their product with a teacher and a visiting researcher who acts as an academic opponent.

Preparation
- The students have created a short product in advance in the form of a text, presentation, video or exhibition which the visiting researcher has had an opportunity to see and consider.
- The teacher must ensure that the students master presentations and dialogue in the video conference system and is responsible for setting up the system and inviting participants.
Online presentation and feedback
- The students give a short presentation of their product and focus on the central thoughts, ideas or considerations.  
- The guest lecturer provides overall feedback on the product and the presentation. The teacher in charge will supplement with comments, and it may be a good idea to involve the rest of the class.
- The teacher facilitates the course and ensures that students keep to the time allowed.

Resources for students:

Relevant texts.

Subsequent recording of the presentation.

Support for students:

Zoom link via AU Studypedia.
Description of process
Template for draft text

Applied technology

Zoom for work sessions between the students and for presentations and feedback
Office365-version of Word for co-writing processes

Outcome of the activity

The students established contacts with researchers in their field, which benefitted both their PhD projects and their future job opportunities.

Challenges

International researchers and teaching staff are busy. They must be able to see the advantage of participating and gaining insight into the material of young researchers.

Useful tips

Which researcher colleagues or experts could be relevant to contact to test this format? 
Are there any linguistic barriers worth considering before the presentation? 
What are the options of returning the favour?

Basic information

Faculty: Arts, IKS
Degree programme: Anthropology
Course: PhD Summer School for Anthropology (ANTHUSIA)
Study level: PhD
Size of class: 16 PhD students (in DK) – 200 other students and other participants in the course