B4 - The PhD Action Lab (PAL)

Workshop overview: 

A cooperative learning approach to doctoral research [PhD] studies.

The PhD Action Lab [PAL] approach

• Cooperative learning
• Focused activities
• Paying it forward, paying it back

What would the PhD Action Lab, (cooperative learning lab) look like?

• Think Science lab without the beakers!
• Weekly space shared by students and supervisors
• Guest experts for upskilling
• Cooperative writing and feedback

This workshop aims to introduce The PhD Action Lab. This concept encourages doctoral research students to 'hit the ground running' once accepted into their doctoral program through the use of cooperative learning and the creation of a “lab” atmosphere to improve the quality of experience of doctoral research students and supervisors, as well as to improve the successful completion statistics (aka retention).

Workshop topics covered: 

Startup Activities:

• The Hunch
• The 60-second sell
• The Vote
• The Cooperative
• The Validation
• The Challenge
• The Outcome

SurveyMonkey and/or GoSoapBox tools for feedback and data collection

Workshop outcomes: 

By the end of the workshop, participants should: 

• An understanding of how the PhD Action Lab can support doctoral students through to their Confirmation document and presentation completion.

Format: 

Facilitated action-learning workshop