Monday Motivation #25 (11/2/2020)
Welcome to November!
Last spring, I taught a new graduate course for the first time. Now called EGR 993, the class was designed to support Engineering graduate students while they write their thesis or dissertation.
On the first day of class, I introduced the idea of making a timeline to help guide the progress of a big writing project. I left time during class to work on this assignment, and actually drafted a timeline for myself to get several papers drafted for submission to ASEE (the American Society of Engineering Education).
Our classes were three hours long that semester, with the idea that we’d spend most of the time working on our own writing projects. Students liked having the dedicated time to meet each week, particularly since it can be hard to develop a routine for the semester when your primary goal is to write a thesis or dissertation. I liked having the time set aside too: I managed to fully draft three different papers, integrate feedback from my co-authors, and submit them by the deadline. It was a huge improvement over my “typical” routine of sitting down the week(end) before and dashing out something marginally acceptable, then hoping that it would be accepted and I’d have time to revise and fine-tune it before the final submission.
This semester, I’m teaching EGR 993 again — although we are experimenting with one-hour classes this semester. Students have time to work with peers or make progress on their own writing projects during each class, and it’s been nice to “see” students regularly even if we are meeting over zoom. I’m sharing a number of resources this week to help with your own writing projects, including information on how to sign up for EGR 993 next semester if you’re interested!
Katy
Three Things to Try This Week
Read about Writing — tips from a graduate student on getting the dissertation (or thesis) done!
Write In — the MSU Graduate School hosts a virtual writing session on the “first Friday” of each month.
Write Right — Make sure you pay attention to ergonomics and take breaks while you’re writing. Here are some exercises to help your hands and wrists!
More Resources
- Try a creative writing exercise to get the words flowing and shake up your routine.
- November is AcWriMo and also NaNoWriMo.
- Check out the website for EGR 993, and consider signing up when you’re ready to write your thesis or dissertation!
