About the Research Students' Forum (pka PESSA Forum)
The Research Students' Forum is a biannual event through which higher degree research students can showcase their research, and receive valuable feedback from academics and peers. It is also the event which brings together the most number of higher degree research students from the Faculty of Education and Social Work in one place and time.
- History
- Why Present?
- Presentation Requirements
- Why Attend?
- Dates for 2009
- Outstanding Research Student Award
- Enquiries
History
The forum was originally organised and hosted by the Postgraduate Education and Social Work Student Association (PESSA is in abeyance for 2008 as there were not enough students to form a PESSA Executive). Over the years, the number of presentations and students attending have increased, as has the amount of work involved with organising this event. In 2006, the Sub-Dean, Division of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Education and Social Work, began financially supporting the event by funding the dinner. In 2007, the Faculty formerly recognised the time involved to organise this event by creating the Research Student Liaison Officer position and including organising this event in the statement of duties for this role.
Why Present?
Presenting at a Research Students' Forum is a great opportunity for higher degree research students to practise their presentation skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Many students have said this is a great way to prepare for a national or international conference.
“I presented at the forum and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was wonderful having people come to listen to my research in progress and equally satisfying to listen to others.” Presenting student in Semester 1, 2007.
Presentation Requirements
It is a requirement of candidature that higher degree research students in the Faculty of Education and Social Work present at a conference or Research Students' Forum. The requirement details are set out as below:
MEd (Res) – at least 1 poster presentation
MPhil – at least 1 paper presentation
PhD, EdD, DSW – at least 2 paper presentations
Students have the period of their candidature to meet these requirements.
Why Attend?
It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow students, find out about the pioneering research they are working on, and generally network.
Here are some comments from people who attended previous forums:
“I have never missed a PESSA Forum since I began my (research degree) ..... I find it a great opportunity to meet and learn about what others are doing.”
“I attend because I find it interesting hearing of other people's approaches to their research, their challenges and ways they address these.”
"I always find interesting to listen to new and exciting research producing by Higher Research students in the Faculty." Chair in Semester 1, 2008.
Dates for 2009
Semester 1: Thursday 4 June 2009
Click here for photos and program from the Research Students' Forum held on 4 June 2009.
Semester 2: Thursday 22 October 2009 - CHANGE OF DATE
Click here for full details of the forum.
Enquiries
Please contact Suin Jung if you have an enquiry about the forum.