Lecture Notes: Turbocharge Your Thesis

Introduction

Previewing:
- Assess relevance by examining titles, headings, and references
- Decide on the necessity and depth of reading
Skimming:
- Quickly identify key ideas, often faster than regular reading
- Helps decide if detailed reading is needed
Scanning:
- Search for specific information
- Useful for theories, methodologies, or findings of interest
- Read with a specific purpose
Analytical Reading:
- Understand text structure and idea hierarchy
- Useful for writing guidance and organization
Close Reading:
- Detailed reading for specific sections based on purpose
- Focus on language, theory, or findings

Highlighting and Underlining:
- Selective highlighting to maintain discernment
Concept Maps:
- Visual representation of ideas and their links
- One sheet of A4 paper, created post-reading
Lists and Summaries:
- Key ideas, references, and a one or five-sentence summaries
- Distill major insights from texts
Annotated Bibliography:
- Systematic documentation of reading insights
Critical Reading Notes:
- Analyze strengths, limitations, and critical insights

Free Writing:
- Uninhibited writing to explore ideas
- Enhances voice and personal insight
Lists and Brainstorming:
- Organize thoughts and identify key points
- Can help transition from brainstorming to structured writing
Mind Mapping and Outlining:
- Create outlines, headings, and first paragraph sentences
- Organize writing logically and identify content gaps

Activities: Practical application of reading, note-taking, and writing strategies
Environment: Safe setting to experiment and learn
Engagement: Encouraged to comment and share additional strategies

Resources: Developed with support from the UTS Graduate Research School and Terry Royce

Note: Aim for smart, purposeful approaches to reading and writing, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness.