Knowing that the research final defense schedule is coming closer brings that sudden rush of nervousness, and that's precisely what I felt during our time.
We were prepared, but that feeling still remained until we went to that room with all the research panelists and our adviser. But then things went nice and smooth. All the nervousness turned to sweet smiles, so here I am sharing what my team and I did.
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Be a great contributor
Not all teams are indeed cooperative. Whether we like it or not, some group members just contribute one thing and then nothing else. But believe me when I say you can still make your team work better. Sometimes, the problem is how you handle such a situation.
I get it when you say that we all have different tolerance, but as a leader, one thing I have learned throughout the years is to be more patient. Sometimes kasi, there are a few students who tend to get easily angry, and I know exactly how it felt because I've been in the same situation. It will just make you more stressed, so what you need to do is to look at the brighter side.
Set a meeting and ask your members the parts they are comfortable doing. If you are the leader, you should not personally choose what part your members will do. Ask them first, then motivate them. How? Just be nice. That sounds too simple, right? But it's being overlooked sometimes. When you're nice and passionate, your groupmates will like you, and they will be less likely to cause trouble.
As for the members of the group, aim to be the best in a good way. Do not be too competitive. As a group, you are expected to help each other so that your output will be as good as you envisioned. Walang pupuntahan ang katamaran. So, set aside your mamaya na habit and just do it. Do you want to be recognized as the best research presenter and have the best paper? Then, do your part.
Know your research by heart
Knowing your topic by heart is very important. While it is okay to think that no study is ideally perfect, still do your best to familiarize yourself and know exactly what your research is all about.
It should actually answer your questions, especially those that were included in your SOP. As they say, you know its content if you really made it.
You don't need to memorize everything. Just get the gist of each part, and from there, you can use it to answer the possible questions to be asked.
Rehearse and try answering some common questions
There is no exact copy of what questions are to be asked, but you can develop your ability to give effective answers by trying to answer some of the Possible Common Questions in the Research Final Defense.
Using these questions, formulate responses and try speaking in front of a mirror to boost your confidence. This strategy works most of the time because it alleviates your nervousness.
Answer questions to the best of your ability
If you know what your research is all about, it is more likely that you can answer. So when a question is thrown at you, just respond to the best of your ability. You might have heard it countless times already, but I want to reiterate that you know your research better than anyone else in the room, so use that advantage with confidence to ace all the questions.
Further, just be honest with yourself and know the limitations of your topic so you would know how to respond if ever they will be raised. Your research adviser will guide you naman or give a final walkthrough before the actual defense.
Final tips
- Refrain from dwelling on different points for too long because time is of the essence. Besides, you have given your panelist some copies.
- Speak articulately. Not too slow or loud. It should be clear.
- Have a proper posture while presenting and answering the question.
- Refrain from looking at the source material. If you can't look directly into their eyes, just look at their foreheads. This will make them think you are prepared for all their questions, which will lead them to ask little questions and will just give some recommendations on how to make your study even better.
- Less is good. Too much is bad. Just answer what is asked. Do not mention irrelevant things.
- Lastly, get a good sleep the night before your defense. Do not feel overwhelmed. You prepared for it, and that's enough. Do not skip breakfast, and so make sure to dress well.
Preparation is indeed an essential thing in events such as research final defense. The thing you need to do is to actually start preparing now. Again, set aside your mamaya na habit and choose to do what you can do now. Good luck, and God bless!
Senior High School Tips