Taller: Cómo estructurar tu defensa de tesis

Summary

This video script by Paula, the coordinator of the Writer Program for University of Chile thesis students, outlines the structure and tips for a successful thesis defense. It covers the formalities, presentation, questioning, deliberation, and final feedback stages. Paula advises focusing on key points, understanding the expertise of the evaluation committee, and anticipating questions. She suggests a clear structure for the defense: introduction, development, and conclusion, emphasizing the importance of practice and presenting the defense as an opportunity to join the academic community as a colleague.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The defense is a formal final instance where you present your research work orally.
• 👥 It usually involves a committee that includes your advisor and other experts in your field of research.
• 🗓 The defense structure typically includes a welcome, your thesis defense, a Q&A session, deliberation, and the final verdict.
• 🕒 The duration of the defense can vary but is commonly between 20 to 30 minutes, with additional time for questions.
• 🏆 Successful defense leads to the approval of your thesis and the awarding of your degree or title.
• 🔍 Focus on the key elements of your thesis that you want to highlight during the limited time for oral presentation.
• 🤔 Anticipate potential questions and tensions that may arise and prepare strategies to address them effectively.
• 📈 Organize your defense with a clear structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
• 📊 In the body, cover the key aspects of your research, including objectives, methods, and main findings, using visuals like tables or graphs if appropriate.
• 📝 In the conclusion, interpret your results, discuss the implications, and mention the limitations and future projections of your study.
• 📚 Attend public defenses to familiarize yourself with the format and reduce anxiety about the final evaluation.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video presented by Paula?

The purpose of the video is to guide students on how to structure and prepare for their thesis defense, seminar, or other graduation work presentations.

What are the typical formats for a thesis defense?

A thesis defense can be private or public, conducted in-person or, since the pandemic, remotely via telecommunication methods.

Who usually composes the evaluation committee in a thesis defense?

The evaluation committee typically includes the student's advisor and other invited experts with experience and expertise in the student's research area or related fields.

What are the common parts of a thesis defense structure?

A thesis defense usually consists of a formal welcome, the student's presentation, a question and answer session, a deliberation period where the student is asked to leave, and finally, the announcement of the results.

How long does a typical thesis defense presentation last?

The duration of a thesis defense presentation can vary but usually ranges between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the discipline.

What should a student consider when preparing for the question and answer session after the defense?

A student should prepare to answer questions that may clarify aspects of the research, delve deeper into certain elements, or relate to ideas from other authors.

Why is it important for a student to know the focus of their defense before preparing their presentation?

Knowing the focus helps the student to highlight the most important aspects of their research, considering the committee's expertise and the questions they might ask.

How should a student incorporate the feedback they received on their thesis into their defense presentation?

A student should integrate the feedback organically into their presentation.