This week’s collection of posts from around the web includes advice on writing for impact, ways to reduce fear of theory, changes in the affordability of textbooks, and an author’s perspective on self publishing from a dissertation. We also found articles on invited keynotes, more creative presentation delivery practices, and a new podcast for PhDs.

Albert Schweitzer said, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” At TAA we are grateful for our members, followers, and supporters who light a flame within us every day. Happy writing!

Writing for impact: Scholarship & practice

It is Academic Writing Month at SAGE MethodSpace, and for 2018 we are looking at ways researchers develop a holistic publication strategy. Any strategy should take into consideration the potential for real impact, or making a difference with one’s research and writing. Dr. Melanie Cohen has been organizing workshops at the Academy of Management’s annual conference to engage attendees in thinking about these questions. I interviewed her about this impressive project, and what she has learned.

Theory fright – part 2

Theory is explanation. Last post I suggested that this understanding might help to reduce fear of theory. This week, another piece in the fright reduction puzzle. Something else that might help reduce fear of theory is the understanding that not every piece of research uses theory. But all research, regardless of its aims and objectives and its discipline, works with key concepts. And key concepts have to hang together coherently. As a framework. A conceptual framework.

The coming wave of affordable textbooks

While it is customary nowadays to think of things in purely binary terms — something must either be wholly this or wholly that — it seems likely that textbooks have a pluralistic future, with the three models summarized above each finding their place in an evolving marketplace. The traditional model dominates today and will play a large role in the foreseeable future. Inclusive access is starting from a tiny base today, but is likely to expand rapidly, in part because librarians have their hands on these programs and can swiftly mobilize their immense community. OER occupies a niche today and will continue to grow, but it has a structural limitation in that it requires highly motivated instructors to create syllabuses around them.

Self publishing from a dissertation: An author interview

It is Academic Writing Month at SAGE MethodSpace, and for 2018 we are looking at ways researchers develop a holistic publication strategy. This means looking at all of the options, and choosing the type that fits with our content, will allow us to reach our target audience, and create real impact. This is the second post in the series about the choice to publish independently or self-publish. (See the interview with Dr. Fuehrer to learn about his book.) This interview is with Dr. Kristine D. Jones-Pasley.  She also contributed a post about her work for the Research for Social Good series.

Reflections on doing an invited keynote

“We would like to wholeheartedly invite you to give the introductory keynote speech at our conference,” said the message on Research Gate. “Oh yeah,” I thought, “Another scam conference invitation!” But one that was not scheduled for Las Vegas or Bangkok. Working from the cautious maxim that I should not be so cynical, I decided to do some investigating, just in case.

Engage your audience beyond the slides: 4 ways to add creativity to your presentation package

I’m so excited to be a guest contributor to Helen’s blog. I’ve learned a lot by reading her posts and love that she is helping folks be more creative in their research methods. I thought this would be a perfect place for me to talk about how to engage your audience beyond the use of your slides, so you can maximize your potential presentation impact. Specifically, I’ll be talking about how to add more creative elements to your presentation package.

New podcast: Passionate PhDs

Podcasts are still hot hot hot! I love listening to them when I drive, exercise and cook. I want to draw your attention to a new podcast specifically for PhD graduates by Elizabeth Lam, a chemist and science writer. Elizabeth is doing a new podcast about PhD graduates finding employment outside academia and tells you all about it, and how you can participate, in this post.