The Wyrd Learning Podcast - Understand Uni Life

Dr. Tracy Dix and Dr. Alex Patel @Wyrd Learning
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Hi! We are Alex and Tracy, with our combined 40 years' experience of teaching students & supporting learning at various UK Universities, we will give a unique insight in to life at University, illustrated with humorous anecdotes of our academic trials and tribulations. PLUS hacks to get what YOU want from University!

  1. FEB 18

    Episode WL#17: Demystifying Dissertations

    For many students, the dissertation is the most challenging and independent piece of work they will complete during their degree. It can feel overwhelming—where do you start? How do you choose the right research question? What makes a strong dissertation? In this episode, Tracy and Alex take a structured approach to demystifying dissertations, offering clear guidance on everything from research design to time management. Drawing on their own experiences—as students, academics, and dissertation supervisors—they explore what makes a dissertation successful and how students can approach it with confidence. Whether you’re a student beginning your dissertation journey or just university-curious so you can better empathise with what young person in your life is going through, this episode offers practical insights into making the process more manageable and meaningful. Highlights and key moments 📌 What is a Dissertation? (00:00 - 10:20) Defining a dissertation: how it differs from essays and research projects. Common concerns students have when facing a long-form research project. The importance of understanding word count expectations and project scope. 🔍 Choosing and Refining Your Topic (10:21 - 32:25) Finding a research question that is both interesting and achievable. Balancing personal interest with academic feasibility. How to avoid broad or unfocused topics that can lead to difficulties later. 📚 Conducting Effective Research (32:26 - 48:30) The difference between summarizing existing research and contributing new insights. The role of critical analysis in literature reviews. How to make research work for your dissertation rather than feeling overwhelmed by too much information. 🧠 Understanding Research Approaches (48:31 - 53:24) An overview of positivist, interpretivist, and pragmatist research paradigms. How different disciplines approach knowledge and evidence. Why understanding your research framework matters. ⏳ Managing Time and Staying Focused (53:25 - 1:02:53) The biggest time management mistakes students make. How to break down your dissertation into manageable stages. The role of structure in maintaining clarity and progress. ✍️ Writing and Presenting Your Dissertation (1:02:54 - End) The importance of clear, well-structured arguments. What makes a strong conclusion and why it matters. The final steps before submission: proofreading, formatting, and final checks. Key Takeaways: For University students: Whether you’re just starting or in the final stages, this episode provides practical guidance to help you navigate the dissertation process. Parents and family members: Gain a clearer understanding of what a dissertation involves and how to support your student effectively. Academics and supervisors: Insights into common challenges students face and ways to help them succeed. Further Support & Resources 📖 Join Our Dissertation Masterclass A live session on Tuesday, February 25 at 7 PM, designed to help you refine your research questions, structure your dissertation, and manage your workload. Find out more and register.  📩 Book a Consultation One-to-one dissertation support with Tracy or Alex. Email team@wyrdlearning.co.uk for a free 15-min chat to see if we’re a good fit for you. 🎁 Resources Slides Correction: The play that Tracy refers to at 18.50 is Arden of Faversham, not A Woman Killed with Kindness. Follow us for more tips and discussions: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok YouTube or sign up to our mailing list for exclusive content! As always, we’d love to hear what resonates most with you in this episode (WL#17) so leave us a comment, or DM us on social media to let us know. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, share, and leave us a 5* review wherever you get your podcasts. Each and every new subscriber or review means we can produce even better episodes, more frequently, and help more students thrive.  If there’s anything you want us to cover, please tell us and we’ll try our best. Equally, we’re not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s ok. Don’t give up looking for the mentor or teacher whose message  really lands for you.

    1h 25m

  2. JAN 28

    Episode #16: The Problem of Criticality, and what it means for university students

    At university, everyone throws the term ‘criticality’ around as if it’s self-explanatory. From your oh-so clever professors to that most supportive and helpful librarian–but what does it actually mean?! By the time it’s been mentioned in class over several weeks, it feels really awkward to ask. After all, surely you’re expected to know what it means by now? The truth is, that most people don’t come across the concept of criticality before university. And, once you do, everyone bandies the term around - along with other mysterious words, such as evaluate, analyse and assess - as if they’re talking about what they had for lunch. It’s like a secret language that some eventually get the hang of, while others manage a 2nd class degree by flailing their way though and still not fully grasping it by the time they graduate. In this episode, Tracy and Alex unpack this academic buzzword with their signature mix of insight, honesty, and humour. Along the way, they’ll explore why criticality is such a game-changer, not just for university, but for life—and how students can tackle it without the overwhelm. Through relatable examples and playful metaphors (yes, even matchbox percussion and locust tickling), they’ll show you how to develop criticality in a way that works for you.  Highlights and key moments: Starting with the Basics (00:00 - 03:49) The secret language of academia: Why “criticality” often leaves students baffled. What you really need to know to get started. Why Criticality is Non-Negotiable (03:50 - 10:20) From essays to employability: How criticality impacts your academic results and career readiness. Why different disciplines have different expectations—and how to navigate them. A New Way to Think About Criticality (10:21 - 17:00) Exploring musicality to help us understand what criticality is. Lessons from STOMP’s matchbox symphony: Dare to be creative, but know when to bring the focus back to the end result (your essay!). Building Your Critical Voice (17:01 - 32:25) Experimentation vs. execution: When to play around with ideas and when to refine your argument. The role of personal bias and how to challenge your own assumptions effectively. Connecting Criticality to Real-World Impact (32:26 - 48:30) Dr. Patel shares how her research on locust movements links to robotics and prosthetics. Learn to answer, “Why does this matter?” with clarity and purpose. Criticality and Ethical Dilemmas (48:31 - 58:28) Exploring the complexity of animal testing: Physical vs. emotional harm. Why challenging established methods helps us make better decisions today. Wrapping it All Up (58:29 - 1:02:53) Understanding the limitations of your research isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. How context and audience shape how you present your ideas. Key Takeaways For Students: Criticality isn’t just about being critical—it’s about asking better questions and finding the story behind the data. Experimentation is part of the process. Use your creativity, but make sure your final argument is polished and clear. Connect your work to its bigger purpose: What problem are you solving? Why should anyone care? For Parents or Anyone Supporting a Student at University: Support your child in embracing “not knowing” as part of the learning process. Encourage discussions that challenge surface-level answers and dig deeper. Resources Slides On-demand access to our FREE Masterclass Start Your First-Class Essay  Featured YouTube videos Stomp Live - Part 2 - Matchsticks Snow Raven Live at MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference Performance June 23, 2023 Mongolian Throat Singing Blind Auditions SHOCKS The Voice Coaches | Bites Joshua Bell's 'Stop and Hear the Music' metro experiment | The Washington Post Follow us for more tips and musings: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok YouTube or sign up to our mailing list for exclusive content! As always, we’d love to hear what resonates most with you in this episode (WL#16) so leave us a comment, or DM us on social media to let us know. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, share, and leave us a 5* review wherever you get your podcasts. Each and every new subscriber or review means we can produce even better episodes, more frequently, and help more students thrive.  If there’s anything you want us to cover, please tell us and we’ll try our best. Equally, we’re not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s ok. Don’t give up looking for the mentor or teacher whose message  really lands for you.

    1h 10m
  3. Episode #15: Adapting from 'A' Levels to Academic Life at University

    09/19/2023

    Episode #15: Adapting from 'A' Levels to Academic Life at University

    If you're just starting out at University this academic year, or if you're currently considering your options for starting University in 2024, then this episode of the Wyrd Learning podcast is for you! Today, Alex and Tracy join forces with two A-Level students, Harri Jones and Emily Strong, to chat about the differences between learning at college versus university. How do you bridge the gap between learning facts on a board with your teacher, and developing the critical and evaluative skills that are needed to produce essays that will impress professors at degree level? The truth is, you would already have begun to develop many of these skills and will find that this is a gradual, progressive but also well-supported journey as you go through your degree. So if the idea of creating new knowledge seems impossible to you now, worry not! Alex and Tracy explain how to apply your experiences at college to ensure that you're well-prepared for lectures and seminars. We share our top tips for how to study wisely and make the most of the facilities available to you at University, without feeling overwhelmed, or that you're missing out on anything. We hope it all makes much more sense when you've listened to this episode. And, if you're starting university this academic year, be sure to sign up for our FREE session to give you the edge and Make A First-Class Start At University.   Resources: Bloom's Taxonomy   Follow us for more tips and musings: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok YouTube or sign up to our mailing list for exclusive content!   As always, we’d love to hear what resonates most with you in this episode (#15) so reply or DM us on social media to let us know. If you enjoy the podcast, please share, and leave us a 5*review on iTunes so we can make it better and reach more students. If you don't like it, well, you know, there are lots of other podcasts out there...

    58 min

  4. 07/28/2023

    Episode #14: Putting YOU in the driving seat on A-level results day

    Are you a student eagerly anticipating your A-level results and wondering what's next? Or a parent unsure of how to guide your child through the university Clearing process? Look no further! Welcome to "The University Bound Podcast," your ultimate guide to navigating the exciting journey from A-levels to university life. Join us as we delve into the crucial topics that will help you put yourself in the driving seat of your future. Drs. Alex Patel and Tracy Dix, seasoned academics and university counselors, will be your hosts, sharing their wealth of experience and expertise to provide you with invaluable insights. As the much-awaited A-level results day dawns upon us, anxiety and excitement fill the air. We'll walk you through the typical process of receiving your results and discuss the various avenues available, regardless of the outcomes. Whether you achieved the grades you were hoping for or not, there are options, and we're here to help you find the right path. Choosing the right course at university is a pivotal decision that can shape your academic and professional future. We'll explore strategies to reaffirm whether your chosen course aligns with your passions and goals. Moreover, we'll guide you through identifying alternative courses that may spark your interest, broadening your horizons for a fulfilling university experience. When applying to a university, it's essential to take the lead in gathering information. We'll equip you with a comprehensive list of questions to ask potential universities, allowing you to assess if they can offer the environment and resources necessary for your personal and academic growth. For those who might not have received their desired results or are reconsidering their initial choices, clearing can provide an alternative route to university. We'll demystify the clearing process, offering practical tips to prepare for this fast-paced phase, ensuring you make informed decisions. From choosing the right course to preparing for clearing and excelling at university, "The University Bound” podcast episode is your compass for this transformative journey. Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices, setting the foundation for a successful university experience. Accompanied by a downloadable workbook: FREE Download #Alevelresults #Ucas #UCASclearing #alevelclearing #Alevelstudent #startinguni #unicourses

    47 min

  5. 07/07/2023

    Episode 13: BISH BASH BOSH! How to get it done

    In today's episode, your hosts, Alex Patel and Tracy Dix delve into the fascinating world of time management, transforming their personal experiences and challenges into valuable lessons for all. They tackle the tricky reality of how traditional time management techniques often fall short, emphasising the power of a personalised approach. Listen to Tracy's captivating story of completing three assignments back-to-back during an all-nighter, demonstrating her undeniable tenacity but also the pressing need for better time management. They explore the untapped potential of flexibility and creativity in assignments, like Tracy's out-of-the-box pomegranate-shaped poem, revealing how unconventional methods can make academic tasks more engaging and manageable. Tune in as they share their unique perspectives on studying smart, not hard, debunking the myths of last-minute cramming and advocating for consistency and understanding over rote memorisation. From insights derived from neuroscience to the potency of question-based learning, they shed light on strategies that stimulate deeper engagement with study material. Moreover, they stress the power of note-taking for enhanced comprehension and retention, and the crucial balance needed in academic writing between specificity and generalisation. But it's not all about academics; our hosts acknowledge the importance of including personal downtime in your schedule. From socialising to taking a walk while listening to a podcast, they advocate for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. All these lessons, anecdotes, and strategies converge to a critical point – the importance of time management and the need to make it an individualised, flexible, and dynamic process. So, grab a pen and paper, prepare to be inspired, and most importantly, manage your time efficiently!   Follow us for more tips and musings: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok YouTube or sign up to our mailing list for exclusive content!   As always, we’d love to hear what resonates most with you in this episode (#13) so reply or DM us on social media to let us know. If you enjoy the podcast, please share, and leave us a 5*review so we can make it better and reach more students. If you don't like it, well, you know, there are lots of other podcasts out there...

    55 min

  6. 05/04/2023

    Episode 12: The Reflective Healthcare Practitioner - How Reflection Can Change Your Life

    On this episode, Alex and Tracy welcome a special guest to our podcast. Jenny Prescot is currently a Specialist Midwife, with many years' experience of working as a Labour Ward Midwife, Practice Development Midwife and Labour Ward Coordinator in NHS Trusts in Birmingham and Warwickshire.   Jenny's also a longtime friend that Tracy met at the University of Warwick Pole Dance Society. Oooooh....If you've been following us for a while, you'll know how passionate we are about pursuing hobbies that really challenge us. If not, have a listen to our very first episode where we talk about this. Today, Jenny shares her insightful recollections of what reflective assessment was like as a student midwife, how it's transformed her as a person, her relationships with others, as well as how it's improved team-working and her decision-making processes under pressure. One of the most valuable discussions on this podcast is our recognition of how everyone is at different stages of their reflective journey. This can very much depend on our backgrounds and upbringing, but it's still possible for everyone to learn, practice and master reflective techniques for your university assignments. Then, apply them to your careers and later life in very transformative, and productive ways. This was a very deep discussion, and both of us picked up very useful nuggets of wisdom along the way. We're confident that you'll hugely benefit from this episode too - it's definitely not one to miss!   We're also very excited to announce our Masterclass on The Secrets of Reflective Writing, taking place live on 18th May, 2023. Enrol now for just a £27 investment. We've decided to offer it for this special beta rate to help as many students as possible, and to celebrate International Workers' Day, to recognise the labour movement and workers' rights to fair pay and good working conditions. After the 18th, it will go up to the usual price of £97.   Resources: Wikipedia offers a very useful, comprehensive summary of the Reflective Practitioner and reflective models we refer to during the podcast. Academics have differing opinions on whether students should reference Wikipedia or not. Please consider who's marking your work and what they advise regarding this matter, when referring to Wikipedia for assessed assignments.   Follow us for more tips and musings: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok YouTube or sign up to our mailing list for exclusive content!   As always, we’d love to hear what resonates most with you in this episode (#12) so reply or DM us on social media to let us know. If you enjoy the podcast, please share, and leave us a 5*review so we can make it better and reach more students. If you don't like it, well, you know, there are lots of other podcasts out there...

    1h 10m

  7. 04/20/2023

    Episode 11: The Write Way to Reflect: Unlocking the Potential of Reflective Writing Assignments

    Reflective assignments are mandatory in many disciplines at University, such as healthcare and teaching. And, they're becoming increasingly common in other subject areas too, as a form of 'authentic assessment'. This refers to assessment that relates to something you might be asked to do in real life. In most workplaces, employees are asked to reflect on their past year as part of their continuing professional development. So, although many students dread reflective assignments, it will actually give you a huge advantage in your career prospects and personal aspirations, to practise, and use reflective techniques effectively. In this episode, Alex and Tracy discuss a few reflective models, and share stories about the positive impact that reflection has had on their personal growth, well-being and professional development. We're also very excited to announce our Masterclass on The Secrets of Reflective Writing, taking place live on 18th May, 2023. Enrol by the 3rd May to take advantage of our exclusive EARLYBIRD27 offer code, and enjoy HUGE savings on this transformative programme. Follow us for more tips and musings: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok YouTube or sign up to our mailing list for exclusive content! As always, we’d love to hear what resonates most with you in this episode (#11) so reply or DM us on social media to let us know. If you enjoy the podcast, please share, and leave us a 5*review so we can make it better and reach more students. If you don't like it, well, you know, there are lots of other podcasts out there...

    35 min

  8. 04/13/2023

    Episode 10: Academic Territories: How They Help Us To Understand Subject Areas of Knowledge, and Why We’re No Longer Talking About Tribes

    In this episode, Tracy and Alex discuss an influential theory about ‘Academic Tribes and Territories’that is used as a metaphor to understand how subject areas and the people who study and research them are successful. Do you think ‘tribe’ is an appropriate word? In many ways it covers knowledge, behaviour, resources, languages and hierarchies within a group. But in other ways it conjures an impression of exotic, foreign, and primitive. Do we talk about the ‘sophisticated’ cultures that the west has claimed ownership of - the Greeks and Romans - as tribes?  Why is this useful for people who study or teach in universities? Listen to this episode and find out how you spot which types of language, methodology, knowledge, hierarchies and more, that will help you be successful in this subject. You can use these insights to become more persuasive, by essentially, speaking to them in their own language.   Resources: Becher, T., & Trowler, P. (2001). Academic tribes and territories. McGraw-Hill Education (UK). Google Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kEZcxkdjon18Z9BWnDOIQ59U_GKpATrQ/view   Podcast hosts: Drs. Alex Patel & Tracy Dix Production team: Patricia Mari Solis & Kia Morant Music: Powerful rhythmic metal by Defekt Maschine on Pixabay   Follow us for more tips and musings: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok or sign up to our mailing list for exclusive content! As always, we’d love to hear what resonates most with you in this episode (#10) so reply or DM us on social media to let us know. If you enjoy the podcast, please share, and leave us a 5*review so we can make it better and reach more students. If you don't like it, well, you know, there are lots of other podcasts out there...

    1h 4m
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About

Hi! We are Alex and Tracy, with our combined 40 years' experience of teaching students & supporting learning at various UK Universities, we will give a unique insight in to life at University, illustrated with humorous anecdotes of our academic trials and tribulations. PLUS hacks to get what YOU want from University!

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