OAU Hosts CARTA-Sponsored Workshop for Early Career Researchers
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, recently conducted an academic writing workshop for early career researchers, sponsored by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, recently hosted an enriching academic writing workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of early career researchers (ECRs). Sponsored by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA), the workshop focused on improving academic writing and literature synthesis skills. The first of a series, it took place on July 3rd and 4th, 2024.
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The workshop commenced with a deep dive into the fundamentals of academic writing, emphasizing the principles and significance of coherent argument construction and effective information analysis. Participants explored critical thinking and pedagogical approaches that enhance learning, guided by the CARTA Curriculum. The platform's resources were highlighted, encouraging participants to leverage them for their research.
Interactive activities included analyzing academic papers to evaluate structure and quality, followed by assignments where participants outlined their own research paper structures. The focus then shifted to mastering literature search strategies, with effective techniques demonstrated using databases such as HINARI, OARES, PubMed, Semantic Scholar, and Google Scholar. Practical exercises allowed participants to apply these strategies to their research topics.
The workshop also covered literature review techniques, guiding participants through compiling and synthesizing literature into coherent reviews. Writing exercises and lectures on concepts and conceptual frameworks further honed their skills. Participants practiced structured text development, creating appropriate titles, headings, and sub-headings for their literature reviews.
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The workshop concluded with a recap and a discussion on the next steps, encouraging participants to continue developing their academic writing skills. This initiative aimed to equip ECRs at OAU with essential skills, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment to enhance their research capabilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Enhanced academic writing and literature synthesis skills
- Utilization of the CARTA platform for resource access
- Practical exercises in literature search strategies and review techniques
- Structured text development practices
- Encouragement for continuous skill development
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This workshop represents a significant step towards fostering high-quality academic writing and research among early career researchers at OAU.
