A Day-by-Day Reflection on the Academic Writing Workshop
🎬 Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the Academic Writing Workshop
Before the Academic Writing Workshop officially began, there was a great deal of preparation happening behind the scenes. As organizers and volunteers, we were not just participants in the academic sessions — we were actively involved in making the workshop possible.This preparation phase itself became a learning experience for me.
Pre-Workshop Planning and Coordination
Even before the first session started, we had meetings and discussions to ensure that everything would run smoothly. Responsibilities were divided among team members.
We worked on:
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Planning the schedule
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Coordinating with speakers and faculty
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Arranging the venue
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Managing communication
Through this process, I understood how much teamwork and coordination are required to organize an academic event.
Preparing Food Passes and Participant Management
One of the important tasks was preparing food passes and managing participant entries. Though it may seem like a small responsibility, it required careful organization and accuracy.
We ensured:
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Every participant received the correct pass
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Lists were properly checked
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Distribution was systematic
This taught me the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and responsibility — qualities that are equally important in academic writing.
Setting Up the Venue and Technical Arrangements
We were also involved in setting up the hall, arranging seating, checking microphones, projectors, and other technical equipment.
We made sure:
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The space was organized and comfortable
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Technical systems were functioning properly
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Materials were ready before participants arrived
This experience helped me realize that academic events are not only intellectual spaces but also carefully managed environments.
Teamwork and Responsibility
There were many other small but significant tasks — guiding participants, managing registration desks, and ensuring everything stayed on schedule.
Working as a team taught me:
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The value of cooperation
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Time management
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Leadership and accountability
The behind-the-scene work was not separate from the workshop learning; it was part of it. Preparing for the event made me more connected to it.
As someone who is currently writing research papers, I realized that academic work also requires preparation, organization, and patience — just like organizing a workshop.
Before learning about academic writing in theory, I experienced discipline and structure in practice. And that, in itself, was an important lesson.
📅 Day 1: A Full Day of Learning and Engagement
27/01/2026 | New Court Hall, Administrative Building, MKBU
The first official day of the Academic Writing Workshop was not only academically enriching but also thoughtfully organized. From registration to high tea, every part of the day contributed to my understanding of academic writing in different ways. As someone currently working on research papers, I experienced the sessions with deep personal relevance.
Registration and Breakfast (9:00 AM – 9:45 AM)
The day began with registration at the New Court Hall, Administrative Building of Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University. Participants gathered with enthusiasm and curiosity. As volunteers, we ensured that the registration process was smooth and organized.
Breakfast was arranged simultaneously, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. It allowed participants to interact informally before the academic sessions began. This beginning itself reflected discipline and planning — qualities that are equally essential in academic writing.
Inauguration (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
The inauguration formally marked the beginning of the workshop and emphasized the importance of academic writing in higher education and research. The tone was serious yet inspiring, and it made me realize that the sessions ahead would be deeply connected to my academic journey.
Session 1 : Academic Writing and Prompt Engineering
Speaker: Paresh Joshi
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The first two academic sessions were conducted by Paresh Joshi on Academic Writing and Prompt Engineering. These sessions were highly relevant in today’s AI-driven academic environment and set the intellectual foundation for the workshop.
I also had the opportunity to do anchoring for this session. Standing on the stage and introducing the speaker was both exciting and nerve-racking. Anchoring required clarity, confidence, and structured communication. I realized that just like academic writing, speaking in a formal setting demands organized thoughts and precise delivery. This experience made me feel more connected to the workshop, as I was not only a learner but also an active contributor.
During the session, the speaker discussed the structure of academic writing, emphasizing the importance of a clear thesis, logical organization, and coherent arguments. He also addressed the growing role of AI and prompt engineering in research writing. It was explained how the quality of AI-generated responses depends largely on how effectively prompts are structured. However, equal importance was given to the ethical use of AI tools in academic contexts.
As someone who sometimes uses AI tools for assistance, I found this session very eye-opening. It helped me understand that while technology can support writing, it cannot replace critical thinking, originality, and human judgment.
Lunch Break (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)
Venue Shift: Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
Lunch at the Department of English was not just a break but also a space for informal academic discussions. Conversations with peers and faculty members enriched the learning experience beyond the formal sessions.
Session 2 : Academic Writing in English for Advanced Learners
Speaker: Kalyan Chattopadhyay
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:45 PM
The post-lunch sessions were conducted by Kalyan Chattopadhyay on Academic Writing in English for Advanced Learners. These sessions focused more on language precision and stylistic refinement.
The discussion covered sentence clarity, paragraph development, maintaining academic tone, and common mistakes in scholarly writing. As an MA English student, this session directly connected with my daily academic work. I realized that even advanced learners must constantly refine their writing style and remain attentive to detail.I learned that precision in language strengthens arguments, simplicity enhances readability, and careful editing is essential for academic excellence.
Final Q&A and High Tea (4:45 PM – 5:15 PM)
The final Q&A session concluded the academic discussions of the day, followed by high tea. The atmosphere was reflective and satisfying, as participants exchanged thoughts about the sessions.The first day was intense yet deeply meaningful. From discussions on AI prompt engineering to advanced academic writing techniques, the sessions balanced modern tools with traditional writing discipline.As someone currently engaged in writing research papers, I felt that this day directly addressed my academic needs. It strengthened my understanding of structure, ethics, clarity, and responsibility in writing.
Day 2: Deepening Understanding and Exploring Publication
28/01/2026
The second day of the Academic Writing Workshop focused on refining advanced writing skills and understanding the process of publishing in indexed journals. Compared to Day 1, which built foundational clarity, Day 2 felt more practical and research-oriented — especially valuable for someone like me who is currently working on research papers.
Session 3 : Academic Writing in English for Advanced Learners
Speaker: Kalyan Chattopadhyay
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
The morning sessions were conducted by Kalyan Chattopadhyay, continuing the topic Academic Writing in English for Advanced Learners. These sessions moved beyond basic structure and focused more on refinement, depth, and academic maturity in writing.
The speaker discussed how advanced learners must pay attention to coherence, logical flow, and precision in language. He emphasized that academic writing should not only be grammatically correct but also intellectually sharp. We were guided on improving paragraph transitions, maintaining formal tone, and avoiding unnecessary repetition.
What struck me most was the idea that advanced academic writing requires continuous revision. Even experienced writers must revisit their drafts critically. As an MA English student, I realized that improvement in writing is an ongoing process, not a final achievement.
From these sessions, I understood that academic writing demands constant refinement. Precision in language reflects clarity of thought, and strong transitions improve the readability of arguments. I also realized that revision is not a weakness but a strength in scholarly writing.
Session 4: Publishing in Indexed Journals
Speaker: Clement Ndoricimpa
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:45 PM
https://www.youtube.com/live/j7ii6l_MBZs?si=LVppqrZWROS9Jw7T
The afternoon sessions were conducted by Clement Ndoricimpa on the topic Publishing in Indexed Journals. These sessions were extremely important for research scholars and postgraduate students.The speaker explained the process of selecting appropriate journals, understanding indexing, and preparing manuscripts according to journal guidelines. He also discussed peer review, acceptance and rejection processes, and common mistakes that lead to rejection.This session made me realize that writing a research paper is only half the journey; publishing it requires strategy, patience, and adherence to academic standards. The discussion on predatory journals was particularly eye-opening, as it highlighted the importance of checking journal credibility before submission.I learned that publishing in indexed journals requires careful journal selection, strict adherence to formatting guidelines, and academic integrity. Rejection is part of the research journey, and constructive feedback should be seen as an opportunity for improvement. Most importantly, quality research and ethical practice must always remain the priority.
Final Q&A and High Tea (4:45 PM – 5:15 PM)
The final Q&A session allowed participants to clarify doubts about journal indexing and publication ethics. The day concluded with high tea, giving everyone a chance to reflect on the insights gained.Day 2 felt especially significant for me because it connected academic writing directly with research publication. While the morning sessions refined my writing skills, the afternoon sessions expanded my understanding of the research ecosystem.As someone actively working on research papers, this day helped me see the bigger picture — writing is not only about expression but also about contribution to academic discourse.Day 2 strengthened my confidence as a developing researcher and made me more aware of the responsibilities that come with academic publishing.
📅 Day 3: Ethics, AI Awareness, and Research Responsibility
29/01/2026
The third day of the Academic Writing Workshop focused strongly on ethics, especially regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence in academic writing. Compared to the previous days, which emphasized structure and publication, Day 3 made me reflect deeply on responsibility and integrity as a researcher.
Session 5: Detecting AI Hallucination and Using AI with Integrity
Speaker: Nigam Dave
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
The morning sessions were conducted by Nigam Dave on the topic Detecting AI Hallucination and Using AI with Integrity. These sessions were extremely relevant in today’s academic landscape, where AI tools are widely used by students and researchers.
The speaker explained what AI hallucination means — when AI generates information that appears accurate but is actually incorrect or fabricated. This concept was particularly important because many users rely on AI without verifying sources. We were guided on how to critically evaluate AI-generated content, cross-check references, and maintain academic integrity while using digital tools.
What impacted me most was the emphasis on responsibility. The speaker clearly stated that AI is a tool, not an authority. The accountability of the content always lies with the writer. This made me reflect seriously on my own usage of AI while drafting research papers.
From these sessions, I learned that AI-generated content must always be verified before being used in academic writing. Blind trust in technology can harm credibility. Ethical use of AI means using it as assistance, not as a replacement for independent thinking. Integrity remains the foundation of scholarly work.
During the Q&A session, participants asked practical questions about how to detect fabricated citations and how to responsibly acknowledge AI assistance. The discussion was insightful and helped clarify many doubts regarding academic honesty in the digital age.
Lunch Break (1:15 PM – 2:15 PM)
Lunch provided a brief moment of relaxation before the afternoon sessions. Conversations during this break were more thoughtful, as many of us were reflecting on the ethical responsibilities discussed earlier.
Session 6: Publishing in Indexed Journals
Speaker: Clement Ndoricimpa
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:45 PM
https://www.youtube.com/live/H4IHwdT2kdk?si=9KQMmsmBZ7V4zlvJ
The afternoon sessions were again conducted by Clement Ndoricimpa, continuing the discussion on Publishing in Indexed Journals. These sessions went deeper into the practical aspects of preparing manuscripts, responding to reviewers, and understanding editorial expectations.
The speaker discussed how to revise papers after peer review and how to professionally respond to reviewer comments. This part was extremely valuable because it addressed real challenges faced by researchers during publication.
I realized that research writing does not end with submission. It requires patience, openness to criticism, and willingness to improve. Publication is a process of dialogue between the writer, reviewers, and the academic community.
I learned that constructive criticism from reviewers strengthens research quality. Professional communication during revision is as important as writing the paper itself. Persistence and academic integrity are essential for successful publication.
The final Q&A session wrapped up the discussions of the day, followed by high tea. The atmosphere was reflective and intellectually stimulating. By the end of Day 3, I felt more aware, more responsible, and more prepared for the challenges of academic writing and publishing.Day 3 was perhaps the most ethically significant day of the workshop. It made me think deeply about the responsible use of AI and the seriousness of research publication. As someone currently working on research papers, this day strengthened my commitment to academic honesty and careful verification.It reminded me that writing is not only about producing content but about contributing truthfully and responsibly to the world of knowledge.
📅Day 4: From Classroom Learning to Academic Career Vision
30/01/2026
The fourth day of the Academic Writing Workshop was deeply inspiring because it shifted the focus from writing skills and publication processes to the broader journey of building an academic career. This day made me think not only about writing research papers but also about my long-term academic goals.
Session 7: From Classroom to an Academic Career
Speaker: Kalyani Vallath
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
The morning sessions were conducted by Kalyani Vallath on the topic From Classroom to an Academic Career. These sessions were highly motivating and practical.
The speaker discussed how academic growth begins in the classroom but extends far beyond it. She explained the importance of developing research interests early, building a strong academic profile, presenting papers at conferences, and publishing in credible journals. She also emphasized the role of consistency, networking, and mentorship in shaping an academic career.
One important point that stayed with me was that academic success is not sudden; it is built gradually through discipline and continuous effort. As someone currently writing research papers, this session encouraged me to see my present work as preparation for future academic opportunities.
I learned that academic writing is not just about completing assignments; it is a step toward building a scholarly identity. Planning, perseverance, and professional development are essential components of an academic career.
Session 8: From Classroom to an Academic Career
Speaker: Kalyani Vallath
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:45 PM
The afternoon sessions continued with Kalyani Vallath, focusing more on practical steps toward establishing an academic identity. The discussion included building a strong CV, maintaining academic ethics, participating in research collaborations, and staying updated with current developments in one’s field.
The speaker also highlighted the importance of balancing teaching and research responsibilities. This made me realize that academic writing skills are not isolated abilities; they are central to teaching, publishing, and scholarly communication.
From these sessions, I understood that becoming an academic requires more than knowledge — it requires planning, resilience, and professional discipline. I realized that every research paper I write today contributes to shaping my academic future.
The final Q&A session clarified many doubts about career progression and research opportunities. The parallel lab session provided additional practical exposure, reinforcing the theoretical discussions of the day.The day concluded with high tea, giving everyone a chance to reflect on the inspiring discussions. There was a sense of motivation in the air, as many participants felt encouraged to take their academic aspirations more seriously. Day 4 was deeply motivational for me. It shifted my perspective from focusing only on writing techniques to understanding the larger academic journey. As an MA English student currently working on research papers, I felt inspired to think long-term about my goals.This day reminded me that academic writing is not just a skill — it is a foundation for building a meaningful academic career.
📅Day 5: Concluding with Vision and Academic Commitment
31/01/2026
The fifth and final day of the Academic Writing Workshop felt both reflective and inspiring. After four days of intensive learning about writing, AI ethics, publication, and career pathways, Day 5 brought everything together. It encouraged us to think seriously about how we want to shape our academic futures.
Session 9: From Classroom to an Academic Career
Speaker: Kalyani Vallath
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
The morning sessions were conducted by Kalyani Vallath, continuing the theme From Classroom to an Academic Career. These sessions focused more deeply on transforming academic preparation into professional identity.
The speaker discussed how young scholars should begin building their academic profiles early by engaging in research projects, attending conferences, and networking within their discipline. She emphasized that consistency, patience, and intellectual curiosity are key to sustaining a long-term academic career.
One important idea that stayed with me was that academic growth is gradual. It is shaped by daily reading, writing, revising, and learning from feedback. As someone currently writing research papers, I felt encouraged to see my present efforts as part of a larger academic journey.
I understood that academic writing is not limited to coursework; it is central to building credibility and scholarly presence. Long-term commitment and disciplined effort are essential for achieving academic goals.
Session 10 : From Classroom to an Academic Career
Speaker: Kalyani Vallath
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:45 PM
The afternoon sessions continued with deeper insights into professional development. The speaker discussed maintaining academic integrity, managing time between teaching and research, and staying updated with current scholarship in one’s field.
She also highlighted the importance of resilience. Rejections, criticism, and challenges are part of academic life, but they should not discourage young scholars. Instead, they should motivate improvement and growth.
These discussions felt like guidance not only for research writing but for life as an academic. I realized that writing research papers is not just about publication; it is about contributing thoughtfully to knowledge.
I learned that resilience and ethical practice are as important as intellectual ability. Building an academic career requires both passion and perseverance. Every research paper, presentation, and academic interaction shapes one’s professional identity.
The final Q&A session marked the official conclusion of the workshop discussions. It was followed by high tea, where participants expressed gratitude and shared reflections. There was a sense of accomplishment and inspiration in the room.Day 5 brought the entire workshop to a meaningful conclusion. It encouraged me to think beyond assignments and focus on my long-term academic aspirations. As an MA English student currently engaged in research writing, I felt more confident and motivated.The workshop as a whole strengthened my writing skills, deepened my understanding of ethical research practices, and broadened my vision of an academic career.It was not just a workshop — it was a transformative academic journey.
Conclusion
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