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MONTH: November 2008

November 26th, 2008   by Vera KovacovicSubscribe to comments on this post

Dissertation topic – perspectives and questions to consider

In my experience as an academic advisor and a dissertation coach, I have come across a great variety of ways in which learners are approaching the choice of the dissertation topic. There is a relatively small group of those who have the clarity of knowing “exactly” what they want to do. On the other side of the spectrum are those who know there is a dissertation and not much more. Some of them start with the blissful feeling that there is a lot of time to “figure it out” and there are still others who are gripped with anxiety demanding to know if there is a magic number of “pages” they need to produce to satisfy this requirement… The rather common approach is to start with one idea and then change it or come up with several and eventually distill this into the final topic.
There is a legitimacy to all of the above. READ MORE

Posted in Becoming Doctoral, Dissertation | 6 Comments »

November 26th, 2008   by Sheryl HessSubscribe to comments on this post

Lessons of Discovery

Depending on what stage we are in our lives, we can sometimes feel like we ought to know more about who we are or how to live. We may even berate ourselves for making the same mistakes, or for just not “getting it,” whatever “it” may be. We wonder how our lives would be now, if only we had “known better.” During moments like these, it is important to remember that none of us are born with instruction manuals and that learning lessons is a lifelong journey.

READ MORE

Posted in Becoming Doctoral, Comprehensive Exam | No Comments »

November 24th, 2008   by Lynn RiskedalSubscribe to comments on this post

“Get Lost” in the Library

One of the best things I did, in the process of finding journal articles to use in my dissertation, was to “get lost” in the library. I happen to be talking about a physical library, but I’ve also gotten lost in the online library too. READ MORE

Posted in Becoming Doctoral, General | 2 Comments »

November 21st, 2008   by Constance DavisSubscribe to comments on this post

What do you expect

What do you expect to have happen to you when you begin working on your doctoral degree? How hard will you have to work to complete your degree? Besides a very nice piece of paper and new initials behind your name, what else will you gain from this journey? READ MORE

Posted in General | No Comments »

November 20th, 2008   by Jay BerglandSubscribe to comments on this post

Developing Relationships

Developing relationships while you are progressing through your PhD program is not only prudent, it’s essential to your long term success at the doctorate level.  The professors that are teaching your courses will likely be your peers at some point in the future.  This is also true for your fellow Learners.  Why WOULDN’T you develop relationships with these groups?  Don’t hesitate to reach out to people you connect with… and return the favor when people my reach out to you. READ MORE

Posted in Becoming Doctoral, Doctoral Advising | No Comments »

November 17th, 2008   by Lynn RiskedalSubscribe to comments on this post

What can you do to prepare ahead?

Running a marathon is all about preparedness. Practicing by running the miles, but also

  • trying different foods that won’t upset your system and gives you the energy that is needed over time,
  • wearing different shorts and shirts to find the ones that that don’t shift uncomfortably over time and when sweaty,
  • reviewing the course map and the elevation map so you have an idea what the course looks like and running parts of it if you can.
  • training for the pace, and the walking breaks.
  • READ MORE

Posted in Comprehensive Exam, Dissertation, Resources | No Comments »

November 16th, 2008   by Laura HuttSubscribe to comments on this post

Creating the Independent Research Model

So, really, why don’t advisors research and publish in their own profession? We know the value of research to ourselves, our profession, our institutions, and especially to our learners. Lack of time, money, energy all contribute, but in my case, I think that my biggest barrier is that I don’t know how to get started. READ MORE

Posted in Doctoral Advising | 1 Comment »

November 12th, 2008   by Doctoral AdvisorsSubscribe to comments on this post

What questions do you have?

You’ve read what we have to say, but now it’s your turn. What questions do you have? Let our collective expertise and experience help you with the most challenging of situations. Our commitment to you is to have at least two of our advisors respond with advice. We recognize that your learning needs vary greatly, as does your experience, goals, skills, and responsibilities. Similarly, our advising techniques can vary, so let the group perspective help you make a more informed decision before you take your next steps.

Possible question topics:

  • Program Planning
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Individual Circumstance
  • Coursework
  • Comprehensive Examination
  • Dissertation
  • School Specific
  • Mentor/Learner Working Relationship
  • Appeals
  • Other

Disclaimers:
Please be aware that the Ask Doctoral Advising Blog is a public forum. Advisors respect student confidentiality rights regarding personal information. Advisors practice with an understanding of the institution’s interpretation of applicable laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Questions that represent potential harm to an individual author or to the institution will not be released for public viewing.

Questions and authors may not harass, threaten, or embarrass others. Questions and authors may not post, transmit, promote, or distribute content that is racially, religiously, or ethnically offensive or harmful, abusive, vulgar, sexually explicit, or otherwise potentially offensive. Authors must refrain from behavior that may be perceived as inappropriate, offensive, or unfair and must treat all other learners, university faculty, staff, and administrators with respect at all times. Adherence to the University’s Code of Conduct Policy is required.

Posted in Ask a Question | 51 Comments »

November 12th, 2008   by Sheryl HessSubscribe to comments on this post

Routine … a blessing and a curse

We would be lost without some kind of structure in our life. Hopefully we don’t take any structure too seriously so it runs us rather than providing boundaries in which to function. I find routine fascinating, especially when tasks become automated because of repetition. Then we get to play the “Did I Really Do That Game” where we float through life on the automaticity wave and don’t always remember if a task was completed. READ MORE

Posted in Comprehensive Exam, General | No Comments »

November 10th, 2008   by Lynn RiskedalSubscribe to comments on this post

Utilizing ALL your training components

I write about training as if that is all one does:  run. 
But there is much more to training than running.   There is a plan for long runs, easy runs, speedwork, and running a shorter event.   One can accomplish a marathon without doing speedwork or doing an event, but one does need to run several times a week, with gradually increasing distances.  And one needs to Rest and Practice Refueling/eat healthy. READ MORE

Posted in Resources | No Comments »