Ask Doctoral Advising

After all the work you’ve been doing on your dissertation, you need to prepare for the defense. 

Actually, the entire time you are working on the dissertation, at whatever stage, you are preparing for the defense. 

In thinking back to my experience with the defense of my dissertation, I was prepared to answer any question about the topic and subtopics and I could defend why I chose the methodology.

While deciding what methodology you were going to use, you considered all the methodologies that made sense with the topic you were considering. You consulted with others, with an open mind, a critical mind.  You talked with learning colleagues about the pros and cons of the methods and the topics.  They helped you critically think about each method and how it would work/not work with your topic.  You discussed the methodology and topic with several faculty, and perhaps a mentor/colleague from outside Capella. When you work with your Capella Mentor, you come to a decision together about the method and scope of the topic.

How are you preparing throughout your coursework for the end stages of your program ( the comprehensive exam and the dissertation)?

This discussion phase may extend from the beginning of your program to and through the proposal stage.  Throughout the discussion, you are pondering the topic and how to make it focused and how each methodology would impact the outcome.      

Now, you are preparing to defend the decisions.  

One of my committee members continually reminded me that, on my topic, I was the most knowledgeable in the room.  They would be asking questions to gain knowledge from me. 

It was a perspective that helped calm my nerves.  I still had plenty of nervousness and anxiety.  I knew I was prepared.  My mentor knew I was prepared and thought it was time to defend. 

Being open to discussing, yes, and even arguing, with an open mind to changes is a most beneficial approach to preparing for the independent stage of your program.