Comments on: A Sonnet for Dissertation Learners http://blogs.capella.edu/askdoctoraladvising/2009/01/20/a-sonnet-for-dissertation-learners/ Preparing for and accomplishing a doctoral program at Capella Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:16:27 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Constance Davis http://blogs.capella.edu/askdoctoraladvising/2009/01/20/a-sonnet-for-dissertation-learners/comment-page-1/#comment-679 Constance Davis Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:29:41 +0000 http://blogs.capella.edu/askdoctoraladvising/?p=85#comment-679 Vicki, I arrived at a dissertation topic by thinking back through my career and some of the questions I repeatedly encountered. But it was one event and how it was handled that really tripped my trigger. I realized how much misinformation and disinformation existed on the topic -- but no real carefully gathered and analyzed information. My literature search was comprehensive and it demonstrated that some studies nibbled at the corners of my topic, but I could find nothing that had dealt squarely with my topic. My mentor kept reminding me that I wanted a topic that I would be as passionate about when I completed the dissertation as I was when I began it. And I am still passionate about it! Vicki,

I arrived at a dissertation topic by thinking back through my career and some of the questions I repeatedly encountered. But it was one event and how it was handled that really tripped my trigger. I realized how much misinformation and disinformation existed on the topic — but no real carefully gathered and analyzed information. My literature search was comprehensive and it demonstrated that some studies nibbled at the corners of my topic, but I could find nothing that had dealt squarely with my topic. My mentor kept reminding me that I wanted a topic that I would be as passionate about when I completed the dissertation as I was when I began it. And I am still passionate about it!

]]> By: Mark Larson http://blogs.capella.edu/askdoctoraladvising/2009/01/20/a-sonnet-for-dissertation-learners/comment-page-1/#comment-678 Mark Larson Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:15:44 +0000 http://blogs.capella.edu/askdoctoraladvising/?p=85#comment-678 Thanks for your comment and your questions, Vicki. I began teaching adults in the late 70's. When I walked into my first classroom of 14 students, I quickly surmised that half of them were older than I. It was scary--to think I had something worthwhile to say to them. Well, I quickly discovered that they had valuable life experience to bring to the classroom. Some of them, though, seemed to be experiencing anxiety similar to what you are describing. Along the way I completed an M.S. and was introduced to Malcolm Knowles, the "Father of Andragogy." Later, as I began my PhD studies, I came across a book by Patricia Cross entitled "Adults as Learners." It was in reading and studying this text that the "lights came on." My topic and my instrument, which I designed based on her work, continued to be honed as I expanded my knowledge of adult education literature. Every person's story is different, but choosing a topic was, in my opinion, not so much my choosing it; rather, it chose me. Thanks for your comment and your questions, Vicki. I began teaching adults in the late 70’s. When I walked into my first classroom of 14 students, I quickly surmised that half of them were older than I. It was scary–to think I had something worthwhile to say to them. Well, I quickly discovered that they had valuable life experience to bring to the classroom. Some of them, though, seemed to be experiencing anxiety similar to what you are describing. Along the way I completed an M.S. and was introduced to Malcolm Knowles, the “Father of Andragogy.” Later, as I began my PhD studies, I came across a book by Patricia Cross entitled “Adults as Learners.” It was in reading and studying this text that the “lights came on.” My topic and my instrument, which I designed based on her work, continued to be honed as I expanded my knowledge of adult education literature. Every person’s story is different, but choosing a topic was, in my opinion, not so much my choosing it; rather, it chose me.

]]> By: Vicki http://blogs.capella.edu/askdoctoraladvising/2009/01/20/a-sonnet-for-dissertation-learners/comment-page-1/#comment-674 Vicki Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:44:26 +0000 http://blogs.capella.edu/askdoctoraladvising/?p=85#comment-674 I liked your sonnet and have printed it out for a re-read when I need something to smile about. I'm new to doctoral learning and frankly, scared spitless. I am no spring chicken and asked myself more than once 'what were you thinking!'. I manage to push self-doubt aside only to learn more about the rigors of becoming a PhD. Would you be so kind as to tell me how you arrived at a dissertation topic? I know we want to develop new knowledge but when I really think about it, the concept seems daunting. How will I know if what I want to do is new? What if everything has already been discovered and I'm the last one in line to try to come up with a new idea? Those are a few of the thoughts that try to dissuade me from this goal. Of course, I will plunge ahead and complete my studies but it would be so nice to hear from someone already succesful. Anything you feel like sharing would be great! Vicki I liked your sonnet and have printed it out for a re-read when I need something to smile about. I’m new to doctoral learning and frankly, scared spitless. I am no spring chicken and asked myself more than once ‘what were you thinking!’. I manage to push self-doubt aside only to learn more about the rigors of becoming a PhD.

Would you be so kind as to tell me how you arrived at a dissertation topic? I know we want to develop new knowledge but when I really think about it, the concept seems daunting. How will I know if what I want to do is new? What if everything has already been discovered and I’m the last one in line to try to come up with a new idea? Those are a few of the thoughts that try to dissuade me from this goal. Of course, I will plunge ahead and complete my studies but it would be so nice to hear from someone already succesful. Anything you feel like sharing would be great!
Vicki

]]> By: Lyle Seavy PhD http://blogs.capella.edu/askdoctoraladvising/2009/01/20/a-sonnet-for-dissertation-learners/comment-page-1/#comment-577 Lyle Seavy PhD Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:24:04 +0000 http://blogs.capella.edu/askdoctoraladvising/?p=85#comment-577 Amen Amen

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