What is Most Needed to Succeed in a Doctoral Program?
by Jonathan Gehrz | October 22, 2009
The past couple of weeks, I’ve been reflecting a great deal on Capella’s mission and values. Why are we here? What are we all striving for? How do we prioritize our work? How do we make decisions? How do we interact with one another? And the like.
In August 2008, I spoke of a pledge to greatness and the invaluable tool of owning your own contribution and this commodity of human potential – the value of honoring the potential of each person and enabling transformation.
Today, some of my trusted colleagues and I were reflecting on a common question asked, “what is the most important piece of the puzzle needed to finish the PhD?” The usual fare was offered: competency, knowledge of the topic, the “research gene,” a strong committee, resilience, time, etc. But today, I say to all, what’s most important is knowing your needs and knowing your aspirations.
Rather than elaborating on that conclusion, I’d like to close this entry simply with an acknowledgement and recommendation. Even before Capella was Capella (Graduate School of America days), there has been a recognition and commitment to a learner-centered (different than learning) educational philosophy.
You possess a wealth of knowledge, experiences and maturity and if we, together, are to honor and build upon these attributes in your program, we need to collectively and explicitly recognize you as an active partner in the design and implementation of your academic experience. To accomplish this, we need you to share your story. We have a responsibility to hear your needs, to explore your aspirations. But equally, you have a responsibility to share your story, to share your needs and aspirations with us.
If you haven’t had the opportunity, I would encourage you to take the time to call and share with someone (faculty member, advisor, financial aid counselor, colleague, anyone) why you are here and where you’re headed. Placing those needs and aspirations at the center of your educational experience, together, I believe we will expand on what is best in education and achieve a transformation that is more meaningful, more powerful than any curriculum, dissertation, or PhD program experience.
3 Responses to "What is Most Needed to Succeed in a Doctoral Program?"
Jon Howard says:
Am I missing something here? I don’t think there is any ‘we’ in getting a PhD. It’s called working your butt off to hopefully make a profound difference in the area chosen – that is an individual acheivement.
Jonathan Gehrz says:
Jon Howard,
Certainly there is no refuting the individualism found within the degree – indeed, such individualism is a chief differentiator in becoming a PhD versus simply earning a degree – but I would argue, the profound difference and genesis of the PhD occurs at the nucleus of those providing the training and those receiving it. Some may argue this point, but I believe the PhD is not solely the contribution of new knowledge, but representative of the attributes developed and training had in learning how to be a researcher. If we accept that conclusion as valid, it stands to reason that qualities such as intellectual curiosity, independent thought, critical thinking, ethical integrity, tolerance, etc. demand discipline and exposure to existing ideas perhaps best understood through the interaction or exchange with others. Whether it found in the dialogue with fellow colleagues, the intellectual inquiry had with your dissertation mentor/advisor, the perspective and critical feedback offered by your committee, the authorship of theory by those researchers before you, the sample willing to participate in your study, or the accommodation and support of a family member; “getting the PhD” is, in my humble opinion, not the result of our work alone. If it were, would there be a need for doctoral programs?
Your further thoughts?
Sonia Lindsay says:
I must concur with Dr. Gehrz. Although I’m in the initial stages of my program, my sphere of influence includes a wide variety of highly regarded individuals. We must not negate the influence of significant others as we delve into difficult endeavors. Yes, we seek to improve ourselves, but with the advice and guidance of people along the way. How sad to think of oneself as an island. Hopefully I have not deviated too far into left field of the initial discussion!