week 8 responds
Dionell Watson
YesterdayMay 10 at 3:36pm
It is quite amazing to know that the dissertation journey for us has begun. There were some assumptions that filled my mind as this class began, but clarity has replaced those assumptions as this dissertation journey for me is in motion. One of the fears that concerned me about completing this journey was the completion itself. I did not want to get this far in my academic journey and not complete it because of some issues on my behalf. Philippians 1:6 encourages me about God's part in the journey he has led me on. It states, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ". Possibly another fear that lingers is that I pray that I do not mess up too badly. I was encouraged through the presentation video of former students that gave a word of advice and shared what they have learned through their doctorate journeys. I have connected with the online community to establish some relationships with fellow colleagues. I am refreshed with the truth that none of us has to complete this journey alone. Establishing relationships is what I am looking forward to that will go beyond the dissertation and graduation? I know that I can learn so much from other students that has either gone before me or taking this journey with me.
The word of advice portion through the presentation video was very helpful and encouraging. There was so much to digest but the common thread for me from everyone that shared was that this is a process. I can appreciate that concept because each stage has to be taken seriously because the dissertation will not be finished within a few weeks. There was a mentioning of self-discipline and not wasting time. Those statements are paramount. I am making the necessary adjustments by starting on the reading on the potential subject for the dissertation and other items that require an early start. This course has undeniably positioned me with the right foundational tools to begin this dissertation journey and I am grateful for it.
YesterdayMay 10 at 5:59pm
Daniel L. York
Rawlings School of Divinity, Liberty University CLED 730
Author Note
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Daniel L. York
Moving Forward
When I began CLED 730 my biggest concern was that the statistics portion of the dissertation would be difficult considering my lack of experience in this area. After completing this first research course, I feel exceptionally better about the whole process for several reasons. First, my dissertation will most likely be qualitative and not quantitative because of the topic I plan to pursue. Since qualitative research is more in line with surveys and interviews this should not require much in the way of statistics. The second reason I feel more comfortable is if my dissertation for some reason should require quantitative or mixed research, I can always hire a statistician to help me—not something I had considered beforehand. Third, my classmates may also be a great help since all of us are on the same journey and some have a much better math background—this is encouraging! It reminds me of the TEAM acronym—together everyone achieves more.
There are no other lingering fears that I can think of but there was a short piece of advice that Dr. John Cartwright (2021) offered at the end of CLED 720 in his final video that I thought was brilliant. Dr. Gary Bredfeldt reinforced this same point several times. Use the research courses to further the process of working the dissertation in advance. This will save time, allows us to “work smarter instead of harder” and should reduce the amount of time necessary to finish the course. My plan is to do as much as I can in the following five research courses to assist my potential dissertation by studying and preparing for what I hope to actually research. Coupled with some great advice on how to better organize information shared on the video Words of Advice (2021) as well as by Carol Roberts (2010) in Chapter 7: Organizing Yourself, I believe it will be very wise to get in front of this process by wise preparation and organization.
References:
Liberty University. (2021). Week 8: Course Wrap-Up and Looking to the Future. [Video
Presentation]. Retrieve from https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/68688/pages/watch-
course-wrap-up-and-looking-to-the-future?module_item_id=6329027
Liberty University. (2021). Week 8: Words of Advice [Video Presentation]. Retrieved from
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/107914/pages/watch-words-of-advice?module_item_id=7808850
Roberts, C. M. (2010). The dissertation journey: A practical and comprehensive guide to
planning, writing, and defending your dissertation. Corwin Press, 67-74. https://www-doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.4135/9781452219219.n7