Synthesis Paper

Introduction

Capture interest:

For doctoral students to develop ideas and implement them, they need to have the requisite research skills. Enhancement of research skills of the students is the focus of all the three articles. Also, the students will be competent and perform well in their careers if they grasp these research skills.

Context:

Baker and Pifer (2011), Gardener (2009), and Smith & Hatmaker (2014) are the authors of the articles. For Baker and Pifer, their focus has been on the skill’s diploma whose aim is to make students get equipped with personal, professional and transferable skills that they will now use while practicing their career. Through an “SME” project, students are challenged to develop solutions to problems. Smith and Hatmaker are concerned with the skills of doctoral students who are doing public affairs in various universities. A study done on these students was able to identify the kind of skills that they have and how they interact with the faculty.

Statement of common themes:

Academic success, relationship and self -drive are the similarities of the three articles and that is what they focus on.

Thesis statement:

Analysis of all the articles’ themes will be done. These themes include academic success, relationship and self -drive

Theme One:

Academic Success

Baker and Pifer (2011):

For doctoral students to conduct research as they should, they are equipped with the necessary skills. These students are supported in their studies through the use of both online and in-class tutorials.

Gardner (2009):

For students to have the knowledge that will enable them to complete the program, they need to be dedicated in their studies.

Smith and Hatmaker (2015):

There was a study that was done on students studying in European and American universities for assessment of their research skills. There were 27 students who participated in the study, and they showed excellent research skills.

Theme Two:

Relationships

Baker and Pifer (2011):

For doctoral students to communicate well, they are taught communication skills and how to create networks.

Gardner (2009):

Students are encouraged to consult their departments so that they can be guided on various issues. As a result, thy will complete the doctoral program successfully.

Smith and Hatmaker (2015):

Strategies are put in place to make sure that the relationship between the faculty and the students is enhanced. Hence, the students will be proactive.

Theme Three:

Self-drive

Baker and Pifer (2011):

Students urged to be reflective on their learning and be creative. They should read more depending on the additional training needs that they require and that is where self-drive is needed.

Gardner (2009):

Only the students who are focused finish the doctoral program successfully. A high level of organization, time management and motivation are needed for one to complete the program.

Smith and Hatmaker (2015):

Doctoral program students become productive scholars because they are always well-prepared.

Statement of Conclusion

Hard work and consistency are the ones that lead to academic success. For doctoral students to do well in their studies, they have to be imparted with the right skills. There should an establishment of a good relationship between the faculty and the doctoral students so that they can be helped to finish their studies. Self –drive and dedication are necessary for the students to gain the required research skills. These articles have emphasized that it is essential for doctoral students to have research skills.