Beginning the dissertation is a challenging and intimidating process. Heeding advice from scholars who have been there and done that can help ease the uncertainty. In the vodcast "Purpose of the dissertation" Drs. Abbie Brown, Alan Foley, Tim Green, and Cheri Toledo offer some illuminating bytes.
Brown (Laureate, 2009) discussed how his research has a direct, rather than abstract, connection to his work as an educator that has helped him discover and determine the utility of certain tools in the classroom.
Foley (Laureate, 2009) says “the dissertation is a starting point….where you distinguish yourself in your field with your expertise.” It’s a springboard to future steps- identify gaps in the research, publish, develop as a scholar,etc…”it isn’t the end, it’s the beginning.”
Green (Laureate, 2009) shared his view of the dissertation: “Through the process you learn how to do research. It’s a right of passage so that one can join the community of researchers” (Laureate, 2009).
Toledo (Laureate, 2009) concurs that the dissertation is a rite of passage or initiation into the research community. Toledo adds that the dissertation is also an apprenticeship of sorts where you learn how to research and the importance of looking at the literature, and research to identify the gaps in the research, and publish. (Laureate, 2009).
Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Purpose of the Dissertation. [vodcast]. Current research in educational technology. Baltimore: Author
