Life after my Master's by Beth
There has to be life after completing a thesis or a project, but I know that I have to still do it all myself. I learned this after getting my Bachelor’s; I was told that there would be life after college by my friends and instructor’s at Rochester College. However, due to the condition of the Michigan economy, I had to make a choice. I had to decide if I wanted to continue with my education, or go back to working dead-end, hourly jobs where my abilities would ever be noticed.
I have managed to find a place in earning my Master’s degree that I always wanted, but never could find. If there isn’t life after this, then what have I found now? I have already begun to find life while earning the degree, so why couldn’t exist afterwards. Starting Monday, I take on the positions of managing editor for The Sower and will begin taking photos and occasionally writing for The Daily.
I also was able to get permission from the art college and will begin taking photography classes in the fall. I have always wanted to be a photographer and to work for a newspaper, so thanks to the way that our program is set up, I can do that. I have the ability to get a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication at a highly ranked and competitive university with a concentration in photojournalism. Not many people can really say that they were able to “design” their own degrees.
Life after my Master’s may not mean the same to me as it does to others. I think of the irony that 6 years ago, I had lost my home, my husband was unemployed and statistics are against me that I should even be here today. I grew up in a blue collar town with a strong belief that I could do anything, but when you are looking the worst days of your life right in the eyes, you find yourself drowning in the idea that you will never get out of this.
I got out and I intend to stay out. Detroit is a tough town to grown up in, and you don’t even have to be from the city to realize that. People work hard and they play hard, but they also fall hard. The winters are cold and depressing and the summers are not always what we want them to be. If there isn’t life after getting my Master’s, then it means that not only did I fail, but I wasn’t able to shake that old “I told you so” mentality that all my naysayers had.
Life has to exist after my Master’s, not just because I have accomplished something great, but because I can’t go back to a place that leaves me wanting more all the time. I like to want more, but not to do the everyday grind that so many people back home do. I am working on becoming a photojournalist and I would not have ever been able to combine all the things I love into one degree or one programs in any other instance. So, yes, life after your degree does exist, but only if you make it.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Get to the Masses!
Life after a thesis or project reveals itself important as any researcher’s aim is to influence or make a difference in the body of knowledge. By the time one chooses a research topic, one his interested in picking something deeply relevant. In fact, it is first of all an attempt to answer a question, clarify a problem or contribute to an ongoing debate. Thus, if any topic follows these guidelines, there will be a considerable chance that the researcher will influence audiences.
In my case, it would be important to note that the main objective of my research is to reevaluate the role of media in consolidating democracy after many African countries have experienced noticeable changes in the way politics is conducted. Democracy has almost become the main rule of the land in the whole continent. Yet, it has become crucial to probe how the media, once owned by politicians in the past, has become a vector of democracy, providing the masses with the tools they need for a more inclusive society.
Everyone knows that the press must be a means to stimulate the marketplace of ideas by allowing the population to be aware of what the elite carries out for the advancement of the masses. So this research will definitely stand as one of the barometers for the implementation of democratic rule in the continent. Are journalists playing an important role in helping the masses participate in the affairs of the city by standing as a voice for those who cannot be heard? Are the media making the elite abide by the basic rules that define democracy?
My research seeks not only to influence journalists but it also attempts to create a tool for both government s and international organization concerned with the advancement of masses through a democratic society. The press in Africa has actually reached a point to which it needs to be reevaluated. In fact, it is only after the 1990s that a free press started to emerge in the continent. Yet, substantial efforts need to be done to eradicate instability through democracy. How is the press doing after its liberalization?
I’m actually looking forward to presenting this work to conferences around the world including in Africa of course. This will be an opportunity to make the work reach people and influence audiences.
This thesis/project class has actually been a great opportunity for me to set the basis for a consistent research that would allow me to make the work influent. It actually was a great opportunity for me to know more about the way to contribute to the body of knowledge.
In my case, it would be important to note that the main objective of my research is to reevaluate the role of media in consolidating democracy after many African countries have experienced noticeable changes in the way politics is conducted. Democracy has almost become the main rule of the land in the whole continent. Yet, it has become crucial to probe how the media, once owned by politicians in the past, has become a vector of democracy, providing the masses with the tools they need for a more inclusive society.
Everyone knows that the press must be a means to stimulate the marketplace of ideas by allowing the population to be aware of what the elite carries out for the advancement of the masses. So this research will definitely stand as one of the barometers for the implementation of democratic rule in the continent. Are journalists playing an important role in helping the masses participate in the affairs of the city by standing as a voice for those who cannot be heard? Are the media making the elite abide by the basic rules that define democracy?
My research seeks not only to influence journalists but it also attempts to create a tool for both government s and international organization concerned with the advancement of masses through a democratic society. The press in Africa has actually reached a point to which it needs to be reevaluated. In fact, it is only after the 1990s that a free press started to emerge in the continent. Yet, substantial efforts need to be done to eradicate instability through democracy. How is the press doing after its liberalization?
I’m actually looking forward to presenting this work to conferences around the world including in Africa of course. This will be an opportunity to make the work reach people and influence audiences.
This thesis/project class has actually been a great opportunity for me to set the basis for a consistent research that would allow me to make the work influent. It actually was a great opportunity for me to know more about the way to contribute to the body of knowledge.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Free to Be
By Jordan Kinley
I do not have a particular academic subject I wish to share, but would rather offer some recommendations of places to study here in Norman.
My hands down favorite place to study is at Cafe Plaid on the edge of Campus Corner. If you bring your own mug coffee is only $1.45 and you can sit quietly during the lunch rush hour. The workers are quirky, local and down to earth. The sandwiches can't be beat and the Plaid Bar (pastry) is delectable. There is one drawback, the Internet is shut off between the hours of roughly 11:00 to 1:45, but that provides the perfect amount of time to study sans www.addictinggames.com.
If the privately owned cafe isn't your thing and you want to stay close to campus, head on down to Starbucks where you can mysteriously order in pseudo sizing: Short, Tall, Grande, or Venti anything. The location across from campus has plenty of outlets making it convenient to keep a laptop or cell phone charged. Other perks include free wireless Internet to iPhone users and overpriced bottles of water. Well, that's not a perk, but instead of buying a bottle of water ask one of the Barista's for a cup because all Starbucks have an intense water filtration system behind the counter.
If you enjoy a completely quiet area or if you want to be served Starbucks quality coffee without the full experience, try the Great Reading Room in Bizzell or the Bookmark Cafe. Both provide a decent spot to finish assignments and collect thoughts. If you've never visited the GRM, you might want to considering it's potentially the place your thesis will go to die.
One site away from campus worth visiting is the Starbucks in Brookhaven Village. This particular location has less of a college presence and receives more patrons from the surrounding neighborhoods. Unlike most Starbucks, this particular one often offers free samples of their cookies, cakes and muffins during afternoon hours. The Baristas know most of the customers because the manager has made the store much more personal than others I have visited. There are plenty of tables and chairs, even an extension outlet for computers used by individuals conducting business.
The coffee/pastry bar in the Barnes & Noble offers a pleasant place to learn. The benefit of traveling to this location is that when work becomes a bore, you can usually find something of interest in the remainder of the store. I used to frequent B&N a few semesters ago and more times than not I would unexpectedly leave with a book about something completely unrelated to my assignment at the time.
Two locations that I have never patronized but have heard decent things about are Hastings and Panera, both of which are off Main St. I have been told that often it is hard to find a table at both of these stores because they are so popular among college students. Regardless, they are popular for a reason and must be doing something right to fill up around finals time.
There you have it, a sprinkling of coffee houses and places to study throughout Norman.
I do not have a particular academic subject I wish to share, but would rather offer some recommendations of places to study here in Norman.
My hands down favorite place to study is at Cafe Plaid on the edge of Campus Corner. If you bring your own mug coffee is only $1.45 and you can sit quietly during the lunch rush hour. The workers are quirky, local and down to earth. The sandwiches can't be beat and the Plaid Bar (pastry) is delectable. There is one drawback, the Internet is shut off between the hours of roughly 11:00 to 1:45, but that provides the perfect amount of time to study sans www.addictinggames.com.
If the privately owned cafe isn't your thing and you want to stay close to campus, head on down to Starbucks where you can mysteriously order in pseudo sizing: Short, Tall, Grande, or Venti anything. The location across from campus has plenty of outlets making it convenient to keep a laptop or cell phone charged. Other perks include free wireless Internet to iPhone users and overpriced bottles of water. Well, that's not a perk, but instead of buying a bottle of water ask one of the Barista's for a cup because all Starbucks have an intense water filtration system behind the counter.
If you enjoy a completely quiet area or if you want to be served Starbucks quality coffee without the full experience, try the Great Reading Room in Bizzell or the Bookmark Cafe. Both provide a decent spot to finish assignments and collect thoughts. If you've never visited the GRM, you might want to considering it's potentially the place your thesis will go to die.
One site away from campus worth visiting is the Starbucks in Brookhaven Village. This particular location has less of a college presence and receives more patrons from the surrounding neighborhoods. Unlike most Starbucks, this particular one often offers free samples of their cookies, cakes and muffins during afternoon hours. The Baristas know most of the customers because the manager has made the store much more personal than others I have visited. There are plenty of tables and chairs, even an extension outlet for computers used by individuals conducting business.
The coffee/pastry bar in the Barnes & Noble offers a pleasant place to learn. The benefit of traveling to this location is that when work becomes a bore, you can usually find something of interest in the remainder of the store. I used to frequent B&N a few semesters ago and more times than not I would unexpectedly leave with a book about something completely unrelated to my assignment at the time.
Two locations that I have never patronized but have heard decent things about are Hastings and Panera, both of which are off Main St. I have been told that often it is hard to find a table at both of these stores because they are so popular among college students. Regardless, they are popular for a reason and must be doing something right to fill up around finals time.
There you have it, a sprinkling of coffee houses and places to study throughout Norman.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Life After Death
By Jordan Kinley
That title might be a little harsh, but I couldn't avoid a Nortorious B.I.G. reference.
The life that will be bestowed upon me after the completion of a thesis or project will be one filled with job offers and publishing opportunities. It never hurts to dream big right? While I might not be littered with job offers, it is my hope that I will be able to use the project on race management to show my capabilities in the world of event management. I'm not sure where my career is headed, but I would like to some day play a larger role in the running community. Perhaps aspiring to head the USATF or the IOC because both of these entities rely heavily on the structure and organization of global events. More specifically, the types of events that are created depend upon sponsor involvement and the attraction of broad audiences.
My project deals directly with sponsorship from the perspectives of race directors and sponsors who have already experienced how their relationship creates opportunities for others. At a local level, I hope to offer race directors and community sponsors an effective way to more creatively produce road races. Currently, the state of Oklahoma road races lags behind other communities where running and walking are more accepted community activities. I hope to consult and influence event directors of all sizes, (rom the KAT's Making Tracks 5k on up to the OKC Memorial Marathon) that more can be done to promote their races. On broader level, I hope to take my experience in the field and share my ideas with individuals involved with organizing the Boston, Chicago and New York marathons.
This fall I am helping direct the Brookhaven Run which is the largest road race in Cleveland County. It currently is the most competitive 5k race in the state and this year we hope to break the state record of 14:07 (male) and 16:03 (female). I have been placed in charge of assembling an elite field of athletes willing to push their limits. My ability to attract a large field will depend largely on the amount of prize money I can raise. Being able to offer $1000 to the victor greatly increases my chances of finding the athlete that can break the state record. However, the prize purse is dependent upon raising enough money from the local businesses willing to associate themselves with the race.
Life after the completion of the project will hopefully involve working with the organizations in need of an experienced and knowledgeable individual willing to help organize a large scale event. A bigger audience, will attract better sponsors, with more money, requiring more responsibility. A challenge I'm looking forward to completing.
That title might be a little harsh, but I couldn't avoid a Nortorious B.I.G. reference.
The life that will be bestowed upon me after the completion of a thesis or project will be one filled with job offers and publishing opportunities. It never hurts to dream big right? While I might not be littered with job offers, it is my hope that I will be able to use the project on race management to show my capabilities in the world of event management. I'm not sure where my career is headed, but I would like to some day play a larger role in the running community. Perhaps aspiring to head the USATF or the IOC because both of these entities rely heavily on the structure and organization of global events. More specifically, the types of events that are created depend upon sponsor involvement and the attraction of broad audiences.
My project deals directly with sponsorship from the perspectives of race directors and sponsors who have already experienced how their relationship creates opportunities for others. At a local level, I hope to offer race directors and community sponsors an effective way to more creatively produce road races. Currently, the state of Oklahoma road races lags behind other communities where running and walking are more accepted community activities. I hope to consult and influence event directors of all sizes, (rom the KAT's Making Tracks 5k on up to the OKC Memorial Marathon) that more can be done to promote their races. On broader level, I hope to take my experience in the field and share my ideas with individuals involved with organizing the Boston, Chicago and New York marathons.
This fall I am helping direct the Brookhaven Run which is the largest road race in Cleveland County. It currently is the most competitive 5k race in the state and this year we hope to break the state record of 14:07 (male) and 16:03 (female). I have been placed in charge of assembling an elite field of athletes willing to push their limits. My ability to attract a large field will depend largely on the amount of prize money I can raise. Being able to offer $1000 to the victor greatly increases my chances of finding the athlete that can break the state record. However, the prize purse is dependent upon raising enough money from the local businesses willing to associate themselves with the race.
Life after the completion of the project will hopefully involve working with the organizations in need of an experienced and knowledgeable individual willing to help organize a large scale event. A bigger audience, will attract better sponsors, with more money, requiring more responsibility. A challenge I'm looking forward to completing.
Free Topic - Concluding Outlook by Christina
When I first thought about my future outlook after taking this course the first idea that jumped into my head was, “Sweet, only one more semester to go!” Then reality set in. Goodness, I actually have to start conducting this research, analyze it, and then tie it back to theory, all in six months. The time frame is not that daunting, I can get it done, but it is scary. This project, as I noted in my last post, is my future. Its results could very much determine where I am at and what I am doing by January. So, more than anything, though I am confident in my work and my public relations skills, questions start to seep into the corners of my thoughts. What if something goes wrong? What if the research does not turn out the way I am thinking? What if I do not make the impact that is truly significant? Can I really make a social media code book to measure dialogue that professionals will use? After the onset of panic, I sit back, relax and realize nothing worth having comes easy. I agree with former President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt, who said, "nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty... I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well."
He is right, what would be the point of leaving this program without the blood, sweat and tears of actually completing a thesis or project. You will be respected by employers and peers alike, especially if you conduct a vigorous and worthwhile study. What is the point of taking the easy way out? Anybody can have their name associated with a masters degree, but not everyone can get published and have proof of there writing and research abilities while showcasing their ability to think abstractly, yet tie that information back into something concrete. Though scared, I am proud to know I am not taking the easy way out. When I defend ( hopefully Dec. 1) I will know I have given this effort and every bit of who I am. There is a big difference between defending a few three-hour exams and defending an entire research project that took a year to finish. I applaud and respect everyone who completes a thesis or project, know that you are different; there is a higher sense of achievement.
As a final note, I want to touch on the IRB. Should I use this forum to complain about the IRB and just get it off my chest? Well, I could but I will not. More importantly I want to educate those who have yet to go through the IRB process for the Norman Campus . It is difficult, it is aggravating, but it can be done. Seriously, I am interviewing public relations and social media experts about social media and public relations. How much risk could be involved there? But, that does not matter; the IRB application has to be sent out. So, if you are beginning to think about a thesis or project that involves any type of human contact, get on top of your IRB now. Here are there major tips:
1. Do the training NOW! Do not wait till you need the IRB approval to get your training done. All IRB applicants must complete: CITI (Collaborative IRB Training Initiative) Basic Web-Based Course. It takes forever, so just knock it out, before you are even dealing with your IRB application.
2. Make sure to submit all parts of the IRB Application. The Web site is horrible and slightly confusing, so ensure you include your application, research protocol, any additional material to include interview protocols, interview questions and informed consent documents, as well as expedited review, if applicable.
3. Be patient and understand this office exists for a reason. Though, at times it may feel like they just do not want you to conduct research in your field of study and it is a little bit ridiculous. It is there to protect the rights of people, because past researchers have taken advantage.
He is right, what would be the point of leaving this program without the blood, sweat and tears of actually completing a thesis or project. You will be respected by employers and peers alike, especially if you conduct a vigorous and worthwhile study. What is the point of taking the easy way out? Anybody can have their name associated with a masters degree, but not everyone can get published and have proof of there writing and research abilities while showcasing their ability to think abstractly, yet tie that information back into something concrete. Though scared, I am proud to know I am not taking the easy way out. When I defend ( hopefully Dec. 1) I will know I have given this effort and every bit of who I am. There is a big difference between defending a few three-hour exams and defending an entire research project that took a year to finish. I applaud and respect everyone who completes a thesis or project, know that you are different; there is a higher sense of achievement.
As a final note, I want to touch on the IRB. Should I use this forum to complain about the IRB and just get it off my chest? Well, I could but I will not. More importantly I want to educate those who have yet to go through the IRB process for the Norman Campus . It is difficult, it is aggravating, but it can be done. Seriously, I am interviewing public relations and social media experts about social media and public relations. How much risk could be involved there? But, that does not matter; the IRB application has to be sent out. So, if you are beginning to think about a thesis or project that involves any type of human contact, get on top of your IRB now. Here are there major tips:
1. Do the training NOW! Do not wait till you need the IRB approval to get your training done. All IRB applicants must complete: CITI (Collaborative IRB Training Initiative) Basic Web-Based Course. It takes forever, so just knock it out, before you are even dealing with your IRB application.
2. Make sure to submit all parts of the IRB Application. The Web site is horrible and slightly confusing, so ensure you include your application, research protocol, any additional material to include interview protocols, interview questions and informed consent documents, as well as expedited review, if applicable.
3. Be patient and understand this office exists for a reason. Though, at times it may feel like they just do not want you to conduct research in your field of study and it is a little bit ridiculous. It is there to protect the rights of people, because past researchers have taken advantage.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Final Post-Player's Choice by Josh Rogers
Final Post-Player's Choice by Josh Rogers
For my final post, I thought I would point out and discuss some of the resources available to the graduate student. Hopefully, you will find some of these resources useful in your own journey through graduate school.
Take a visit to the OU IT store. There are a number of "free"( free, as in, you've already paid for it with your tuition fees) downloads available. If you want to upgrade to Office 2003 Professional this is a free download. Symantic Anti-Virus and Ad-Aware are also available to download. For grad assistants, I would suggest downloading a copy of EndNote, or ProCite. These are very useful reference managers which will help store and properly format all the research that you have downloaded from the library. The only pain is that you need to do a little data entry to load your references but after that you will be able to cite and reference effortlessly in most Word .docs.
If you like to listen to music while you are studying check out ruckus.com. OU, like many other universities, has an agreement with Ruckus for free music downloads. Ruckus also has videos and games which might distract you from working on your thesis but it is worth checking out. Pandora.com is also a great customizable Internet music site. Build music channels with your music preferences-listening to Pandora is almost like inventing your own favorite radio station that only plays the kind of songs you want to hear.
Feelin' blue? Gradresources.org is a website that has a section for "E-mentors" that are available through email correspondence. According to the website:
Nick Repak, National Director of Grad Resources, has started a weekly email letter to those who have requested E-Mentor assistance. His initial topics have included Time Management, Prof/Grad Relationships, Financial Pressures, and other issues grad students face. He will also respond to topics/issues you feel are pertinent to a majority of grad students, and would greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions. If there are specific issues that require personal responses he will attempt to answers these personally or put you in contact with someone who can.
If you have a more urgent need for help, Gradresources.org also offers a crisis hotline-1-877-GRAD-HLP. Unfortunately, the section that was titled Grad Student Survival Kits: Free Resources for Graduate Students is now closed.
Trying to eat well on a tight budget? I would recommend this site for a number of recipes that are possible for a starving college student. Recipes like "Hot Dog Casserole" and "Ramen Foo Young" are quick, easy and affordable for a graduate student on a budget.
For those graduate students that are hard up for cash-- donating plasma might be a possibility. The local center in Norman is right down the road from campus. I paid for my high school prom by donating plasma and I finished The Once and Future King by T.H. White-required reading for my senior A.P. English class-during my plasma sessions.
I know that some of these tips might be more practical than others. I just thought that I would have a little fun with my last post. Hopefully, though, at least one of these tips will come in handy-Have a good summer and good luck with the Hot Dog Casserole.
For my final post, I thought I would point out and discuss some of the resources available to the graduate student. Hopefully, you will find some of these resources useful in your own journey through graduate school.
Take a visit to the OU IT store. There are a number of "free"( free, as in, you've already paid for it with your tuition fees) downloads available. If you want to upgrade to Office 2003 Professional this is a free download. Symantic Anti-Virus and Ad-Aware are also available to download. For grad assistants, I would suggest downloading a copy of EndNote, or ProCite. These are very useful reference managers which will help store and properly format all the research that you have downloaded from the library. The only pain is that you need to do a little data entry to load your references but after that you will be able to cite and reference effortlessly in most Word .docs.
If you like to listen to music while you are studying check out ruckus.com. OU, like many other universities, has an agreement with Ruckus for free music downloads. Ruckus also has videos and games which might distract you from working on your thesis but it is worth checking out. Pandora.com is also a great customizable Internet music site. Build music channels with your music preferences-listening to Pandora is almost like inventing your own favorite radio station that only plays the kind of songs you want to hear.
Feelin' blue? Gradresources.org is a website that has a section for "E-mentors" that are available through email correspondence. According to the website:
Nick Repak, National Director of Grad Resources, has started a weekly email letter to those who have requested E-Mentor assistance. His initial topics have included Time Management, Prof/Grad Relationships, Financial Pressures, and other issues grad students face. He will also respond to topics/issues you feel are pertinent to a majority of grad students, and would greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions. If there are specific issues that require personal responses he will attempt to answers these personally or put you in contact with someone who can.
If you have a more urgent need for help, Gradresources.org also offers a crisis hotline-1-877-GRAD-HLP. Unfortunately, the section that was titled Grad Student Survival Kits: Free Resources for Graduate Students is now closed.
Trying to eat well on a tight budget? I would recommend this site for a number of recipes that are possible for a starving college student. Recipes like "Hot Dog Casserole" and "Ramen Foo Young" are quick, easy and affordable for a graduate student on a budget.
For those graduate students that are hard up for cash-- donating plasma might be a possibility. The local center in Norman is right down the road from campus. I paid for my high school prom by donating plasma and I finished The Once and Future King by T.H. White-required reading for my senior A.P. English class-during my plasma sessions.
I know that some of these tips might be more practical than others. I just thought that I would have a little fun with my last post. Hopefully, though, at least one of these tips will come in handy-Have a good summer and good luck with the Hot Dog Casserole.
Topic of Choice: The Defense
Topic of Choice: The Defense
Leslie Cermak
This class has been very helpful in learning more about developing a thesis or project in several ways. I think we all now know how important it is to have a committee that gets along. All in all, this one-hour class was composed of a lot of work and some helpful information.
Although I’d love to grow excited when I think about the end of December (when I can officially graduate), there is one looming obstacle that stands in my way: a successful defense. For me, the defense is that undefined event that I just really don’t know how to prepare for other than know my topic well and be prepared to answer anything and everything about it. Our class presentations in thesis seminar were a good primer, and we’ve learned some about the process here and there, but I still think I don’t know what to expect.
For me, this is unsettling. Considering that I’ve been a teacher for five years, the part about public speaking shouldn’t be terrifying. I also know my committee members well. However, when I taught, it was subject matter I knew very well and to people who wanted to learn more about English grammar. At my defense, I’ll be communicating about a topic I’ve learned a lot about but to people who will know it very well. This is a different type of rhetoric than I’m used to and likely to make me nervous. And when I get nervous, my ability to speak effectively disintegrates.
I realize that a good chair will not set you up for failure and that it is up to the student to determine how successful a defense can be, but even the name of the event does not sound pleasant.
So, how does a graduate student prepare for defense? Well, we’ve been told to know much about our topic and our study. Obviously answering “I don’t know” often is probably not a good marker for a successful defense. An essay written by Reckski (2005) likely lays out a more detailed how-to than these vague answers. But what else can we do to prepare? One thing I’ve learned is to consider attending a fellow graduate student’s defense before it’s your turn. Although I have always had either my job or classes that conflict with defense meetings, I intend to speak with professors about any that I might be able allowed to attend. In this case, I think experience or observation really may be the best way to prepare. Kuhlenschmidt (1992) writes in her article “Teaching Students to handle the Oral Defense,” (Available through Lora in the journal Teaching of Psychology) that a voluntary workshop held on her part helped students get over some of their anxiety.
Although we may not have a workshop at our disposal, we do have some very receptive faculty members who seem more than willing to speak with us and peers we can turn to for support. There are also numerous online articles including those by the American Psychological Association, universities, writing centers and blogs that offer guidance and information about what to expect. This may be the next best thing to having a good chair that will help us along the way.
Leslie Cermak
This class has been very helpful in learning more about developing a thesis or project in several ways. I think we all now know how important it is to have a committee that gets along. All in all, this one-hour class was composed of a lot of work and some helpful information.
Although I’d love to grow excited when I think about the end of December (when I can officially graduate), there is one looming obstacle that stands in my way: a successful defense. For me, the defense is that undefined event that I just really don’t know how to prepare for other than know my topic well and be prepared to answer anything and everything about it. Our class presentations in thesis seminar were a good primer, and we’ve learned some about the process here and there, but I still think I don’t know what to expect.
For me, this is unsettling. Considering that I’ve been a teacher for five years, the part about public speaking shouldn’t be terrifying. I also know my committee members well. However, when I taught, it was subject matter I knew very well and to people who wanted to learn more about English grammar. At my defense, I’ll be communicating about a topic I’ve learned a lot about but to people who will know it very well. This is a different type of rhetoric than I’m used to and likely to make me nervous. And when I get nervous, my ability to speak effectively disintegrates.
I realize that a good chair will not set you up for failure and that it is up to the student to determine how successful a defense can be, but even the name of the event does not sound pleasant.
So, how does a graduate student prepare for defense? Well, we’ve been told to know much about our topic and our study. Obviously answering “I don’t know” often is probably not a good marker for a successful defense. An essay written by Reckski (2005) likely lays out a more detailed how-to than these vague answers. But what else can we do to prepare? One thing I’ve learned is to consider attending a fellow graduate student’s defense before it’s your turn. Although I have always had either my job or classes that conflict with defense meetings, I intend to speak with professors about any that I might be able allowed to attend. In this case, I think experience or observation really may be the best way to prepare. Kuhlenschmidt (1992) writes in her article “Teaching Students to handle the Oral Defense,” (Available through Lora in the journal Teaching of Psychology) that a voluntary workshop held on her part helped students get over some of their anxiety.
Although we may not have a workshop at our disposal, we do have some very receptive faculty members who seem more than willing to speak with us and peers we can turn to for support. There are also numerous online articles including those by the American Psychological Association, universities, writing centers and blogs that offer guidance and information about what to expect. This may be the next best thing to having a good chair that will help us along the way.
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