Student Replies
You will complete 3 scholarly student replies with the following:
1. a minimum of 200 words,
2. demonstrate course-related knowledge,
3. and contain a minimum of 1 citation in current APA format to support assertions
Student Reply 1:
I recognized the connections between the previous 14 Liberty courses and the successful completion of my ultimate PhD goals, but the EDUC 980 experience provided much needed detail and clarification of how those connections are effectively communicated within the parameters of a dissertation. When coursework regarding the respective dissertation chapters was addressed separately, the requirement to conform to the provided dissertation format often seemed restrictive and counter intuitive in relation to my conceptual communication plan for my research. EDUC 980 provided a more advanced, holistic look at Chapters One, Two and Three which highlighted the natural flow and connection between them. Experiencing what it takes to prepare a Prospectus and reflecting on the connected value of the pre-EDUC 980 courses enhanced my growth as a scholar. Further, the EDUC 980 experience has me confident in my ability to complete the remaining dissertation requirements in accordance with the prescribed Liberty format without any concerns regarding my preconceived research plans.
The key remaining concern regarding the completion of my dissertation is that my case study will not yield the expected results or contribute to the phenomenon of teacher leader empowerment. That said, through extensive coursework and practical application, Liberty has provided sufficient techniques to shape my site, data collection procedures, and analysis to best align my desired results with the actual problem and purpose of my research. My experience in the Professional Military Education (PME) environment is a strength that continues to guide my research, but my lack of currency and geographic proximity to that environment is a weakness that might impede the conduct of my case study. I expect to offset the currency weakness through extensive review and analysis of current organizational products that govern a teacher’s delivery of the curriculum, as well as data collection procedures that account for my researcher bias. To account for the weakness associated with my geographic separation from the designated case study setting, I will leverage pre-existing relationships with PME University leadership, video-teleconferencing capabilities, shared database access, as well as focused trips to the geographic region to conduct the direct observation aspects of my data collection. If the timing of my case study does not facilitate trips in support of direct observation, I will utilize another data collection procedure taught in my previous courses.
To date, this has been a wonderful experience and I have enjoyed learning from my fellow students. Thanks to all who have contributed to my professional and personal development. Semper Fi and God Bless. r/ Jarrod
Student 2:
Throughout EDUC 980, my journey as a scholar has been transformative, marked by significant growth in my research skills, theoretical understanding, and academic confidence. This course has provided a robust foundation in educational research methodologies, allowing me to critically engage with literature, design comprehensive research studies, and articulate my findings with clarity and precision. The intensive study of various research paradigms and methods has expanded my understanding of how to approach complex educational issues, enabling me to craft a nuanced dissertation proposal that addresses pertinent research questions (Creswell, 2018
Despite feeling prepared, I do have concerns about the potential challenges in completing my dissertation. One major concern is the scope and depth of data analysis required, particularly in handling large datasets and ensuring rigorous statistical analysis. To address this, I plan to seek expert guidance through regular consultations with my dissertation advisor and statistical experts, which will help me navigate complex analytical techniques (Maxwell, 2012). Additionally, I intend to familiarize myself with advanced data analysis software, such as SPSS or NVivo, to streamline the analysis process. Engaging in continuous learning by attending workshops and online courses on data analysis and research methods will further enhance my skills and keep me updated with best practices (Creswell, 2018).
Another concern is maintaining a consistent writing schedule to ensure timely completion. To tackle this, I will set realistic goals by breaking down the dissertation into manageable sections with specific deadlines, thus maintaining steady progress. Establishing a writing routine by dedicating specific hours each day to writing and research, while minimizing distractions, will enhance productivity. Additionally, seeking feedback by regularly sharing drafts with my advisor and peers for constructive feedback will ensure continuous improvement and motivation (Maxwell, 2012).
Among my strengths are a strong theoretical foundation and a comprehensive understanding of educational theories and research paradigms, which allow me to frame my study within a solid conceptual framework (Creswell, 2018). My critical thinking skills enable me to analyze literature and research findings, helping me identify gaps and construct meaningful research questions. Furthermore, my resilience and perseverance, demonstrated through my commitment to academic excellence and ability to overcome challenges, have been crucial in progressing through demanding coursework and research activities.
However, I acknowledge weaknesses, such as time management, which has been challenging when balancing academic responsibilities with personal commitments. To address this, I will implement a detailed time management plan, prioritizing tasks and setting clear boundaries between work and personal time (Maxwell, 2012). Another area of improvement is my technical skills in data analysis; while I have a basic understanding of statistical methods, advanced data analysis remains a learning curve. I plan to engage in targeted training and seek mentorship from experts to strengthen my technical skills (Creswell, 2018). Lastly, ensuring clarity and coherence in academic writing can be challenging, especially when presenting complex ideas. I will regularly practice writing, seek feedback from writing groups, and utilize writing resources to enhance my proficiency.
Reference
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
Maxwell, J. A. (2012). A Realist Approach for Qualitative Research. Sage Publications.
Student 3:
Enrolling in EDUC 980 was initially very intimidating for me. I did not know what to expect or if I was truly prepared to tackle the first three chapters. Based on my experiences in other classes, I felt uncertain about my grasp of the required tasks. However, as I began the assignments and advanced in my research, my confidence level significantly improved. The feedback I received has reassured me that I can achieve my goal of completing my dissertation within my planned timeframe.
One of the most valuable skills I have gained is a clear understanding of how to effectively incorporate references into my research. Instead of relying heavily on direct quotes, I can now use references as guides to articulate my ideas. This approach makes the research more authentically mine, rather than merely regurgitating others’ words. By integrating sources in this manner, my work becomes a reflection of my critical thinking and analytical skills, demonstrating my ability to build upon existing knowledge while contributing my unique perspective.
I am aware that collecting data will require a considerable amount of work, but I feel confident in my knowledge of the necessary techniques and procedures to do so efficiently and promptly. This confidence stems from the comprehensive training and guidance I have received throughout the course. I have learned various data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, and observations, and understand how to apply them effectively in my research context. Moreover, I am adept at utilizing data analysis software, which will streamline the process and ensure accuracy in my findings.
As with any project, there will be areas where I excel and areas where I may fall short and need to seek assistance. I believe my greatest strength is also my biggest weakness. As a first-generation student, I empathize deeply with the students I will work with and can respond to their needs effectively. My personal experiences allow me to connect with them on a deeper level, fostering trust and understanding. However, this same background can be a weakness, as I must learn to separate my experiences from theirs to maintain objectivity in my research.
To overcome this challenge, I will ensure that I stick to the questions and analyze only the information I gather from the students. I will practice self-awareness and mindfulness to avoid projecting my experiences onto their responses. Recognizing and addressing these factors will help me provide high-quality research and analysis, ultimately improving the experiences of the students I aim to support. By remaining focused on the data and maintaining a critical eye, I can ensure that my research remains unbiased and valuable to the broader academic community. This balanced approach will not only enhance the credibility of my work but also contribute to the development of effective strategies to support first-generation students in their academic journeys.
Assignment will be checked for A/I use and plagiarism.
