The basic objective of a PhD dissertation is to ensure the contribution of original ideas to a particular studious discipline. As such while undertaking the course, dedication and enthusiasm aspects are vital for a successful completion of the dissertation. Further, perseverance and persistence characteristics are values that a person must be able to demonstrate throughout the program. In addition to the foregoing, a student must have the aptitude to be critical of the information that one comes across in order to refine and make critical contributions to the subject of study (Bencich, 2002).
Before the commencement of the PhD program there were groundwork programs that were important for psychological preparation for a thesis program. Basically the initial step entailed the identification of a problem. In a bid to ascertain the problem I needed to have a detailed understanding of the appropriate and connected literature in my field of study. I further learned that I needed to have the ability to address an area within the field where scholars have generally not comprehensively dealt with.
Consequently, gathering and decisively evaluating information and related data with the view of comprehensively addressing the area that I chose in my thesis have been vital. Here, the critical analysis skills are imperative. These skills ensure that one is able to gather contradicting information from various scholarly writings and evaluating as well as interpreting each of the information meticulously. Only when such information is properly synthesized through quantitative and qualitative evaluating kills is it possible to interpret scholarly texts and make informed presentation of information. Such efforts take up much of the time but are also vital in making informed conclusions relating to subject matter of the thesis.
Once all the information is gathered and internalized it is then easier to formulate an original response to the already identified problem. The solution need to be as convincing as possible to persons interested in that field of study. As such the solution that will be formulated must be persuasive even to persons who hold an opposing view on the subject matter of my thesis study. Throughout the period that has already elapsed, I have been able to enhance my writing and oral skills. This is basically due to the fact that the work is usually submitted in written form and I am further supposed to defend orally the objections that may be raised regarding the written work.
The challenges that I have encountered so far relate to the writing stage of the dissertation. This is the most intricate yet crucial part of the PhD course. It is no wonder that statistics show that most PhD students who do not complete the program usually give up at the writing stage. The most important skills during this stage include the organizing, persuasive writing, arranging information, reflecting on the written information and editing the same. Managing time is also a big challenge since one is supposed to follow the guidelines relating to the completion of the course. As such, there is so much pressure exerted upon the student. Consequently, I have learnt that it is important for a student to stay calm under such pressure situations in order to successfully overcome the challenges.
The PhD program has further provided an opportunity to contribute greatly to the subject of my thesis. As such, I am able to basically provide a theorem, write a program and explain orally and through writing without holding back. Further, although at the beginning I had a preset way of thinking, through comprehensive research and reading of materials and the criticisms my thoughts regarding the subject has been greatly enhanced to broader perspectives.
Self-assessment (reexamining goals and attitudes)
At the beginning this journey, I found it hard to take criticism. Consequently, I have learnt that some cases I can hide the frustrations better than others. Subsequently, I have noted that in order to make positive progress I have to change my attitude and learn to take criticism into account while continuing with the thesis. There is also need for a PhD student to make a distinction of invalid and valid criticism. In instances where a criticism is not clear I have also leant to ask a friend for a subsequent opinion. This is a very helpful step since it helps me to understand a situation better since through such intervention and if I feel the disapproval is invalid then I am able to improve my rationalization.
With regard to the foregoing, as fine dissertation student I have learnt that I must be able to take some blows relating to disapprovals as well as encounter rough times during question time. One needs to take the same with a smile, understand and learn what one is capable of doing. This has given me the strength to carry on believing that I am in an excellent company. After all I believe that this is where my faith will be tested in full therefore I am more prepared to deal with criticism since it can only help me to achieve my objectives and bring out the best work.
Bencich, C., Graber, E., Staben, J., & Sohn, K. (2002). Navigating in unknown waters:
Proposing, collecting data, and writing a qualitative dissertation. College Composition and Communication, 54(2), 289-306.
