Self Assessment
Overall Strategies | Course Work |
| Research | Teaching |
One time in the elevator with Dr. Rieber, he asked me how the transition goes from master program to doctoral program. Even though there were tons of thoughts in my mind, I only responded to him shortly that the focus is different and it is tough. Before I made my mind to apply doctoral study, my advisor - Dr. Choi - shared the nuts and bolts of life in the scholarly community. I came prepared that my life in the doctoral study is going to be extremely busy. However, before I experienced it, I would never understand it.
I had a culture shock being a first year doctoral student. My very first task is to find time to complete everything in a timely manner. In my first year, I had several focuses including, teaching EDIT 2000, taking nine credits courses, finding my research interests, and working on the projects with my advisor. I have to admit that I was horrible at time management. I tried to build up a habit of writing down to-do lists on my planner and frequently reading it as a reminder. It is a good start; however, sometimes I failed to follow my plan because I am still a last minute person. In order to continue my career as a successful researcher, I understand having good strategies on time management is indispensable. I will constantly seek for the strategies and find the balance of my life.
Another skill I find valuable is to be willing to share my work and take others・ comments into consideration. In QUAL 8410, before submission of our course projects, Dr. Roulston always offered chances for us to solicit feedback from other classmates. I was embarrassed and uncomfortable to show my work to others. Through several in-class activities, I realized taking advantage of them did improve my work. To prepare for academic career, I will learn to be humble and accept others・ critique. Meanwhile, if I refuse others・ comments, I will learn to develop a sound rationale of why their suggestions won・t work and what I will do.
TOP
During my first year, I focused more on the methodology courses. I took QUAL 8400, QUAL 8410, and ERSH 8310. Even though I learned various methods and models for research design and data collection, I am uncertain if I can apply them appropriately in my future studies. Thus, it is important for me to think through these methods when I read others・ papers and further incorporate them in my own research.
Since I took some methodology courses in my first year, I would like to shift focus to my cognate area. My initial interest lies in improving adult learners・ problem-solving and transfer of learning. It will be beneficial for me to take courses from Adult Education and Educational Psychology, which will not only expand my knowledge but also help refine my research interest.
TOP
In addition to my coursework, I also joined two of Dr. Choi's projects. My tasks in these two projects varied. I have participated in data collection, data analysis, review of participants' essays, and multimedia development. Other than joining some research activities, Dr. Choi also guided me to set different topics for my individual study. In the first semester, learning issues regarding problem solving were highlighted. The next semester, I shifted my emphasis to transfer of learning. I am quite satisfied with my initial exploration of these two topics. However, reading the articles is insufficient to truly be familiarized with a research area. I would like to write a conceptual framework paper or a literature review paper to consolidate my understanding of transfer of learning with implications on adult learning in online learning environments.
With regard to writing a paper, I did not put much effort on submitting a proposal to a conference or planning to write a paper for publication. For my next step, I would like to write a proposal, start a pilot study, and present at a conference. Since I have not submitted any proposals before, I will need to invest some time to know the requirements of proposals for different conferences.
As I mentioned earlier, I plan to start writing a conceptual framework paper or a literature review on my interest area. I would like to set a target journal to publish this paper. Setting a target can help me take writing seriously and formally.
TOP
I have been teaching EDIT 2000 for two semesters. So far, I have enjoyed teaching a lot. My role in EDIT 2000 is not merely a teacher. I created an environment that I am a facilitator of this class. I gave an introduction for each project, engaged them in the discussion, and scaffolded their skills and strategies in creating projects. For most of the students, my role works well. However, since I am used to telling students how to do everything without making them solve the problems and think independently, some students are used to counting on any of answers that I gave them. I feel it is dangerous for not having them to take responsibility of their own learning. For my future teaching, I need to find a balance on helping students and providing opportunities for them thinking and solving problems independently at the same time.
TOP
