Resolution Revisit 2016
Here’s my follow-up blog in response to my initial blog: #BCEDchat Resolution Challenge. It’s been fun working with @Ms.VictoriaOlson as co-moderators. This is taking edu-Tweeting to a new level where #bcedchat participants are challenged to make a resolution, commit to it, reflect, and take action. This is professional learning at it’s finest where educators who are not physically connected to each other can put their professional wants and dreams in a Google Doc or blog to share and connect with others. Here’s what people have to say so far in 2016: #bcedchat88 – Resolutions – Challenge Intention. For me, having to write my learning intentions down, taking the time to commit, and sharing this with others not only made me accountable, but it has created ACTION. The follow up entails 3 questions, as seen below, to reflect on your 2016 resolution and figure out your next steps. Here are my 3 responses:
What progress have I made?
I have made a tonne of progress. I am so happy about it. I had collected my data in December and wondered how to move forward in the new year. Maybe not mentioned in my original blog entry, but I had wanted to make a full-commitment to my professional learning in 2016 and this included the completion of my dissertation. Well, since making my resolution in January, I had analyzed my data, drafted Chapters 4 and 5, and now undergoing my first edit through all 5 chapters. I am almost finished editing Chapter 5. I am on the last section of 7 found in that chapter. Woohoo!!!
A few weeks ago, I had attended the SFU Thesis Bootcamp in Vancouver. It was an incredible 3 days and I would recommend it to anyone writing a master or doctoral thesis, or capstone paper. Wow! I went to a Thesis Bootcamp about 5 years ago and got the “big ideas” on how to write a thesis. This time I got writing consultation, learned about Copyright, got someone to help me with the thesis template one-on-one, talked to the librarian TWICE on Literature Review (revisit), and… got my survey questionnaire PDF “redone” as pictures to put into my dissertation as Appendix E. I was reassured that I must be near the end of this process… and I’m building momentum. I had also learned more about my learning and how/when I like to write… and set SMART goals. I loved the SFU Thesis Bootcamp. Learned lots!!!
What have I struggled with along the way?
Along the way, I have struggled with carving out time to write my dissertation. In saying that, I realize now that I’m good with 1.5 hour stints. This is good to know. Breaks are good. Walking is good. Having a life besides completing my dissertation is good. As mentioned, I had a tonne of questions regarding my dissertation. I have friends who are also helping me out along the way… like get my thesis on the thesis template. I did, but was totally confused. The Bootcamp really clarified that for me.
Another thing that I have struggled along the way is being certain of the uncertain. In writing my dissertation, I am trying to make conclusions based on my data and analysis. Wow!!! When all is said and done… and the numbers don’t lie (if done correctly)… to say what I really mean and interject my own voice back into my writing has been challenging. I have spent many years trying to get my voice out of my dissertation and feel that I have been successful… but now I am “burdened” to be BOLD and speak to my findings in an authentic, wholehearted way. Challenging.
However… knowing that the 1.5 hour stints are effective in my writing… when I’m not writing, I am making connections, thinking about how things could be better, and sense-making. Time away only means time away from the act of writing and giving space to thinking. Very grateful for the conclusions that I have derived and look forward to submitting my draft dissertation soon, revising, and defending.
What are the next steps?
My next steps… finish my first round of edits for my first version of my dissertation. Revisit the literature review and enhance it accordingly in the second version of my dissertation. Then, I will go through a second round of edits before handing it into my supervisor to review and give feedback. Hopefully, I can get my final draft completed this term and start focusing on my defence next term, which would include getting an internal and external examiner and possibly go through several revisions before heading to my oral defence date. Somewhere in all the mix, I would like to hire a professional editor to ensure that all of my p’s and q’s are in place with my formatting, citations, and good ol’ grammar. Oh… and yes… keep attacking my dissertation at least 1.5 hours per day. Progress not only takes time and effort… it’s patience, persistence, and passion. That’s what I walk away from this.