Significance of the Study

Once again, here I am… thinking about the SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY for my dissertation proposal.  I have written Chapters 1-3 over many times.  Although my topic is relevant and timely, I have been honing my writing skills, narrowing to scope of my research study, and refining my point of view that is somewhat objective and academic.  I am not proud to say that I still remain in the same place of the dissertation process.  It has been 2 years and I am STILL stuck on the SO WHAT?

I am frustrated to say the least and I continue to read articles, speak to colleagues, and make observations in hopes of finding some insight to the relevance of my study.  I must admit when looking at and revising the same document over and over again, my level of care starts to diminish.  I would love to get into the interview stage of my study, to listen to people’s pedagogical journeys, and make sense of the data to inform others of something new to consider.  But to do so, I have to be very clear with my research question, my literature review, and my methodology.

Chapter 1 (version BLAH) is almost complete.  The significance of the study is the heart of my dissertation and I have lost sight on ‘why bother.’  I don’t want to be a rain cloud on my academic situation.  I am very grateful to have so many SFU buddies from my cohort, Educ 809, and EGSA who are willing to gab, chat, and help out.  In the end, it’s me who has to commit and feel good about what I am writing about.  Even coming to my blog to express my frustrations has been cathartic.

I can write.  I can express my feelings.  I can think.  The question is… Can I write this dissertation?