Dissertation coaching?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Go_Fishy, Sep 16, 2009.

Loading...
  1. Go_Fishy

    Go_Fishy New Member

    Hi fellow credential creeps,

    I am facing a challenge with my dissertation that I'm sure many of you know: I like my topic, my field, and want that Ph.D., but when I come home after work I also like beer, college football, my aquariums, and million other things. I want to work on my dissertation, but I often lack the discipline to do it on a regular basis.

    Question: Are you aware of any dissertation-writing courses, mentor programs, etc. that support distance writers? I am usually a pretty independent learner, but I think I need a coach for now. I can't bother my professor with day-to-day tasks - he's a busy man and was kind enough to let me write my dissertation from a distance (it's not a distance program).
     
  2. Fortunato

    Fortunato Member

    I'm not going for a PhD myself, but I understand that this method has been used to help the easily distracted achieve laser-like focus with some success. Good luck!
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  4. Dave C.

    Dave C. New Member

    Mr. Fishy,

    I have exactly the same problem writing my MBA dissertation. For me, it's all about reminding myself how much I want it. I'm fed up of studying now and just want it done.

    When I sit down at my desk I say 'FOCUS!'. I turn off my wireless connection, unless I genuinely need it to study. I allow myself a short break to look at the news/sport etc, go and make a hot drink.

    Sometimes it works.

    All the best,

    Dave C.
     
  5. adireynolds

    adireynolds New Member

    Hi Go Fishy,

    I don't know which school you are attending, but have you checked out what resources are available from the student support department? There might be something there along these lines, or at the very least they could point you to resources.

    Best of luck to you!

    Cheers,
    Adrienne
     
  6. RoscoeB

    RoscoeB Senior Member

    Phinished.org has a great system in place to get students going. It seems to be very effective.

    Roscoe
     
  7. Dave Wagner

    Dave Wagner Active Member

    Well, at least you aren't being distracting by something important, such as making a living...

    Your answer may be to get up a little earlier in the morning and devote at least an hour a day to planning and executing the dissertation tasks, before you go to work and get distracted with after work activities. And, let's face it, work fatigues your mind and body. Some dissertation activities require that you work for large blocks of uninterrupted time, which you can also plan for if you start each day with the dissertation.

    Try this process of devoting the first hour of your day to the dissertation, before you contract with a coach to provide you with some of the same advice.
     
  8. Joeybsmooth

    Joeybsmooth New Member

    MY aquariums

    I am having the same issues. But this is just with class in genral . I work a hour from my house . So I get up at something to 6. Shower dress and drive to work .Get there at 8:00 work in my under paid and over worked service job for 8 hours . Than drive make home. By the time it is 5 something close to 6. My turtles need to be feed , I need to fed myself, and next thing I know it is almost 9:00 something.

    For me I think to handel this I am going to find something with a campus so I get just live there. That would cut out a lot of my time . I do know your situation buy maybe you can do that .

    I do not have any family so hey I can go where ever at a drop of a hat. And one that note I do not know how people with families can do this .
     
  9. mbaonline

    mbaonline New Member

    Fishy, I have not tried to write one but am looking for techniques for my future diss and books (that are in my head). Tips: Write every day, first thing in the morning. Get up at 4:00, 5:00 or whatever it takes to write when you're fresh, no-one else in your house is awake and before your brain cells are dulled by your day job, your commute and your household responsibilities. Set a goal: 15 minutes of writing. One page a day. One chapter outline a day. Whatever. Get words on paper, even if it's gibberish.

    I've used this method for research papers and tell students: sit and write/type everything you know about your topic, all your questions, even write "I can't believe I'm scared to write this paper but I'm making progress." After writing all this, you no longer have a blank page that gives me (you?) writers' block.

    Then after you have written for a few days (or hours) go back and start to refine ideas, add info, make research notes of facts to check later etc.

    One of the reasons I'm not starting my Doctorate now is that I'm waiting for the last kid to go to college in 2 years and then I can get up and write during the time I used to get kids ready to go to school.

    Several people I've talked to swear by this: Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day. It is available in my local public library, maybe yours too, so you won't have to buy it. http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Your-Dissertation-Fifteen-Minutes/dp/080504891X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253296920&sr=1-1

    The idea is to "Just Do It". Other people call it "The $#!tty First Draft" method.

    Another book is This Year You Write Your Novel also in my local public library. While it is geared toward novels, it has great writing tips. http://www.amazon.com/This-Year-Write-Your-Novel/dp/0316065498/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253297151&sr=1-2

    Best of luck to you.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 18, 2009

Share This Page