Description
Book SynopsisThis co-edited book provides doctoral candidates with a practical, cross-discipline handbook for successfully navigating the doctoral process – from initial program selection to the final dissertation defense and preparing for the faculty interview.
Trade Review[T]his text’s strength is in its usefulness in higher education practice as it provides a quick, but thorough reference for both students and professors. While the book is easy to read and is written more like a conversation with a good friend than a weighty academic text, the imagery used throughout allows readers to easily connect with and internalize the process. Furthermore, the editors expertly knit the chapters together in a way that considers the needs of the student as a whole person. . . .[T]he proffered advice for balancing all of these multiple demands is both timely and practical. . . .[T]his book provides a vital contribution to the literature in higher education for students and professors. Simply stated, Navigating the Doctoral Journey: A Handbook of Strategies for Success is a must read for anyone in higher education. * Higher Education *
Doctoral education can be the most life-changing process in the lives of many. However, all too often, there are few roadmaps to guide sojourners on this critically important journey. Rockinson-Szapkiw and Spaulding provide a truly helpful, informative, and insightful book for navigating all phases of obtaining a doctoral degree. This type of book is long overdue, and begins to fill a very important educational gap….Rockinson-Szapkiw and Spaulding nicely promote awareness of a wide array of coping activities that can greatly enhance one's life in any doctoral program….The chapters are relatively short and practical, and thus perfect for doctoral students who invariably have very busy schedules….In sum, Rockinson-Szapkiw and Spaulding bring a great deal of vision and heart to this landmark book, and provide a much needed beacon of light and clarity for those contemplating or navigating the exciting road ahead in their doctoral journey. -- Puncky Heppner, University of Missouri
Navigating the Doctoral Journey: A Handbook of Strategies for Success is extremely timely. Amanda J. Rockinson-Szapkiw and Lucinda S. Spaulding have provided a reader-friendly book that takes a holistic approach, designed to guide students from the entry stage to the completion stage of the doctoral process. An extremely useful aspect of this book is the identification of the major risks and challenges faced by doctoral students at the various stages of their journeys. Even more importantly, this book contains an array of practical strategies for addressing the risks and challenges that stem from current, evidence-based research. Rockinson-Szapkiw and Spaulding’s book is not only useful for doctoral students at all stages of their degree programs; it also is useful for master’s students who are embarking or thinking about embarking on a doctoral journey. Many others, too, can benefit from reading this book, including doctoral students’ significant others (e.g., spouses, partners), doctoral advisors/supervisors, mentors, and instructors. Simply put, this seminal book begins to fill a void such that it will make a significant contribution to the literature. -- Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Ph.D., professor of educational leadership and counseling, Sam Houston State University
This comprehensive book paints a picture of what it’s like to apply for a doctoral degree and traverse the complicated path of doctoral studies. The book offers a balance of research and practical application with vignettes, personal reflection exercises, and strategies for navigating this important journey. -- Edward Neukrug, Ed.D., LPC, professor of counseling and human services, Old Dominion University
This book goes beyond a how-to for formatting manuscripts or a discussion of navigating the technical aspects of the dissertation process. The editors have carefully selected and assembled focused chapters on each aspect of the doctoral journey. What is most encouraging is that important topics are addressed which may not have been adequately presented otherwise. These topics include managing stress and anxiety, understanding family relationships and needs, and building appropriate relationships with faculty. -- Scot Headley, Ph.D., interim provost/professor, College of Education, George Fox University
This book is a culmination of all things generally imagined and seldom articulated concerning doctoral pursuits. Each chapter expert offers realistic strategies for navigating the challenges inherent to most doctoral terrains. This publication constitutes a well-developed reference guide, which candidates are likely to consult numerous times throughout their doctoral pilgrimage. -- Angela Howard, doctoral candidate, Liberty University
Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Nature of the Doctoral Journey Part I: The Entry Stage Chapter 1: Choosing the Right Type of Program Chapter 2: Communicating Needs and Nurturing Familial Relationships Chapter 3: Assessing and Allotting Resources Part II: The Knowledge & Skill Development Stage Chapter 4: Using Neuro-Informed Education as a Self-Intervention for Doctoral Success Chapter 5: Managing Stress and Burnout Chapter 6: Overcoming Statistics Anxiety and Being Successful in Data Analysis Chapter 7: Leveraging Technology for Scholarship Chapter 8: Creating a Scholarly Community and Collegial Support System Part III: The Consolidation Stage Chapter 9: The Transition From Autonomous to Self-Directed Learning Chapter 10: Building Professional Relationships with Faculty Chapter 11: The Comprehensive Examination Part IV: The Research & Scholarship Stage Chapter 12: Learning to Think Critically Using Cognitive and Metacognitive Strategies Chapter 13: Making a Case in Your Literature Review Chapter 14: Right-Sizing Your Research Topic Chapter 15: Right-Sizing Your Research Method Chapter 16: The Nature of Qualitative Research Chapter 17: The Nature of Quantitative Research Chapter 18: Ethical Considerations in Research Involving Human Participants Part V: The Completion Stage Chapter 19: From Dissertation to Publication and Presentation Chapter 20: From Student to Professor About the Authors and Editors
