Dissertation Group

The Geotech University Dissertation Group: Prepares doctoral degree students with their defense.

Mission Statement: To build and support students for defense in specialized fields, developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence to fulfill the doctoral degree requirements.

Objectives:

1. Collaborative Problem-Solving: Share challenges, successes, and best practices in hybrid learning design, delivery, and assessment.

2. Peer Feedback and Support: Provide constructive feedback and support on dissertation proposals, literature reviews, and chapter drafts.

3. Methodological Guidance: Offer guidance on research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

4. Accountability and Motivation: Regular check-ins and progress tracking to ensure timely completion of dissertation milestones.

5. Professional Development: Develop skills and knowledge in hybrid learning, educational technology, and research methods.

Dissertation Committee Group Structure:

ChairPerson: Coordinate meetings, set agendas, and ensure group progress.

Methodological: Assist with meeting planning, facilitate discussions, and provide feedback.

Reviewer: Actively participate in discussions, share resources, and provide feedback on peers' work.

Suggested Meeting Schedule:

- Week 1-2: Introduction, goal-setting, and proposal development

- Week 3-4: Literature review and research question refinement

- Week 5-6: Research design and methodology

- Week 7-8: Data collection and analysis

- Week 9-10: Results and discussion

- Week 11-12: Conclusion and next steps

Expectations:

1. Regular Attendance: Attend all scheduled meetings and participate in discussions.

2. Preparation: Come prepared to meetings with updates, questions, and materials to share.

3. Respect and Feedback: Provide constructive feedback and respect peers' time and efforts.

4. Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality regarding group discussions and shared materials.

Benefits:

1. Improved Dissertation Quality: Enhance your research skills, knowledge, and dissertation quality through peer feedback and support.

2. Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow educators and researchers in hybrid learning environments.

3. Accountability and Motivation: Stay on track with dissertation milestones and deadlines.

4. Professional Growth: Develop skills and knowledge in hybrid learning, educational technology, and research methods.

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GeoTech University Dissertation Framework 

Title page

Table of Contents- 1 page

Introduction (7-10 pages total) Topic of Interest 

Background information-2 pages

a. Significance of the problem.

b. Why you are interested in the topic. c. What you would like to learn.

d. What you would like to achieve with this project.

Statement of problem and research approach- 2-3 pages

a. Describe the problems and issues that you are researching b. Describe how you will gather data/information, and if you use a test instrument,

how and why you use it to gather the data c. Describe what you expect to find or solve and what you would like to contribute

to the existing knowledge base

Literature review-validation (Citation of published research studies, books, and experts,

including dissertations)-3-5 pages

a. Define what is already known about your topic and what needs further

investigation.

b. Put things in perspective.

c. Find out more about research methods, techniques, and instruments (optional)

d. Define all major theories and concepts that have been published and decide how

well previous studies were developed.

e. Justify your own research/study. Validate your recommended changes and insights.

Methodology

Describe the method(s) of your research Participants

. Materials/Instruments

• Design

Procedure

. Test instrument (if applicable)

Results

Describe and summarize your findings after you have completed your research a. Descriptive and Inferential statistics results for quantitative research (if applicable)

b. Themes and Support from qualitative research Include charts and graphs where appropriate

Discussion

Lessons learned...what does it all mean

Best practices or recommended changes

• Next steps...future research, application of findings

• How will your research and findings help you in your future career?

References

Appendices • Specifics of the organization chosen . Copy of instrument(s) and survey questions