What’s your type? An examination of first-year doctoral student motivation

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-387
Author(s):  
Africa S. Hands
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Student Motivation ◽  
Academic Motivation ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Interdisciplinary Field ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Motivational Support

Educators often ask how to motivate PhD students. Before addressing how to motivate students, we should know what motivates prospective doctoral students. Motivational support has been shown to lead to overall satisfaction with the educational process, better engagement, and persistence. Using the interdisciplinary field of library and information science, this research offers insight on doctoral student motivation through quantitative analysis of results from administration of the Academic Motivation Scale. The instrument measures and classifies motivation from the perspective of self-determination theory. Results suggest PhD students are motivated by several types of intrinsic motivation as well as identified regulation, a type of extrinsic yet autonomous motivation. Findings can be used by program administrators, faculty, and other stakeholders to address the “how” of motivation through better alignment of teaching practices, research activities, and student services based on students’ motivation types.

scholarly journals Doctoral Students’ Academic Supervision: A Systematic Review of Approaches to Conceptualization and Empirical Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-61
Author(s):  
A. V. Grigoryeva ◽  
E. A. Terentev
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Distributed Model ◽  
Academic World ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Key Points

The article presents a systematic review of theoretical and methodological approaches to the conceptualization and empirical study of doctoral students’ supervision. Three approaches (mentoring, doctoral student-centered, and environmental) are distinguished depending on the main responsibility for the result. The mentoring approach attributes the responsibility for the result to the supervisor. This approach is generally associated with the so-called «apprentice model», which understands the doctoral student as a «neophyte» introduced to the academic world by the supervisor. The doctoral student-centered approach is characterized by imposing the responsibility mainly on the doctoral student. This approach assumes a more active role of the doctoral student and goes back to the models of student-centered pedagogy. The environmental approach focuses on studying the role of the environment and on the issues related to the academic and social integration of doctoral students. All these approaches notably have a number of limitations due to their concentration on certain factors of the educational process and less attention to the dynamic and relative nature of various aspects of academic supervision and its relationship with the effectiveness of doctoral training. There is substantiated the importance of developing a relational approach, which would synthesize the key points of the three approaches considered, and assume a distributed model of responsibility within the academic supervision. As it understands «learning alliances» more broadly than pairs or teams of scientific supervisors and graduate students, this approach focuses not only on the activity of individual actors, but also on the system of relationships between them.

scholarly journals Reflexivity in International Contexts: Implications for U.S. Doctoral Students International Research Preparation

10.28945/4005 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 193-210
Author(s):  
Christina W. Yao ◽  
Louise Michelle Vital
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
International Research ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Research Question ◽  
The United States ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Research Activities

Aim/Purpose: Learning to conduct research, including considerations for concepts such as reflexivity, is a key component of doctoral student preparation in higher education. Yet limited attention is given to doctoral student training for conducting international research, particularly in understanding researcher reflexivity within international contexts. Background: Incorporating reflexive practices in one’s scholarship is of particular importance because international research often includes U.S.-based researchers working with cultural groups and contexts that are very different from them. Thus, we examined the following: how do novice U.S. trained researchers understand the role of their reflexivity in qualitative international research? Methodology: We utilized qualitative inquiry to answer the study’s research question. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants representing 11 higher education doctoral programs in the United States. Contribution: This study provides insight on how U.S. doctoral students reflect on their researcher reflexivity as emerging international researchers utilizing three types of reflexivity as outlined by the conceptual perspectives that frame this study: introspection, social critique, and discursive deconstruction Findings: Most participants believed that self-reflection is a critical component of reflexivity in international research. Several participants demonstrated an awareness of the privilege and power they bring to their international research based on their identities as Western-trained researchers. Participants utilized different forms of self-reflection when collecting, analyzing, and interpreting their data in order to ensure that the voices of their participants were appropriately represented in their research Recommendations for Practitioners: Our recommendations for graduate preparation programs include helping doctoral students to understand reflexivity as both a research concept and an applied practice in international context. Recommendation for Researchers: We recommend that novice researchers learn how to incorporate reflexive practices when conducting research because as emerging scholars they can have a better sense of how who they are and how they think about research influences their research activities. Impact on Society: Implications from this study affect Western-based education programs that seek to internationalize curriculum and research priorities. Future Research: In terms of next steps, we recommend research that explores how faculty train doctoral students to participate in the global contexts of educational research.

scholarly journals Examining the Basic Psychological Needs of Library and Information Science Doctoral Students

10.28945/4135 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 389-411
Author(s):  
Africa Hands
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Doctoral Degree ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Doctoral Experience

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how the basic psychological needs of self-determination theory are reflected in doctoral students’ motivation to earn the PhD. Background: As isolating as the doctoral experience seems, it is one that occurs in a social-cultural environment that can either support or hinder the student. This research highlights the motivational influences of library and information science doctoral students regarding experiences of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Methodology: Qualitative data were collected from seven (7) enrolled doctoral students at library and information science programs in the United States and Canada. Transcripts from semi-structured interviews and students’ personal admission statements were subjected to deductive content analysis for emphasis on three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Contribution: Findings illustrate the role faculty play in student motivation and satisfaction with the doctoral experience. There are implications for faculty, mentors, and advisors working with current and former graduate students who may be considering a PhD. The findings have implications for doctoral recruitment, advising, and student services of interest to faculty and administrators across disciplines. It also shows the applicability of self-determination theory in the examination of the doctoral student experience and overall motivation. Findings: Deductive analysis based on self-determination theory (SDT) demonstrates factors related to self-determination theory’s basic psychological needs – autonomy, competence, and relatedness – as relevant to participants’ motivation to pursue a doctoral degree and to the examination of doctoral student initial motivation. Doctoral students are motivated by multiple factors including their interactions with and encouragement received from current and former faculty. Students report experiences related to autonomy, competence, and relatedness that energized them to pursue a doctoral degree and that have positively influenced their doctoral experience thus far. Recommendations for Practitioners: Faculty and program administrators may use this data to inform their understanding of the expectations of today’s doctoral students and motivational drivers of prospective students and to tailor support services accordingly. Recommendation for Researchers: This is a preliminary investigation of doctoral student motivation in relation to the basic psychological needs. More research is needed on a larger sample of students to more fully understand the influence of autonomy, competence, and relatedness on doctoral student initial and ongoing motivation. Impact on Society: This research is an important step in bridging faculty and student perceptions of what is important to their initial and ongoing enrollment in a doctoral program. By improving students’ experiences of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, it may be possible to improve the overall doctoral experience leading to completion of the PhD. Future Research: Future research will expand to include doctoral students farther along in their doctoral programs, the administration of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale, and may examine faculty perceptions of the three basic psychological needs.

The Importance of Tough-Love Mentoring to Doctoral Student Success: Instruments to Measure the Doctoral Student/Proteges’ Perspective

10.28945/4630 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 485-516
Author(s):  
Laura Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Graduation Rates ◽  
Validation Study ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Doctoral Program ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Program Administrators ◽  
High Standards

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine tough-love mentoring theory (TLM) as a potential way to address the problem of low graduation rates among doctoral students. Background: In order to address this purpose, the researcher presents the following: a) a validation study for assessment tools pertaining to TLM and b) a validation study of TLM theory and its two sub-theories: mentor integrity and trustworthiness sub-theory (MIT) and the mentor high standards sub-theory (MHS). Methodology: The researcher tested the validity of the mentor integrity and trustworthiness scale from the protégés’ perspective (MIT-P), the mentor high standards scale from the protégés’ perspective (MHS-P) and the protégés’ perceptions of their own independence (PPI) scale. The sample consisted of 31 doctoral protégés recruited with multi-phase sampling at four education-related doctoral programs in the eastern part of the United States. Contribution: The study provides evidence to support TLM as a strategy to address the problem of low graduation rates among doctoral students. In addition, the study contributes validation of assessment tools that can be used to measure doctoral protégés’ perceptions of their mentors. Findings: For each scale, the data show acceptable levels of internal consistency and evidence of content validity. The data are consistent with the TLM theory and its two sub-theories. The unique contribution of the current study is that it draws from the protégés’ perspective. Recommendations for Practitioners: The researcher presents a) strategies protégés can use to find trustworthy mentors with high standards and b) strategies program administrators can use for professional development of doctoral mentors. The researcher also provides the Right Angle Research Alignment (RARA) table to help protégés organize and manage the research methods section of their dissertation. Recommendation for Researchers: It is recommended that researchers use experimental methods to test TLM theory and the sub-theories, MIT and MHS. Impact on Society: This theory may be useful in business and in the arts and in other teaching relationships such as coaching and tutoring. The researcher encourages scholars to test TLM theory in these other contexts. Future Research: Further research questions that arise from this study are as follows: How can protégés find mentors who have high standards and who are trustworthy? What can doctoral program administrators do to help mentors develop high standards and trustworthiness?

Psychological enlightenment of subjects of the inclusive educational process

2021 ◽  
pp. 87-93
Author(s):  
Alevtina Gennadievna Ryapisova ◽  
◽  
Svetlana Olegovna Yakushenko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Professional Activity ◽  
Educational Organization ◽  
Thematic Content ◽  
Inclusive Practice ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Different Ages ◽  
Psychological Knowledge

The article presents the main results of research activities devoted to the implementation of the labor function of a teacher-psychologist – psychological enlightenment in an inclusive practice. The key concept is defined: psychological enlightenment is understood as a type of professional activity of a teacher-psychologist, which provides for the dissemination of scientific psychological knowledge, contributes to the expansion of horizons and the development of the value attitude of individuals and groups of people to the phenomena in the educational space. The purpose of the study is to characterize the actual aspects of the content and adequate forms and methods of psychological enlightenment in the context of inclusive practice. Thematic content, various forms and methods of psychological enlightenment of subjects of inclusive education – teachers, parents and students of different ages-are proposed. As an author’s result, a project of the activity of a teacher-psychologist on the organization of psychological enlightenment on the basis of a calendar of events related to inclusive education was developed. On the basis of calendar and thematic planning, recommendations for organizing outreach activities in an educational organization that implements inclusive education are proposed.

Integration of Science and Education in Universities of the Regions: Multichannel Funding and Different Organization Models

2021 ◽  
pp. 53-92
Author(s):  
Galina A. Untura ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Regional Innovation ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Scientific Organizations ◽  
Flagship Universities ◽  
Science And Education ◽  
The University

Integration of science, higher education, innovative entrepreneurship contributes to the solution of topical problems caused by global challenges. The article shows that universities integrate scientific, educational, innovative activities both within their structural units and in cooperation with other participants in regional innovative systems. The aim is to identify the trends in multichannel funding of universities in the regions, which creates the conditions for the integration of educational and research activities, and summarize the experience of universities that have created strategic academic units (SAUs) as one of the forms of integrating science and higher education. Based on the statistical analysis of financial receipts to universities from various sources in 2015 and 2019 (form VPO_2), the trends and structure of the funding distribution by type of educational and research activities in the regions of the Russian Federation were compared. It has been revealed that educational activities dominate in universities, accounting for about 70% of all income, and research activities 12–13%. Regional cases of the universities (ITMO, NNU, TSU, NSU, SFU) were analyzed. They integrated science and education in the form of SAUs. The cases were prepared on the basis of a content analysis of roadmaps for the period 2016–2020, interviews, and other open information. The analysis has showed that the organizational model of each SAU is created on the basis of the uniqueness and competitiveness of the university’s scientific and educational specialization by mechanisms that ensure the integration of the educational process and research activities through the involvement of students, graduate students in research and innovative projects. It is concluded that the flexibility and versatility of training programs and research at the university in the SAU format is formed in cooperation with many participants in regional innovation systems, which leads to the demand for its services by enterprises in the regions of the European part of the country and Siberia. The synergy of educational, research and innovation activities is achieved within the framework of both one university and through its network interaction with other Russian and international universities, scientific organizations, and enterprises. The experience of creating SAUs can be used by regional administrations, corporations in the development of world-class scientific and educational centers within the framework of the Science national project and national research and flagship universities of the strategic academic leadership program.

USE OF INTERDISCIPLINARITY AS AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS OF ART INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (195) ◽  
pp. 18-22
Author(s):  
Hanna Karas ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Innovative Approach ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Interdisciplinary Field ◽  
Artistic Styles

The article is devoted to the use of interdisciplinarity as an innovative approach in the educational process of art institutions of higher education on the example of studying the discipline «Evolution of artistic styles in art» included in educational master's programs. This discipline is based on the theory and practice of professional development of a teacher-musician, who provides the Master of Arts education process, shapes their professional development necessary for their future musical and pedagogical creativity, skills, and pedagogical culture. The content of the discipline consists of the introduction of artistic styles’ scientific and theoretical fundamentals to the future specialists. The objectives of the course are 1) the theoretical generalization of the historical experience of the evolution of artistic styles, 2) acquaintance with the best examples of artistic culture, representing different styles and directions, 3) mastering complex problems of stylistic analysis. The aim of the course is the establishment of a strategy for a professional growth as part of the vocational training of masters in the following educational areas «Secondary education. Musical Art» and «Musical Art»; mastering the scientific and theoretical foundations of the artistic styles’ analysis as a formative student course of the music and pedagogical education in higher education. The interdisciplinary approach can be implemented in two main formats. A. Kolot believes that with the help of the first format he builds bridges between different sciences, brings them together on an informal basis without violating their individuality and uniqueness. In this format, the discipline «Evolution of artistic styles in art» «builds bridges» with such disciplines as: philosophy, history, foreign languages, general psychology, culturology, sociology, art culture, aesthetics. In the second format, interdisciplinarity is presented as a real tool for unifying sciences, and the emergence of integrative products. In this format the course «Evolution of Artistic Styles in Art» involves an organic combination of such disciplines as history and theory of music, theater, ballet, art history, philosophy, art culture and literature, analysis of musical form, choral class, music psychology, and others. Therefore, we propose to define the student course «Evolution of artistic styles in art» as a complex, interdisciplinary field of knowledge and consider the application of an interdisciplinary approach in the practice of a teacher of artistic institutions.

Scientific journal in the educational space of the university

2021 ◽  
pp. 137-145
Author(s):  
Akhurbek А. Magometov ◽  
Boris A. Takhokhov
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Journal ◽  
Scientific Publication ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Perspective View ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

The article presents the authors ‘view on the activities of the scientific journal” Bulletin of the North Ossetian State University named after K. L. Khetagurov”. The relevance of the article is due to a significant increase in the role of research work of teachers and students of universities and the requirements for their publication activity; the importance for the university of having highly rated scientific journals and the increasing importance of the scientific publication of the university for improving the training of students. At the scientific and theoretical level, the changes that were determined by the modernization of education in the country and the need to improve the quality of scientific publications in accordance with the vector of development of international high-ranking publications and the desire of the university management and the editorial board to keep the journal in the trend of modern science are understood. Attention is paid to the problem of evaluating and reviewing scientific articles, the idea of the impact of reviews on the development of scientific knowledge is justified; the systematic work of the editorial board on the introduction of scientific research into the educational process of the university is shown. The new tasks of the editorial board are considered, the solution of which will contribute to improving the quality of the publication and the research activities of the teaching staff and students of the university. The purpose of the work is to substantiate the author’s approach to the current state, functioning and perspective view of the development of the university scientific publication and to determine its place in the modern scientific and educational space. The research methodology is based on systematic, activity-based and culturological approaches using such methods as systematization, generalization, analysis, description and comparison.

The role of conferences in doctoral student socialization

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliya Kuzhabekova ◽  
Aizhan Temerbayeva
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Conference Attendance ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Student Socialization ◽  
Doctoral Student Socialization

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role scholarly conferences play in professional socialization of doctoral students.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from 20 interviews on conference experiences of student attendees of a North American conference in social sciences, as well as on the conference experiences of students from various disciplines at a private research intensive university in the USA, the authors explored how research identity of doctoral students change over time as result of participation in conferences, how the process of socialization is shaped by advisers and peers and how the experiences vary depending on the characteristics of the participants.FindingsThe authors found that conferences play an important role in socialization, and the effect from conference attendance increases with the number of conferences attended. The study also showed that students undergo several stages in the process of their socialization, throughout which they develop greater agency and independence as scholars, as well as a more positive image of themselves as researchers, and become more strategic in their behavior. The results also point to the key role of adviser and peers in the process of socialization, whereby the former can provide direction and orientation, while the latter may offer support and opportunities for mutual learning or future collaboration. The authors also found a notable difference in the support provided by advisers between teaching and research-oriented universities.Originality/valueThe paper applies doctoral student socialization theory to the analysis of informal doctoral experiences outside the program of study.

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