Discussions

Respond to the following discussion questions:

What were the most important things you learned during residency?

Discussion Question #1

My learning experiences from residency can be utilized throughout my doctoral program. At first, the class is intimidating, especially if this is not your very first class, I say this because this course is created for you to retain the mental muscles you will need regarding APA format. Some of the most important advice I received from my residency was to always ask questions, provide clarity to your readers, make sure one has access to writing mechanic tools, and read papers out loud.

What were the most beneficial components for you?

The most beneficial components of my residency were the amenities of the library and constructing the beginning stages of my literature review. I had little to no idea on the power regarding tools/resources that were available to doctoral students. W7000 emulates what weapons are accessible when attacking databases, such as connectors and buoys with key words that are relevant to your topic. We have available librarians from open to close, which makes a huge impact when student's schedules aren't so traditional. For constructing a literature review, resources are available, but the most beneficial parts, are learning how to stay consistent when writing annotated bibliographies, and reading literature reviews from previous dissertations; Because the terminology "literature review" can seem unclear, learning early how be objective, and how to research and review sources that are no more than five years will accelerate the potential learning curve.

What would you tell a new Argosy doctoral learner who wants to know about residency, what to expect from it, and how to prepare for it?

The Argosy Doctoral program feels like it's designed to train its learners to not just execute tasks, but to be able to completely, wholly and successfully think outside the box. When entering a doctoral program, know that your professors are expecting you to write to APA standards; and if you do not feel confident or competent on APA, schedule a writing appointment with the library, continue with online tutor, buy the latest physical copy of APA standards, and get familiar with writing labs available online (Purdue Owl). With these essentials, you are setup for success regarding how you will create content for your dissertation. Remember, you will spend countless hours on your research topic. Passion, dedication and being objective, to the research that is currently out there, will help refine your research question and it will continue to drive you to reach the end of your program. When discussing your research topic/question with your peers- do not take offense. Your peers are there to provide advice and ask questions to gain clarity. This is better to have in your first year of residency than towards the end. Lastly, connect with your professors. You are joining an elite club; if obtaining a doctorate were easy, everyone would have one. Networking with professors and staff, on and off campus, is great because that could lead to relationships, such as identifying your coaches, dissertation chair/committee.

After completing residency, what questions do you now have about your doctoral program?

My questions/suggestions are the following:

From the beginning, I would have love to see after your got admitted to attend an informational panel with professors that could give an synopsis of each class. The reason for this is to create connection with other cohorts and to meet professors that are virtual, in person. I attended the DQE clinic my first day of my first class of my doctoral program, and it was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. My question is referring to connections with metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. To provide context, at Pepperdine, we had connections with companies (for profit and non-profit) through a program call education to business. Companies would have mater students perform SWOT analysis, multiple perspective analysis, and work "pro-bono" to help solves issues and implement plans for either departments or for the organization. Does Argosy have a similar program for doctoral students, and if so what how does it show up? i.e classroom, informational sessions, meet and greets, etc?

Discussion Question #2

As a first-time doctoral student, anxiety accompanies me to every class because I aspire to do my best and I have a perfectionist attitude that challenges me, even more, in my courses. This is my second class, since I have started the doctoral program and upon starting the class and reading the syllabus and reviewing the course layout online I was nervous about how I would perform in class and on the assignments.

Although, I enjoy writing and was anticipating learning a lot about writing, I was still apprehensive in respect to maneuvering the new system and the professor's writing expectations. When I reviewed the course, and read the word 'residency' I was unsure of what that meant concluding feelings of anxiety. However, the weekend of the residency, I learned exactly what that meant and it was very assuring.

Residency, consists of, in class participation, learning the skills necessary for writing on a doctoral level and the essentials to writing an acceptable dissertation. Residency, also eased my anxiety about maneuvering within the campus library. Going over the research component of gathering data and writing annotated bibliographies was one of the highlights of what I have learned adding value to my writing style and personal research library.

For upcoming and aspiring doctoral students, I would tell them to enter into the residency with a positive, fearless, and open mind. Be ready to receive information with an optimistic mindset because the information will develop, strengthen, and provide clarity for future assignments, specifically for your dissertation.

Additionally, I would express excitement and reassurance for the residency hoping that would lessen any personal reservations one might have. Ask questions about concerns and address weaknesses as well as challenges you face. Lastly, I would advise students to be serious and apply all they have because the residency is a stepping stone in their doctoral journey.

In conclusion, attending residency has narrowed my fears associated with writing and gathering research for my dissertation. As a student, I appreciate purposeful information and the information was clear and concise, therefore, I have no further questions.