Assessments

Prior to beginning the LDT Doctoral program, I went through UGA’s LDT Masters and Specialist program. The courses I took and the professors I worked alongside made me eager to return for my doctorate. Though I was nervous about beginning my PhD, especially while working full time, I have greatly enjoyed my first year in the program. I frequently leave class excited about what was discussed and eager to learn more. The faculty are incredibly knowledgeable about the field and willing to help us grow. I have also enjoyed being a part of a small cohort. My peers have challenged me to think about issues, theories, and concepts in new ways. This first year has helped me grow as a scholar and researcher. 

Though I have only taken a couple of courses thus far, I have learned so much about designing and implementing a research study. My first semester I took EDIT 8100 with Dr. Hill. Through her course, I grew as a writer. As I worked on our Scholars & Theories paper, Dr. Hill provided constructive feedback, which helped me strengthen my scholarly writing skills. She also provided opportunities for us to meet and discuss my work. This semester I am taking EDIT 8990 with Dr. Kopcha. Through his course, I gained a better understanding of how to critically read research articles. One thing which has helped me in this course was completing the Statistics for Mere Mortals (SEMM) modules. Prior to EDIT 8900, I knew very little about statistics and how to best analyze data. Though they were just introductory lessons, I have a better understanding of statistics, how they are used within research, and how to interpret data presented within a research article. Alongside my course work, I worked with my advisor, Dr. TJ Kopcha. Throughout the course of my first year, he has guided me as I designed and implemented my first pilot study. Dr. Kopcha helped me determine my research focus and navigate the IRB process. During my Masters and Specialist program, I had the opportunity to take many classes with Dr. Kopcha and work with him on some projects. He has always been willing to answer my questions and support me as a scholar. I am excited to continue working with Dr. Kopcha.

When I first started the doctoral program this fall, I was excited and nervous. However, taking the doctoral seminar with Dr. Kopcha helped ease some of my nervous feelings. Through the doctoral seminar, Dr. Kopcha presented a clear idea of what the program entailed. Dr. Kopcha discussed the expectations of the program and advised us on how to manage the stress of being a PhD student. I appreciated the informal, open environment Dr. Kopcha created because it provided my peers and I the opportunity to ask questions and seek counsel about the program. I also appreciated that the seminar contained first and second year students. The second year students were able to provide advice and recommendations to make our first year successful. Over the course of the semester, Dr. Kopcha also invited various faculty members and former students to visit. In these sessions, we had the opportunity to meet all the faculty members and learn about their different research interests. I gained a better understanding of the current trends and work being done in the field.

My suggestions for the program are predominately centered on how the University might better support part-time students. Overall, I have enjoyed my experience as a part-time student. I appreciate the opportunity to have in-person classes with my cohort peers. Thus far, the schedule has worked in conjunction with my full time job. However, I recommend more advice on how to best navigate the program as a part-time student. When I first started last semester, I struggled to balance class assignments, research readings, and work responsibilities. During the doctoral seminar, we were advised by 2nd year students and professors to be involved in LDT organizations, such as AECT. We often discussed how to make the most of our time in the program in order to get a job at an R1 institute after graduation. While this is helpful and important information to discuss, it may not be helpful to those who are already in full-time teaching positions. It would be helpful to have more guidance on what LDT organizations and conferences are more beneficial to K-12 teachers and what career opportunities exist outside of an R1 institute.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year in the LDT doctoral program. Though I am still early in the program, I have learned and grown so much as a student and scholar. Having gone through UGA’s LDT masters and specialist program, I was excited to return for my next degree. I was eager to gain a deeper understanding of the LDT field and develop skills which will help me improve as an educator. When the semester first began, I felt nervous and intimidated since I do not have the same research experience as some of my colleagues. However, as the year has progressed, I have felt my confidence and passion for the field grow.

This year has helped me build my confidence in conducting research. My advisor, Dr. TJ Kopcha, and the courses I have taken thus far have helped me gain a better understanding of research methodology, creating research questions, and structuring a study. These skills have been beneficial as I conduct my first research study. Completing the IRB proposal for EDIT 8100e helped me think about my research at a deeper level. I was able to use this assignment with Dr. Kopcha’s assistance, to create and submit my research proposal. I am now in the process of conducting my pilot study and collecting data. This summer, Dr. Kopcha and I plan to analyze the data collected and write an article detailing our findings. Participating in this process has helped me gain a deeper understanding of research methodology and what is needed to design a good study.

Though my first year has gone well, it has also been challenging. One challenge I faced this year was balancing my time and responsibilities. Being a part-time student, it has been difficult to figure out how to balance working full time, my assignments, my research, and my personal responsibilities. As the year has progressed, I have begun to create a routine to help me balance all of my responsibilities, but I still strive to gain better balance as I progress through the program. Another challenge I struggled with this year was determining how I want my career to progress once I complete my degree. When I began the doctoral program, my goal was to remain in K-12 education. However, being in this doctoral program has made me realize that I enjoy research more than I originally thought. I have greatly enjoyed my classes and readings. Though I am still considering seeking out instructional technology or design positions at the district level, I am also interested in learning more about working at an R1 institution. This summer I will have the opportunity to work alongside my major professor, Dr. Kopcha, as his teaching assistant. Working with Dr. Kopcha will provide me the opportunity to gain a better understanding of teaching at the collegiate level and hopefully better guide my career goals. 

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year of the LDT doctoral program. I have enjoyed getting to know the faculty, my peers, and the LDT field better. I have enjoyed learning more about what research is currently being conducted both at UGA and in the field at large. I am excited to conduct my own research and contribute to the LDT field.