Where am I now?

So, now that I don't have AECT to complain about, it appears that propectus has taken over my life again and I don't have much to say anymore.

Basically, over the past three weeks (i.e., since AECT and the VSS) I have been working on my prospectus fairly consistently. I have submitted drafts of chapter one (the Introduction) to my co-chairs twice and a draft of chapter three (the Methodology) once. I am awaiting feedback on both right now while I am working on chapter two (the Literature Review).

To date I have found the experience a good one. The first round of feedback that I got on chapter one was wonderful. My paper was more red than black and white, but it was good because it really helped me clarify my own thinking on where I was taking this and, more importantly, how to explain that to others. It also gave me a good sense of this is what my co-chairs think prospectus-level writing looks like. I hope that my second round on chapter one is more up to par and that my first attempt at chapter three comes back a little less red - not because I don't appreciate the feedback, but because I hope I did a better job this time around.

I should also note that second round and first draft are a little bit misleading, as a group of us doctoral students in my program have developed a great team environment here where we are frequently sending stuff (i.e., prospectus and dissertation chapters, potential manuscripts, even random writing) back and forth to each other for comment and feedback. This little network has been tremendously helpful and something I would recommend to anyone who is writing on a consistent basis.

So, that's all from me for now... I'll post some things as I continue to wrestle with new ideas over the next few weeks and, hopefully, post a copy of my prospectus as it becomes a finished product.

Tags: graduate student, graduate students, graduate school, higher education, education