Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Spiky]

I'm looking to start up a dissertation writing feedback group. I'd like to get a group of people together who are interested in sharing ideas, bouncing thoughts off each other.

I find it's much easier in the academic school setting, but I find myself losing focus when I'm here, not getting as much done as I'd like and I really miss having people to bounce around ideas with and brainstorm, talk about what's happening in the field.

It doesn't necessarily have to be PhD dissertations, maybe MA thesis writers, or anyone working on doing any kind of research/writing in the fields of TESOL, English education, education, and related fields, etc.

I'm envisioning a supportive group that meets once a month (preferably in Seoul) and can perhaps provide some motivation and accountability to the writing/researching process. If you're interested in this, please let me know.

[PRagic]

Best place to start is your advisor/dissertation chair. Ph.D. dissertations are usually so steamlined in way of theories, methodologies and data that it's tough to get anyone outside of yourself and your advisor interested in a 'brainstorming session'. Seriously, it's a very personal journey and either you get it done or you don't.

Recently, there was a piece written up in the Chronicle of Higher Education about the blues associated with the dissertation writing process and, more specifically, the anquish associated with not finishing. That might help you get sorted out.

Good luck with the effort.

[livinginkorea]

I think it is a great idea but as the previous poster said - it is a very personal process. Another aspect I would be worried about is the different stages everyone in the group would be at and how they would interest others. Their topic would also play a key role. These variables would make or break the group.

Let me give an example of my experience. I used to have Skype meetings when I was doing my MA with Birmingham. I used to host two weekly meetings. One which was a general meeting which anybody could join and ask questions and the other was with a couple of fellow students who were in the same module as me. The second one was really beneficial as we were all in the same boat focusing on the same problems while the first one was only chatting and this and that. Naturally you want to have a focused group but they can be difficult to find.

Having said that the number of people doing PhDs in Korea has increased a lot in the last couple of years so you are bound to get some takers. Best of luck.

[PRagic]

Sounds all right, granted. But trust me when I tell you that if you need additional motivation and accountability to get through the process, you might want to think about it.

Plus, and this is a big plus, these group meetings, especially if they are going to deal with theory and research and involve people at the MA stage, can possibly do more harm than good! Everyone likes to sit around and sound smart, fine. But actual research guidance falls in the lap of the dissertation/thesis chair.

I'm not against it, but I do think there should be very clear cut limits from the start.

[Kwangjuchicken]

[enchoo]

The Gist of my Future Research and Dissertation/Thesis

My future thesis in my PhD Chemistry Education program should I be accepted will be based on Barack Obama's speech praising the Korean educational school system.��� I find that there is some truth to his statement and some flaws in his consideration the whole system.� I will investigate how the ideas and successful application of�educational teaching practices in Korea can be modified for export�to Western countries and to the Middle East.����

I also will identify inherent flaws within the Korean educational system, such as excessive after-school English programs that do not dramatically improve their English fluency, and see how the Western, Japan's, or science education�approaches to education can address the "English fluency" issue.��

Please pm me if you want to be a part of my research.

[ttompatz]

[jinks]

[Thiuda]