I could probably dance my PhD... In fact I may just do my viva using charades...

Hi PhDee,

I was in the same boat as you when I started my PhD. I'd never even contemplated doing qualitative research and the thought, quite frankly terrified me! But, given the purpose of my research I knew doing qualitative was the best way forward and 2 years down the line, and 5 months till submission, I couldn't imagine not using qualitative methods. I didn't attend lectures or anything... basically self-taught, but if you can get your hands on a few good text books for background reading, you should be ok. I started with really simple undergrad texts to get a feel and then moved onto more complex works.

But... for my research qualitative methods were absolutely necessary. If you don't think using these methods is suitable to your research then just tell your supervisor. I know my supervisor respects me more when I challenge his ideas for my work. Remember that you're the one who has to do the research...

Hope this helps.

Well done Algae!! The first one is always the hardest, and I'm sure it'll come back with glowing reports!!

Today, I am:
- reading and re-reading what I'm presenting at luchtime
- presenting at a seminar (which I don't want to do, but I was personally invited to do it... maybe I should feel honoured?)
- working on my chapter
- going on a xmas night out (with the distinct possibility of not remembering today, tomorrow);-)

I've not even considered my acknowledgements... I guess the people I have to acknowledge will be (in no particular order):

- My sup (for entertaining my ideas)
- My poor partner (he deserves a nobel prize for putting up with me)
- My family (for misunderstanding all my ideas, but nodding and smiling all the same)
- My friends (for getting me drunk and taking my mind off the PhD)
- The 2 students who helped me transcribe (I may be locked away in a white padded room if it weren't for them)
- The schools, teachers and SENCO's who I worked with
- The children who formed my sample (without them there would be no research)
- My department and other colleagues (because it would be rude to not thank them)
and finally...
- Dr Seuss (for being a literary genius)
8-)

Wow... I didn't realise I had so many people to thank

Ignore my question... saw on another post it's tomorrow. Good luck!!

Don't worry. Just go in confident. I'm sure you know you're stuff!!

When is D-Day (or should I say V-day.. hahaha I'm a comedian)?

I think its facisnating how we give others an identity by reading their posts.

I also find it quite interesting that so far there are more females at least responding to the poll. I think this could be tied into health psych. If I remember correctly (it's been a while since I finished my psych undergrad) women use social support more often as a coping mechanism for stress. Perhaps that explains why there appears to be more women on the forum (assuming my poll results are representative of all members on the forum). Maybe women post on forums like this more because they find the support comforting and a way of dealing with stress, whereas men go it alone??

Any psych phders want to comment??

Ahh but Clogs, your charm and superior intelligence is sure to win them over before they even notice your clothes!

Good luck anyway...
:-)

======= Date Modified 10 39 2009 17:39:08 =======
I was pondering life and all that, and a thought occured to me. Many of the people who post on this site, while I can't be certain, I imagine are female. I was just wondering if there are more guys or ladies doing their PhDs... who use this site of course.

A poll is in order...

I found this website which might be useful:
http://www.workgateways.com/job-teaching.html#faqqual

oh... if you're undergrad includes a teaching qualification then you should be able to apply for teaching jobs. You may still have to do some extra training though for the uk curriculum. go to www.tda.gov.uk to check.

To work as a teacher in primary, secondary and most further education schools in the UK, you have to have a PGCE (post graduate certificate in education) or a degree with qualified teacher status. A such, I doubt you would be able to find a job or school that will take you on without a teaching qualification.

I want to pose a question to you all.... to gym or not to gym??

I'm writing a god-awful chapter at the moment, and am in two minds as to whether stick at it for a bit longer in the hope it doesn't take a lifetime to finish, or to go to the gym, do my assigned days training and carry on tonight for a bit.

I'm rubbish with decisions though, so I'm leaving it up to you guys...8-)

While we're on the topic of art, here are some video's which I think rock!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46eaeAfeqw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOhf3OvRXKg

The next person to post on this thread loses...


I win! haha (snowman)