Hi Everyone,

Just a quick info.

I have designed a page on FB called 'The PhDs room'. I will be posting tips/websites/various resources/links/quotes etc. all aimed at making the process easier, more creative, more fun!
You're all welcome to 'LIKE' the page and post your questions/ideas/tips etc. on the Wall.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/The-PhDs-Room/183666895005817

Today's content is about PhD made FUN (check the website if you want to know what I'm talking about) and a radio show which covers variety of topics in the context of 'how to handle absolutely everything'?!

Thank you!


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Hi Everyone,

My name is Magdalena (although everyone calls me Maggie) and I'm a coach. I'm also a PhD student (last/writing up stage).

Based on my own experience and the experiences of others I can say with confidence that I can relate to those are working on their PhD research and I am familiar with the problems and concerns they are encountering along the way (I have been there too myself).
I have recently set up a support group for PhD students as part of my 'action research' (since I was teaching for 2 years I was very lucky to be sent to do the Teaching in the Higher Education course and 'action research' is one of my assignments). I will argue that the support group for PhD students only should be available at every University. It is supposed to function both as a peer support group, however, the presence of coach is to a great advantage. I intend to publish an article and with one of the fellow teachers write a report which would address the need for the kind of support for PhD students.

So first of all I would be happy to hear your views on the subject matter.

Would you be happy to participate in a group where you can openly talk about problems and concerns related to your PhD?
How important is the psychological support for you (in the process)?
Would you be happy to be coached within a group setting?

Thank you,

Maggie

Ps. If you are going to share your views, problems and concerns you have encountered, please do let me know if you would agree if I used this information in my research (names/nicknames will be kept anonymous)

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if any of you have done discourse analysis of newspaper articles. I am about to do that and apart from reading the literature on the subject I would like to speak to someone who has done that. If possible, via phone or Skype.

Thanks in advance,
m.

Hi Everyone,

Hope your research is going well.

I was wondering if there is anyone out there who did the discourse analysis of newspaper articles?

Thanks,
m.

It is always good to listen to what people say and in contrary to previous posts I believe it does matter. It doesn't mean that you have to follow what others tell you. The decision is yours. I cannot understand, however, how people who, surly must know how difficult this time is for you make you feel even more guilty. I don't understand people who have a 'courage' to tell someone to quit or continue their PhD. It is such a personal and important decision. To me it is as important as decision about marriage or divorce, etc. By telling you what to do one day or another, will they take the responsibility for you, for how you feel, take the consequences or this or other choice? I don't think so! But back to you...:-) I've been having the 'quitting' thoughts twice (I'm half way through). I am now in the rather 'unhappy' state of mind. I am exhausted physically and mentally, I lost self confidence and I am terrified how the time is passing by and what seems to be far (deadline!) really isn't etc. But I am not thinking of quitting, not yet! Not again! There are only few things I would suggest you to consider before you make any decision: 1. Is there a possibility that you simply have enough because you worked to hard and it is temporary? Maybe then you simply need a total break (perhaps a month) from your PhD 2. What will you do next? Is what you would do, if you quit, interesting to you, makes you feel excited, relieved that you can focus on it rather than struggle with PhD? 3. Talking to people that REALLY know you would be useful, they might help you to analyze the 1st point.
Good luck! It's your life and your decision. Look at it as something positive not destructive!

You're not alone! I have been struggling recently too. On the one hand my research, some teaching and doing course for Teachers in Higher education + home, cooking and dog walking. I think that good organization is the key. It is hard but I noticed that if I look at each day hour by hour and plan it accordingly I tend to get more done and planning in itself gives me some sense of order in my life! Good luck!!(up)

Thanks Everyone. Although my supervisor wants me to use 'I' , I  :-) begin to have doubts whether it is right/correct/professional etc.
Personally, I think that 'the researcher', apart from sounding awful, implies a kind of detachment from the research which at the end is his/hers, therefore, I am not a big fan of this term. Every PhD students works so hard on the PhD; it is his/her own work, own perspective, etc. so although it still does not sound completely right in my ear, it seems to be the best form to use, UNLESS, as some of you pointed out, we are dealing with more scientific research. The passive form, in my view, can over complicate things, and in spite of the presence of references it can easily create a confusion to the reader as to which parts are argued/thought/discussed by myself as a researcher and which once are argued by others. So I completely agree with Keep-Calm on that.

P.S. Thanks for recommending the book.

Hi Everyone,

Last week I had a discussion with one of my friends about the form which we should use when writing PhD thesis. He says that we should refer to ourselves as 'researcher' (example: 'The researcher argues that...') rather than 'I'. Our English tutor claims that neither of those are acceptable, we should use passive form such as 'it is argued' and to make a distinction clear between who we cite and when we express our opinion we simply use references.
What are your views?

Hi,

I am really sorry to hear about situation! I cannot even imagine how hard it must be.
I know it might sound ridiculous at this point but perhaps it is for the better! Wait for the report and see what was the reason they want you to resubmit. Try not to think about it now. 'The unknown' scares even more so please don't try to speculate. I don't know what are the rules, but maybe it will turn out that you can correct things in far shorter period of time, instead of 12 months. What does your supervisor says to all that? To what extent is he/she responsible for this???
And finally, yes DO expect the best no matter what! No matter how hard to it is to believe in it now, things will turn out fine. You'll see. Deep breath!!!:-) and keep us posted!

M

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to share some good news. I have found a scholar, outside my institution, who agreed to become my second supervisor! So that's the news:-)

Now, some of you share the same problem which I have been dealing with for quite a while, and that is the lack of proper support/advice/expertise from our supervisors. I spent months emailing, calling, traveling to meet other scholars and like a beggar asking for their help. Whatever I have done so far I've done on my own and all I needed was someone to tell me whether I am going in the right direction or whether I am doing something right or wrong. I think that's the least you can expect from your supervisor.

Now, it took a long long time and loads of stress and frustration (and yes to the point where I had the 'quitting' thoughts caused by the total loss of hope and motivation). What's my point though? Please do not cease to search for scholars/PhD students/experts. Many will have no time for you, some will only suggest some readings, others will agree to discuss your research etc. It is something! Finally, there are those who will agree to dedicate time to you on monthly or even weekly basis and those who will even agree to become your second supervisors.

So please, do not let 'lack of proper supervision' take you down or not to mention quit (if that's the reason). Ask for help wherever you can and you will find answers and help that you need.

Good luck!

MH,

Do I sound like I was against you? Cheer up people! :-)

MH and Looie,

I can assure you that there are men out there who play games, who manipulate, and who cannot decide what they want. I am not saying that in the defense of women, I'm just stating a fact. It happens on both sides so both men and women get hurt. I think those behaviours are caused by lack of maturity rather than a bad character. I think it is difficult to demand total clarity and stability from both males and females before the age of 30 (of course there are always exceptions), however, there is no age excuse when it comes to lack of honesty. Honesty often comes with cost but I, personally, cannot imagine any other way. So, good luck to both you as I wish you'll find your 'perfect' women to be with. Bad experiences are difficult to go through, but they teach us lots of good things, help us understand better what is it that we are looking for in the other person. Little bit of distance and caution never harmed anyone. Just don't let those feelings take over your ability to open for someone that might be worth investing your feelings in:-)

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Looie - just get a grip! I am sorry to sound harsh but that's the only way to come out of this situation. I know you might say it is easier said than done and it is true. BUT it only you can begin to change your situation. Take a walk, get out of the house, go biking, be active and then gradually you will see how you'll be ready to go back to your research again.



I cannot believe the drama over MH's comment. He must have been badly hurt, which explains perfectly his remark about women. You're just little bit angry MH? Aren't you? ;-) I never came across a woman who thinks that all men want her, it must be quite a good feeling though :-) Cheer up people!

I was supposed to do my PhD in States but things didn't work out for many reasons. I am not a big fan of 'generalizations', but from what I read, heard etc. US is the best. My friend (PhD student) is transferring to Virginia soon to continue his PhD there. I think US higher education system is not only better from the UK's; it is simply the best!

I cannot imagine telling anyone whether they should or shouldn't quit. PhD is such a personal thing. It is about you, your time, your level of commitment, your circumstances, your skills, you strengths and weaknesses etc. I agree with those who say that there are ups (been there) and downs (still a wee bit there) during the whole process. Very often there are more downs than ups! There are so many causes why quitting becomes a serious option: lack of support from supervisors, too many commitments such as work or family, overloading etc. It is only up to an individual to decide whether those obstacles/problems could be solved. I speak from my own experience and few other PhDs that I know. It is the deep interest and passion for the topic that takes you through all those bad stages. It is what makes you happy to do the be PhD even if you get frustrated, angry along the way. Only the person who thinks about quitting can assess those things and take final decision. I can help someone to assess those things, see different options, etc. but I would never said 'don't quit' or 'do quit', because in both cases, I might be taking (unintentionally) the responsibility for someone else's unhappiness.