PhD Microskills:Self management for PhD Success

Nadiyah Elias (PhD)Graduate Department of Counseling and Psychology College of Arts and SciencesUniversiti Utara Malaysia

PhD Strategies

Project management Self-management Microskills training

Project Management

• Keep your project (PhD) simple and manageable

• Know what is required and deliver just so – no need to go overboard

• Manage your resources: time, money energy, available literature, facilities, expert help.

Remember: To get a PhD, all you only need to do is:

• One research project• One research report

(thesis/dissertation)• One presentation (viva voce/

defense/oral)

What if people say this to you?

• To qualify for a PhD standard, you need to demonstrate that you work is:– original– and a contribution to knowledge– At PhD level

Easy!!!!

• An original work (make some make some modificationsmodifications)

• A contribution to knowledge (don’t don’t just quote, add your own thoughtsjust quote, add your own thoughts)

• At PhD Level (fulfill minimum fulfill minimum requirements for language, requirements for language, methods, thinking, thesis methods, thinking, thesis formatformat)

Micro Skills Approach…

• To succeed in carrying out research and writing up thesis, a candidate need to have a certain set of skills.– Academic skills (research, writing,

reading)– Organizational skills for project

management– Self regulation or self-management

skills

…. Micro Skills Approach…

• Candidates have different levels of these skills depending on their life experience

• The more of these skills that you have, the better equipped you are to succeed in PhD

• The micro skills approach: study what you need, what you have and what you lack, and then take specific steps in attaining them .

…. Micro Skills Approach

• You can learn by reading, observing successful and coping models (other people who are doing a bit better than you)

• Or you can attend workshops that teach you components of these skills

Some of skills Needed To Survive Your PhD:

• Hunting skillsHunting skills: for lit search, and to handle your advisor

• Kow Tow/ Groveling skillsKow Tow/ Groveling skills: for your advisor and the librarian, gatekeepers, definitely for your respondents.

• Quick StudyQuick Study: You must be willing to learn anything that you need to learn, and you must will yourself to learn it fast. These could be research methods or stats, typing or computer skills, even driving & parking, or formatting your thesis.

… More Survival Skills

• Help seeking skillsHelp seeking skills: data management, data gathering, baby sitting, psychiatric help

• Housekeeping skillsHousekeeping skills: for reference and data management (never mind your house for now)

• EnglishEnglish (vocabulary and speed reading)• Writing skillsWriting skills: for impressive write-up of

your thesis

…And the most important skill…

Self Self Regulation!!!Regulation!!!

!!The ability to make your self start and continue working

This is also know as self-management

How to Hone up Needed Skills

• Positive attitude: I can do it• Enroll in courses or workshops• Ask the person who knows• Be a student – seeker of

knowledge/skills (thalibu- ilm)• For self-regulation: Strive and

practice (mujahadah & riadhah)

Tools for PhD Self/Project Management

• The office• The work schedule• The Thesis Binder• The list of references (Endnote) *• The notes (Endnote & Word )*• The mind map • The thesis file *

* softcopy

The PhD Office

You need a permanent space to work• A space to leave your work untouched• Computer with internet line, printer- one

good printer & one economic printer, • Space to work• Enough privacy (kids can’t mess your

work), and least distractions (no tv while you are working!)

• +distinct from daily living• + another space to work at flexible hours

PhD Schedule

• You need a schedule that incorporate daily routine & Three-Year-Plan

• You need to be consistent, yet flexible

• Your target need to be reasonable for optimum feeling of accomplishment

The Thesis Binder

A concrete thesis (in the making) in your hand – now! (For realistic thickness, put in blank papers first)

• Put the cover with your name, title, department and your intended graduation year (example: June 2014)

• Make dividers for preface, chapter 1-5, reference, and appendices.

• You can start by writing the acknowledgement and dedications.

• Put the latest drafts in. (you may stack your old drafts as feedback on work done)

The Mind Map

• Mahjong paper or use mind mapping software

• Paste on the wall of your study/ bedroom. You can add ideas with marker pen, put a new one if it gets too messy.

• For conceptual ideas of your study/ thesis • Use a separate mind map for ch1, ch2,

ch3, or for each concept.

The Thesis (softcopy)

• For simple handling, use separate files for different chapters

• Put in one folder labeled PhD thesis (do not mix with other stuff)

• For interim draft, the endnote references will be printed separately at the end of each chapter. (Your advisor would not mind this draft format if you tell them about using Endnote)

• You can learn how to combine the chapters later on before you submit your final draft.

….The Thesis Softcopy

• Type up the chapter headings, subtopics etc. Use the correct format from beginning – it will save you pain later on. Buy APA guide!

• Start your table of contents from the beginning. Changes in the content will be reflected in your tables each time you update

…. Thesis Softcopy

• Type your notes directly into the thesis file under appropriate headings, with complete references. (keep copy of your phrases/sentences in your ‘note’ section of Endnote) You can always move it later- but type it in, and place it first!!!

• Use floating notes sparingly. (only for something you think is interesting, but of no immediate use. Use keywords and paste it in a separate word files called ‘floaters’ or ‘the stacks’

Thesis Writing vs. Taking Notes for Background

knowlege• Candidates not yet familiar in their field

might need to first start with taking notes and making mind maps for getting to an acceptable level of background knowledge.

• Do not confuse this notes with thesis writing. Notes can be broad and encompassing, thesis need to limited and purpose driven

Reference Management

• There are many commercial soft-wares for reference management.

• UUM has Endnote – you can install for free.

•This need a separate course

Micro skills that I teach

• Self-management• Referencing using Endnote software• Developing Background knowledge• Writing your thesis using the top down

and bottom up integrated approach.• Cleaning up your writing (repeatable)

Ganbate!!!Ganbate!!!nadiyahelias@uum.edu.my

Personal PhD coaching

0124221900