Total 25.25 Hours (Updated November 6, 2022
Three courses into the MALAT program, we are encouraged to consider our completion paths. The completion pathways are Thesis, Applied Research Project (ARP) or Digital Learning Research Consulting Project (DLRCP). One naive graduate student may view it as permission to dive deep into a focused area of study, allowing oneself to go down those “rabbit holes” to gain a 360-degree perspective and the ability to develop, organize and facilitate field research. WOW, and seriously where do I sign up? I have been cautioned that not all research questions are appropriate for a thesis, and there are only a few spots, the application process is rigorous, and lastly, a thesis is no longer considered superior to other completion pathways. We are asked to reflect on which pathway is the best for us individually, our specific careers and our unique goals. Here starts my journey from application to the thesis stream, including refining my research question, to the end of whatever completion pathway is the right fit for my particular journey.
As I map my journey through the thesis application and beyond, I have three main goals. First to track all my hours (dependent on whether I am selected for the thesis stream) spent on developing and defending a thesis. I have heard several times that a thesis should reflect approximately 400 hours of effort, I am curious what this looks like; plus, you will soon learn I do love tracking and quantifying data. Secondly, this is an intentional action to create a sense of accountability for myself and my peers and to avoid the common pitfalls of procrastination and analysis paralysis. Lastly, to honestly reflect on and record how much work is actually involved in developing a thesis; furthermore, I am hopeful this blog might one day be used as a roadmap so to say (perhaps of what traps not to fall into) for future blog readers planning their first steps to applying for the thesis stream.
I plan on using a digital tool or technology to keep a running total of hours spent on all phases of my completion path in addition to a timesheet where I will record the different activities and associated time that can then be analyzed individually if ever I am inclined. I encourage my fellow learners, friends and the education/technology community to comment or provide feedback on any of my content, as my goal is to continuously reflect, refine, improve and iterate as I grow as a student, researcher and fellow learner. Enjoy.
Sincerely, Nicole
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