HELP - Anyone who's done a master's thesis (especially in ed

My university seems dysfunctional but it's my first master's degree and I have no other experience to compare it to. How does the thesis process work, as far as support? Are you supposed to get any direction from the university, or is this something that you're completely on your own to figure out?

Our university has no system in place. Apparently you sign up for 6 thesis credits and your advisor is supposed to assist you from there. My advisor is... unavailable... disorganized... and can't even get me registered for the credits. It's not looking good.

She says I can 'sit-in' on her capstone class, but this is 'hush-hush' - (I'm not supposed to be there.) (Capstone is a paper done by students who don't want to or can't do their own research. Instead they write a review of the research already done on their topic) I'm wondering how beneficial this will be to me for a thesis, since I have to collect my own data. I don't mind going, but when you weigh in the time commitment (3 1/2 hours a night), babysitters, plus doing the research on my own time on top of that...

If that's what a thesis is, then I'll shut up. But if that much support is actually needed, why don't they make a class geared specifically for students who are doing a thesis?! I'm so frustrated!!!

What did your thesis support system look like? Am I being a baby here?!

:anyolne:

[Meenah]

Re: HELP - Anyone who's done a master's thesis (especially in ed

Thank goodness I didn't have to do one, only a research project. Good luck, I have no advice but lots of empathy.

Re: HELP - Anyone who's done a master's thesis (especially in ed

I did a completely different type of Masters but got no support/advice on writing a thesis either. But, I did get good feedback once I started submitting chapters to my supervisors so I knew I was on the right track. The only way I figures out how to get started was to look at other theses from my school and department, because styles vary a lot especially between schools.

[PrincessFiona]

Re: HELP - Anyone who's done a master's thesis (especially in ed

My experience is on par with Kirstys.

Check out the former papers and get working on yours. Once you start turning in drafts, you'll likely get direction.

Kris

[medpedspouse]

Re: HELP - Anyone who's done a master's thesis (especially in ed

Jodi, your advisor sounds like mine - I saw her ONCE and she provided jack and squat as far as advising went!
Take heart and just do what you think is right. You'll be fine.

ITA - unfortunately. My advisor for my dissertation did not do squat for me. You are unfortunately right about "the basically on your own" comment.

A wise graduate once told me that when you get to this stage it is not your cognitive ability that gets you through...it is your tenacity.

Re: HELP - Anyone who's done a master's thesis (especially in ed

Thanks. This has actually been very helpful. Misery loves company.

[Phoebe]

Re: HELP - Anyone who's done a master's thesis (especially in ed

My dept was in the school of ed, but not an education degree. For my thesis, I had an advisor, signed up for thesis hours and was pretty much required to work on my own. I had regular meetings with my advisor to track my progress and give feedback. It was a long time ago.

I first had to do a thesis proposal which consisted of my hypothesis, subjects, methods and a literature review. That had to be approved by my committee. Once that was done, I was able to begin collecting data. Once the writing began, my advisor became more involved.

I think your time would be better spent it you did not attend that class and spent time first researching your topic, Reviewing previous research on your topic and formulating your question. Who is the subject pool you want to study? Where can you collect your data? The big question my advisor always asked. Is your study significant? Will it contribute to the literature?

A thesis can be very daunting and time consuming. And I didn't have kids at the time. Your time is precious! IMHO, sitting in on her class isn't your best option. Can you set up weekly meeting with your advisor? Does your advisor have experience working with graduate students writing a thesis? Mine was pretty new and we had some difficulties that luckily my committee helped out with later.

Sorry this is so long and probably not helpful!

[rockgirl]

Re: HELP - Anyone who's done a master's thesis (especially in ed

I first had to do a thesis proposal which consisted of my hypothesis, subjects, methods and a literature review. That had to be approved by my committee. Once that was done, I was able to begin collecting data. Once the writing began, my advisor became more involved.

I think your time would be better spent it you did not attend that class and spent time first researching your topic, Reviewing previous research on your topic and formulating your question. Who is the subject pool you want to study? Where can you collect your data? The big question my advisor always asked. Is your study significant? Will it contribute to the literature?

I agree with everything phoebe said! I recently finished my ms in secondary ed... with a newborn... from another state. It was very time consuming and I felt like the process would never end. I made mini deadlines for myself that were way ahead of actual deadlines that allowed me to make up for time I knew I would lose being a new mom. The entire project was 6 crs witht he first three in house. Our adviser was helpful but it was up to us to initiate conversation, meetings, feedback etc.. The final 3 crs we were completely on our own. Finding friends who were at the same point in the process was invaluable. We met up to bounce ideas off of one another and it really helped.

Choosing a topic you care about makes it all the more worthwhile ..... but in the end... it's all about getting the final product completed. I actually chose a topic I was sort of interested in but knew would allow me to finish the thesis in a timely fashion considering all the other things going on in my life (baby, matching, moving, working and finishing the degree). It's done now, I have officially graduated, and I am proud to have it under my belt.... even if I never teach another day in my life.

Re: HELP - Anyone who's done a master's thesis (especially in ed

Phoebe - actually very helpful, I wrote it all down, thank you. (Along with Lily's quote, of course...)

I'm just a little nervous because I have a feeling I'm going to start butting heads with my advisor very soon... She's teaching 3 of the 4 remaining classes I need and she's an idiot.

One of her many Pearls of Wisdom, this one was for the class Developing Student Writing. During the last 10 minutes of our last class, I'm not joking, this was her only lesson on editing & assessing student writing. I wrote it down immediately after she said it.

"Hold up the student's paper, squint your eyes and whatever problem jumps out at you is what you need to conference with them about."


I don't know how much longer I'll be able to quietly sit through her classes. Should I change advisors before or after I explode?!!!

Note: I'm not trying to make myself out to be an intellectual giant, as that's not the case at all. I have so much to learn, and I'm just frustrated that every question I ask goes unanswered, every class I've taken leaves me uninspired. So I read and research on my own. and pay a shitload of money to teach myself. Ugh.

[Phoebe]

Re: HELP - Anyone who's done a master's thesis (especially in ed

What your prof said sounds really dumb. Sorry. Is this a grad level course? I would suggest using an advisor who has experience as a thesis advisor and who has experience/knowledge with your area of study/topic. You want to be able to work with your advisor and get something accomplished. If you think you are going to have a difficult working relationship with this advisor you may want to consider changing before you get to deep into the work.

I would seek out someone else you have in mind before actually switching and speak to them first. I would also speak with your department head and find out what the rules are about switching. Or maybe be up front with your advisor and explain your conflicts. Maybe she thinks you are looking for someone hands-off.

I switched advisors because I changed my topic in the beginning phases. I can't remember if I had to fill out some paperwork or not. It wasn't a big deal. Good luck.