MA THESIS/PROJECT STEPS June 2015 Anne René Elsbree 1

Which option are you in? 1. Education Administration Option 2. Education Specialist Option 3. General Option Which MA semester are you in? 1.First 2.Second or Third 3.Fourth or Fifth 4.Sixth or More When would you like to be done with Thesis/Project? 1.Fall Spring Fall Spring

What stage are you at in the process? As we review the 14 different steps, identify 1.What you have begun 2.What you need to do next 3.Strategies for each step 3

1. Identify a social injustice in your educational setting that you can address with research or a curriculum project. The Social Justice Action Plan Assignment in EDUC 602: Schooling in Multicultural Society Course was designed to help you identify a topic you can address as a change agent through the use of research or a curriculum project. Use other course assignments to help you make progress with your Thesis/Project. 4

2. Review the educational literature to identify current best practices to address the injustice. Locate peer-reviewed articles on your topic/injustice. Sort the information found in peer-reviewed articles into the causes/context of the injustice (Chapter 1) and the solutions (Chapter 2). Make use of your EDUC 622: Research Methods to help you draft Chapters 1-3. Narrow your focus to something manageable that can make an impact on the injustice you want to address. Use the EDUC 698 Cougar Course Resources: Make an appointment with Education Librarian, Dr. Toni Olivas to help you begin your literature review. 5

3. Identify and secure a possible committee chairperson. Send an to request a meeting with a prospective Education faculty member. In the articulate your research/project topic, question(s) and methods. Share what you have accomplished (attach drafts of chapters & IRB) and identify what help you need. Send a tentative graduate date. See Committee Tips PPT from EDUC

4. Meet with prospective committee chairperson at least three (3) semesters before finishing. Discuss the viability of your topic, themes, methodology and prospective graduation date. Create a timeline for chapter due dates. Identify dates that you will meet with your committee chairperson. Discuss who would be a good candidate for an additional committee member. Remember that you want someone that is knowledgeable about your topic/method and works well with your chair & you. 7

5. Draft the Context/Background for your Chapter 1: Definition of the Problem. Summarize the context of this injustice/problem. Provide a chronological background to help the audience see the topic complexity. 8

6. Draft the themes for your Chapter 2: Literature Review. Do not rehash the problem in Chapter 2, but focus on the possible solutions. Summarize the theoretical ideas and the research findings related to 3-6 themes that can inform a solution to the injustice/problem. Connect the ideas of all the authors related to the theme. Avoid summarizing each article like an annotated bibliography. Instead, connect the ideas/findings across themes. 9

7. Outline your Chapter 3: Methodology. Review the template for Chapter 3. Go to Scholarworks and locate 3-5 thesis/projects that can be a model for your methodology. Read the model Chapter 3: Methodologies and identify what would be similar for your methodology. Draft an outline of what you would include in your Chapter 3: Methodology. If you plan to conduct research, draft an IRB Application. 10

8. Have your writing reviewed. Share your Chapter 1, 2 & 3 (IRB) drafts with a Peer, Faculty Member or Writing Center Personnel to identify what was done well, what questions arose and what needs to be polished. 11

9. Revise Chapter 1, 2 & 3 (IRB) and determine if #8 & #9 need to be repeated. The key to good writing is rewriting. Be open to rewriting chapter drafts multiple times. Use the Writing Center to assist you. 12

10. Contact perspective committee member. Share what your culminating project /thesis is, what you predict for a timeline and copies of your chapters. Remember you are marketing yourself. You need to convince this person you would be a good candidate to work with and that you are prepared to complete the task. 13

11. Advancement to Candidacy Form. Submit signed form & documents to CEHHS Ed Services (UH 221). 14

12. Follow instructions from Thesis/Project Committee. Register for EDUC 698 in Fall or Spring. Once you register, you must stay consecutively enrolled until you finish. You will earn a RP - Report in Progress until complete. Your committee will act as your primary support. It is suggested to meet with committee chairperson every other week and complete chapters 1-5 by week 8/9. 15

13. Present Thesis/Project at SOE Open House December 1, 5 pm & April 28, 5 pm 16

Follow CSUSM Library instructions for Electronic Thesis/Dissertation (EDT) Submission & ADA Format Compliance guide/193-ETD-Submission-Guide/?tab= guide/193-ETD-Submission-Guide/?tab=