Innovate, Educate, and Transform Preparing for Your Proposal Defense Doctoral Support Center Presentation Dr. Fischer

Approaching the Defense Don’t think about it as an interrogation -- think of it as a discussion about your study Remember that your committee wants you to succeed Expect to receive both positive and constructive feedback regarding your chapters Plan ahead and schedule a mock defense at the DSC 2

Preparing for the Defense Contact your academic advisor in your program office to ensure you pick and have the appropriate forms completed Enroll in the appropriate course Reserve a room through the Ed.D. Program Office 3

Reviewing Your Proposal Chapters 1-3 Submit your best draft of Chapters 1-3 Have you written a clear research question? Is it compelling (have you reviewed the right research?) Have you placed the question in context? (Ch. 1) Is your method for answering the question the best it can be? Why this method? Why this sample? Have you linked your instrumentation in Ch. 3 to the literature in Ch. 2, to concepts you state in your research questions? Is the draft free from typos and grammatical errors? Hire an editor if needed 4

Preparing the Proposal Defense Presentation minutes of presentation by you Remember, they have read and re-read your draft Presentation Guide Statement of the Problem (1 slide) Literature Review (1 slide) Purpose of the Study (1 slide) Research Question(s) (1 slide) Significance of the Study (1 slide) Sample and Population (1 slide) Instrumentation (1 slide) Data Collection (1 to 2 slides) Data Analysis (1 slide) Time line for completion (1 slide) Abstract Review Thank You/Questions (1 slide) 5

General Tips Bring a copy of your chapters with any written notes or flagged pages for easy reference Bring a note pad to write down any recommendations from your committee Remember that the suggestions/comments from your committee will only lead to a stronger study Schedule a mock defense or an appointment with the DSC to review your presentation Communicate with your chair regarding questions or concerns 6

During the Proposal Defense You arrive, they ask you to leave to discuss your study. They invite you in, you present your study. Questions/Discussion with the committee Why is this study needed? Suggestions for the method You take notes You leave, they discuss approval of your proposal You come back in, they provide recommendations, and next steps You take notes They sign the forms 7

After the Proposal Defense Review your notes send an with an overview of the committee comments to your Chair. Meet with your Chair shortly afterwards to be sure you understand what to do next. Do they want to see another draft before you go forward? What in your methodology is changing? Are you adding anything to Ch. 2? Begin revisions with Chapter 3 to begin the IRB. Complete all revisions within one to two weeks of your defense date Plan time for the analysis of your data Congratulations for achieving this major milestone! 8

Contact your designated Writing Advisor in the DSC should you have any questions. 9 For additional resources - DSC contact information – or (213)