Perspectives Of Doctoral Students Research Articles

Factors associated with mentoring and supervising US doctoral students with LD and/or ADHD

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore advisor–advisee relationships from the perspective of doctoral students with learning disabilities (LD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While some research exists on the importance of doctoral advisor/advisee relationships generally, few studies have focused on advisor support for doctoral students with LD and/or ADHD. Design/methodology/approach In total, 20 doctoral students from various US institutions with an average age of 28 years old participated in this study. In all, 2 participants had a dual diagnosis of LD and ADHD, 3 were diagnosed solely with LD and 15 solely with ADHD; 15 of the participants with ADHD indicated that they take medication. Each graduate student participated in an hour-long semi-structured Zoom interview inquiring about their disability and their relationship with their advisor. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed inductively. Findings The relationship between the participant and their advisor was the key theory. In total, 6 participants disclosed their disability status to their advisor with positive results, 2 had negative outcomes and 12 did not disclose for various reasons. The overarching theme of the study is that advisors are supportive of doctoral students with LD and/or ADHD whether or not they know about the student’s disability. Support was seen in offering flexible and strict deadlines, advocating on the student’s behalf and/or forming personal relationships with students. Research limitations/implications One of the biggest challenges of this study was recruiting participants. Graduate students with LD and ADHD are justifiably afraid of facing discrimination; therefore, it was difficult to identify participants despite having IRB approval and placing a very high value on confidentiality. The sample was consequently limited in size as well as in terms of race and gender diversity and was not representative of students with LD and/or ADHD in higher education. Qualitative research is typically not generalizable and the same was true for this study. This study gives a broader glimpse into the experiences of doctoral students with ADHD than those with LD. Additionally, when one of the researchers began each interview, she revealed that she also has a learning disability. While this may have helped participants feel more comfortable, it also could have influenced their responses. Practical implications This study undertakes a more detailed investigation than previous research on the experiences of individuals with LD and/or ADHD in doctoral programs in the US. The findings provide current data on perceptions of advisor–advisee relationships in the students’ own voices. Social implications Given the emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in US higher education, students with LD and/or ADHD need to be actively engaged in these conversations. With increasing numbers of students with LD and ADHD entering higher education and pursuing graduate degrees, faculty must be prepared to support all their students. By assessing strategies for positive mentor–mentee relationships among doctoral students with LD and/or ADHD, institutions can continue to foster increased diversity, creating doctoral programs and developing future faculty who more accurately represent the world in which we live. Originality/value The population studied doctoral students with LD and/or ADHD in the USA adds to the literature. The findings in terms of disclosure as it relates to advisors also adds to the literature. Doctoral students in the USA are dropping out at high rates making this an area that needs exploration.

Doctoral Student Perspectives of Support for Seeking Mental Healthcare On‐Campus: Preliminary Findings

ABSTRACTEven as the number of doctoral students reporting mental health challenges continues to grow, many students who experience significant mental distress do not seek treatment for these concerns. To explore this phenomenon, thirty semi‐structured interviews were conducted with doctoral students at a large U.S. public university. This poster reports on a candidate theme from a larger qualitative analysis that explored the barriers doctoral students face when seeking mental healthcare on‐campus. Insights from the theme “minimal institutional support” are presented here, and discussed with respect to health literacy, information marginalization, and consumer health information justice.

Integration of AI Chatbots in Islamic Religious Education: Potential and Challenges from a Doctoral Student Perspective

This article examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly chatbot technology such as ChatGPT, in higher education, with a specific focus on Islamic religious learning. The study involved 27 doctoral students from Sunan Ampel State Islamic University, Surabaya, using a survey method to explore their perceptions of ChatGPT in Islamic religious learning. Data was obtained via Google Forms using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The survey contains 28 questions covering various aspects of ChatGPT's uses, benefits, limitations, and ethical issues. Data analysis using SPSS software, including frequency analysis, mean, and reliability. The results show a high level of reliability and reveal that using ChatGPT can improve productivity, learning quality, and personalization. However, there are limitations such as a lack of context understanding, limited personalization capabilities, and the potential to hinder human-to-human interactions. In addition, students also raised concerns about ethical issues such as plagiarism, assessment fairness, data privacy, dependency, and information bias. This article provides insights into the use of ChatGPT in higher education and emphasises the importance of considering ethical aspects in its implementation. To mitigate the ethical risks that may arise from the use of ChatGPT in educational settings, it is recommended that institutions develop policies, provide education, and ensure the availability of adequate resources. The article also emphasises the need for ethical risk mitigation measures associated with the use of ChatGPT in the educational environment.

Examining an Interdisciplinary Experiential Learning Program for Doctoral Students

Educators, researchers, and institutions have long recognized the value of experiential learning as a way of fostering students’ ongoing learning and skill development. In recent years, experiential learning has gained increased traction in higher education institutions, as there is recognized need for graduates to engage in and actively reflect on lived experiences in various disciplines. Yet, much of the research in graduate-level experiential learning focuses on discipline-specific experiential learning opportunities, often within the context of a single graduate program where students’ career outcomes and program pathways are narrowly defined. Through qualitative analysis of interview, focus group, and program data collected as part of a collaborative evaluation, we respond to a gap in existing research to examine the diverse perspectives of doctoral students engaged in an interdisciplinary experiential learning program. The study’s findings contribute to a more robust understanding of the potential for experiential learning as an interdisciplinary practice, with direct examples of how doctoral students and higher education institutions are moving this work forward in this context.

How an international research programme can contribute to improvements in the research environment: the perspective of doctoral students in sub-Saharan Africa

Background The Africa Capacity Building Initiative (ACBI) programme aimed to ‘strengthen the research and training capacity of higher education institutions and support the development of individual scientists in sub-Saharan Africa through UK-Africa research collaborations’ including by funding PhD studentships. We conducted research to understand students’ experiences and to see how consortia-based programmes such as ACBI and their own institutions can enhance PhD students’ research environment and progress. Methods In-depth interviews with 35 ACBI-funded PhD students explored their perspectives about how their research and personal development benefitted from belonging to a research consortium. Questionnaires were used to corroborate interview findings. Results Students recognised that membership of a research consortium provided many benefits compared to less well-resourced peers. By drawing on the programme and consortiums’ resources, they were often able to overcome some limitations in their own institution’s systems and facilities. Through their consortia they could access a wide range of international expertise and support from mentors and colleagues for their technical and psychosocial needs. Multiple consortia opportunities for engaging with the international scientific community and for networking, gave them confidence and motivation and enhanced their career prospects. Conclusion Our study and its recommendations highlight how the breadth and diversity of resources available to PhD students through research consortia can be harnessed to facilitate students’ progress and to create a supportive and conducive research environment. It also underlines how, through a multi-level approach, consortia can contribute to longer-term improvements in institutional research environments for PhD students.

How an international research programme can contribute to improvements in the research environment: the perspective of doctoral students in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Africa Capacity Building Initiative (ACBI) programme aimed to 'strengthen the research and training capacity of higher education institutions and support the development of individual scientists in sub-Saharan Africa through UK-Africa research collaborations' including by funding PhD studentships. We conducted research to understand students' experiences and to see how consortia-based programmes such as ACBI and their own institutions can enhance PhD students' research environment and progress. In-depth interviews with 35 ACBI-funded PhD students explored their perspectives about how their research and personal development benefitted from belonging to a research consortium. Questionnaires were used to corroborate interview findings. Students recognised that membership of a research consortium provided many benefits compared to less well-resourced peers. By drawing on the programme and consortiums' resources, they were often able to overcome some limitations in their own institution's systems and facilities. Through their consortia they could access a wide range of international expertise and support from mentors and colleagues for their technical and psychosocial needs. Multiple consortia opportunities for engaging with the international scientific community and for networking, gave them confidence and motivation and enhanced their career prospects. Our study and its recommendations highlight how the breadth and diversity of resources available to PhD students through research consortia can be harnessed to facilitate students' progress and to create a supportive and conducive research environment. It also underlines how, through a multi-level approach, consortia can contribute to longer-term improvements in institutional research environments for PhD students.

User Experience of a Mobile App in a City Tour Game for International Doctoral Students

Mobile augmented reality games (MARGs) offer exciting possibilities for enriching outdoor learning and enhancing tourism experiences. However, there is a notable gap in understanding the perspectives of doctoral students on these innovative approaches. This paper presents the results of a case study conducted during the 2023 EERA Summer School in Portugal, where PhD students in Education, from universities all around the globe, engaged in a MARG for sustainable development education. Seventy-three students embarked on a walking city tour, whilst playing an interdisciplinary game supported by the EduCITY Smart Learning City Environment. It comprises a web platform, an app, location games, and game creation training. Students experienced the EduCITY app, which guided them through a designated city path encompassing tourist sites, while promoting diverse learning opportunities. At the end, students provided feedback through a short and anonymous evaluation questionnaire, incorporating the user experience questionnaire and one open-ended question for improvement suggestions. This study revealed valuable insights into the doctoral students’ perspectives on the EduCITY app’s user experience, highlighting the strengths of “Attractiveness”, “Stimulation”, and “Novelty”. However, it also identified areas for improvement, particularly in “Dependability” and “Efficiency”. The analysis of the open-ended responses suggested that “Attractiveness” and “Perspicuity”, while not immediate priorities, should be considered in refinement phases as well. As more and more students recognize the importance of MARGs in education, there is a growing need for research in this field, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Goal 4.

A Tale of Two Mentees: Conceptualizing Academic Mentorship through Critical Systems Thinking

ABSTRACT Academic mentorship is a vital step in preparing the next generation, yet little information exists on what successful mentorship looks like—particularly the process by which one ascertains a mentor, builds and maintains mentoring relationships, and achieves success in doctoral programs. Systems thinking is applied here to conceptualize academic mentorship within doctoral education as perceived by three doctoral students in social work programs across two institutions. The purpose of this article is to (a) describe the seminal literature on academic mentorship, (b) conceptualize exemplar cases of academic mentorship for doctoral education, (c) center the perspectives of doctoral students and their mentorship experiences, (d) use a systems-thinking lens to map and visualize the important variables related to mentorship processes, and (e) hypothesize potential levers for successful mentorship within doctoral programs.

A Joint Autoethnography on Collecting Qualitative Data Remotely: Insights From Doctoral Students’ Experiences

Researchers in general and those conducting English Language Teaching (ELT) studies in particular have been using alternative data collection methods and strategies due to recent technological advancements, natural events, as well as personal researchers’ predicaments. In this article, we present our research insights into remote qualitative data collection from the perspective of doctoral students. Using a joint-autoethnography research design, we share our reflections on collecting data from two different studies conducted in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. We support these reflections with similar literature about remote data collection. Our focus is on the use of remote observations and remote surveys in qualitative studies. In our settings, while collecting data through remote observation, the major challenges we faced were related to technological management for the use of in-class video-recordings. Consequently, the change to audio-recordings demonstrated to be appropriate in such contexts. Furthermore, the use of remote qualitative surveys for data collection taught us that despite a high rate of initial acceptance for participation in other studies, the response rate in our study was quite low. As a result of this challenge, additional data collection methods were used in the relevant study. These experiences reveal that there will be a need to improve our procedures for a successful collection of remote qualitative data, not only in our future studies, but also for those researchers intending to use these data collection methods in similar situations.

Needs Analysis and ESP Course Design: A Case Study of the Institute of Nutrition, Food and Agro-food Technologies

Needs analysis is the primary step for an effective ESP course design. The current work aims at analyzing the needs of Master 1 students for an ESP course from the perspectives of doctoral students and subject teachers at the institute of Nutrition, Food, and Agro-food Technologies (INATAA). To meet these targets, two questionnaires were administered, one for doctoral students and the other one for a sample of ten teachers at the institute of INATAA. The students’ questionnaire aimed to investigate thfrencheir current experience with the English language and the problems they encounter, their attitudes towards the past ESP course and their suggestions for ameliorating the course vis a vis their current needs. The teachers’ questionnaire was considered as a support to the students’ questionnaire for the amelioration of the course. The findings reveal that the major language problems encountered are text comprehension, technical vocabulary, writing and speaking skills. Despite these problems, the students show a positive attitude towards the target ESP course. Some suggestions have been offered by these students as well as subject teachers for the amelioration of the course.

Motivational Strategies Adopted in Postgraduate English Academic Writing Courses: Perspectives of Doctoral Students

Despite postgraduates’ struggles to master English academic writing, the fulfilment of postgraduates’ motivational needs in classes of English academic writing has been scarcely researched. This study examines the motivational practices of teachers of postgraduate English academic writing, the perceived effectiveness of the adopted strategies, and possible ways to further enhance their effectiveness. Reflective writing was collected from 59 doctoral students who spoke English as a foreign language (EFL) and were enrolled in a thesis writing course. The major findings are: (1) The reported motivational strategies correspond fairly closely to those endorsed in Dörnyei’s influential framework, yet some appear to be common teaching techniques; (2) the majority of the reported positive effects pertain to enhanced knowledge, performance, and confidence; and (3) the participants called for increased use of motivational strategies, more student engagement, and diverse facilitative input from the English teacher. The findings confirm the need to extend studies on the use and perceptions of motivational strategies to postgraduate language teaching contexts.

A qualitative inquiry of doctoral students' herding in education and validation of ‘herding in educational decisions’ scale

AbstractFresh PhD recipients are experiencing restricted career opportunities yet the enrolment of PhD Scholars is increasing rapidly. Perhaps, doctoral students lack conscious educational decision‐making. Building on such a perspective of doctoral students' unconscious educational choices, we explored their educational choices throughout their life trajectory. We started with a qualitative inquiry of 18 different PhD scholars in Pakistan. The findings helped us in developing a measure to determine the extent of herding in doctoral students' educational decisions. We ‘benefitted from’ this opportunity and validated the scale in two separate quantitative inquiries for conducting an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The study concluded a 3‐dimensional scale (consisting of 15‐items) for measuring ‘herding in educational decisions’. The study offers certain implications for conscious educational decisions.

“I didn’t want to be a troublemaker” – doctoral students’ experiences of change in supervisory arrangements

PurposeDuring the lengthy process of PhD studies, supervisory changes commonly occur for several different reasons, but their most frequent trigger is a poor supervisory relationship. Even though a change in supervisors is a formal bureaucratic process and not least the students’ rights, in practice it can be experienced as challenging. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore how doctoral students experience a change in supervisory arrangements.Design/methodology/approachThis study highlights the voices of 19 doctoral students who experienced at least one supervisory change during their doctoral studies.FindingsThe findings were structured chronologically, revealing the students’ experiences prior, during and after the changes. In total, 12 main themes were identified. Most of the interviewed students experienced the long decision-making processes as stressful, difficult and exhausting, sometimes causing a lack of mental well-being. However, once the change was complete, they felt renewed, energized and capable of continuing with their studies. It was common to go through more than one change in supervisory arrangements. Further, the students described both the advantages of making a change yet also the long-lasting consequences of this change that could affect them long after they had completed their PhD programs.Originality/valueThe study fulfills an identified need to investigate the understudied perspective of doctoral students in the context of change in supervisory arrangements. A change in the academic culture is needed to make any changes in supervisory arrangements more acceptable thus making PhD studies more sustainable.

Incorporating telehealth into health service psychology training: A mixed-method study of student perspectives.

ObjectiveTelehealth is increasingly recognized as an avenue for enhancing psychologists’ capacities to meet the mental health needs of a diverse and underserved (due to barriers e.g., distance, transportation) public. The present study sought to inform training in telepsychology (i.e., telehealth delivery of psychological services) by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of doctoral students who have already been involved in such training.MethodA total of 19 predoctoral students from two universities, with at least some experience in telepsychology training, provided their perspectives on two complementary research questions: (1) How do students perceive their level of competence in various domains of telepsychology?; and (2) What are students’ perspectives on the process of telepsychology competency development during their doctoral training?ResultsThe results of our study provide early evidence that doctoral trainees are able to develop telepsychology competencies and suggest that a supportive, training-oriented environment and fit between telepsychology and existing programmatic areas of emphasis are likely key to success.ConclusionsContinued efforts to enhance training in providing telepsychology services should focus on how to best define, measure, and promote competency development in this emerging specialty area.

Supervision of doctoral candidates at Kyambogo University: Supervisor–doctoral student perspectives on roles, approaches and type of relationship

Supervision of doctoral candidates at Kyambogo University: Supervisor–doctoral student perspectives on roles, approaches and type of relationship

Scholarly Publishing at a Crossroads: Scholarly Perspectives on Open Access

The cost of access to scholarly research creates inequity for readers with varying resources. Open access publishing is an avenue to address this inequity. This research employed a survey of scholars to discover what they know and think about open access. The survey elicited both faculty and doctoral student perspectives. Data were analyzed according to rank and discipline. Although the majority of scholars across disciplines agreed that their work should be freely available to all readers, there were significant differences between disciplines regarding whether scholars had distributed their publications through open access. The survey instrument was examined through Exploratory Factor Analysis.

Neoliberal ideologies in a Chinese university's requirements and rewards schemes for doctoral publication

ABSTRACT Although scholarly publishing is increasingly institutionalised as a graduation requirement or expectation for doctoral students around the world, there has been little systematic investigation of institutional policies on doctoral publication. This study aims to fill this lacuna by critically examining a Chinese university's publication requirements and rewards schemes for its doctoral students, and supervisor and doctoral student perspectives on them. The primary sources of data included institutional documents and interview data collected as part of a longitudinal multiple-case study of doctoral publication at a top Chinese university. Drawing on neoliberalism as a conceptual lens, the study reveals that, while the institutional requirements and rewards schemes are characterised by market rationalities and privilege managerial over professional values and practices, the supervisor and the doctoral students prioritise internal motivations (e.g. learning, contributing knowledge to the local community) over external material and symbolic rewards for publishing. These findings suggest that such publication requirements and rewards schemes may have unintended distorting effects on doctoral students’ scholarly publishing practices, learning experiences, and professional autonomy, and should be closely scrutinised.

Mentorship in Doctoral Education for Pregnant and Newly Parenting Doctoral Students

Mentorship is an important component of doctoral program success, providing socialization to the profession and academia, professional development, and psychosocial support. For women in particular, mentoring increases feelings of preparedness, self-esteem, and rates of program completion. Within a gendered institution like academia, which does not support work-life balance, women who experience pregnancy and become parents during their doctoral program may need their mentor to take on different or additional roles. This qualitative study (n = 28) examined the perspectives of doctoral students on the role of mentorship during a pregnancy and transition to motherhood in their health care-related doctoral program. Participants identified the critical impact of mentoring through role modeling, guidance, and psychosocial support. Implications for effective mentorship of pregnant students for mentors and doctoral programs are discussed.

‘A critical autoethnography of a doctoral students’ research journey: learning to take risks in the academy’

ABSTRACTWhat is missing in present-day physical education teacher education research is the individual female doctoral student perspective and how individuals come to understand academic research culture within the neoliberal university. Through a critical autoethnography, this paper uncovered a transformative learning journey of one doctoral student as she encountered the field of research in higher education. After taking a critically orientated qualitative methods class, the doctoral student recognised that the neoliberal university includes a research agenda entwined in politics, finding that neophyte researchers should be aware of the ‘mess’ (Cheek, J. (2017). Qualitative inquiry, research marketplaces, and neoliberalism. In N. K. Denzin, & M. D. Giardina (Eds.), Qualitative Inquiry in Neoliberal Times (pp. 19–36). New York: Routledge). By questioning how one is disciplined in research and through becoming aware of normalising techniques, the doctoral student interrogated her research methods and philosophical orientation. Ethnodrama (Denzin, N. K. (2010). The qualitative manifesto. Walnut Creek: Left Coast Press) and autoethnography provided the doctoral student with an opportunity for alternate meaning-making, which can be productive in understanding the journey of becoming in academia.

Co-teaching as Teacher Training: Experiential Accounts of Two Doctoral Students

There is a growing body of literature exploring the benefits and challenges of co-teaching in higher education. However, there has been little focus on co-teaching from a doctoral student perspective. Drawing on our experiences co-teaching at a large, research-intensive university in Canada, this paper discusses the steps taken to co-design, co-facilitate, and co-assess a graduate level course. We recommend that co-teaching be further explored and implemented in higher education, particularly in doctoral programs, as it provides opportunities to expand personal teaching styles, develop diversified curriculum, build confidence, and take greater risks in the classroom—all of which benefit educators and students alike.