Professional Doctoral Students Research Articles

Developing a Supportive Community of Practice

This paper employs a qualitative case study to suggest how the research journey of doctoral students can be improved in educational institutions by encouraging the formation of small and informal Communities of Practice (CoP). It examines themes emerging from the feelings and opinions of four part-time professional doctorate students about their study experience and participation in their emergent CoP. A peer group developed where the students share their experience, expertise, insight, and knowledge in a caring and supportive, but informal, forum. CoP could become an effective tool to aid retention, identity development and wellbeing of postgraduate level students, factors which have been previously identified as key areas of risk. An autoethnographic approach was used to review the feelings, perceptions, and opinions of the four case study group members about their experiences of the informal CoP to date. Thematic analysis of transcripts and WhatsApp communications was used to reveal the perceived common benefits and gains from participation in the informal CoP such as joy, safe spaces, and identity development, aligning members experiences to a CoP lifecycle. The study found small group formation at doctoral programme induction, and encouragement for students to organise their own regular study days using of social channels, may impact overall success. Application and adaptation of this doctoral CoP model could form the basis for future research and a model for academic institutions to suggest to new and existing students

Exploring the ‘learner journey’ of students undertaking a professional doctorate in Wales

ABSTRACT This paper reflects on the delivery of Professional Doctorate programmes from a sample of educational (EdD) and sustainable built environment (DSBE) practitioners at a Welsh University in the United Kingdom (UK). The paper explores the ‘learner journey’ of a sample of Professional Doctorate students as they navigate their studies during COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative approach was adopted, and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from students on the EdD and DSBE pathways. A thematic analysis was conducted, and the data presented explored how students have navigated their respective pathways and change projects across various modules, during their ‘learning journey’ and how successful they perceive that journey to be, in relation to a range of factors. The findings from this paper provide a unique insight into the experiences of Professional Doctorate students during a period of significant upheaval. Recommendations are provided for supervisors of Professional Doctorates, Higher Education Managers, as well as Policy Makers in supporting Professional Doctorate students during the studies. Best practice is highlighted with regard to practice-based approaches and demonstrates the differences across two academic disciplines. The use of agile digital and online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic further suggests an ongoing model for leadership in Higher Education.

ENHANCEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONALS IN THE CONTEXT OF ORGANIZING METHODOLOGICAL SUPPORT

The article is dedicated to the issues of improving the professional competencies of educational professionals through the organization of methodological support within the framework of creating a unified system of professional development and implementing the “Modern School” federal project.
 The authors disclose the specifics of methodological support for educators aimed at identifying professional deficits, employing individual educational route technologies, and developing competence enhancement programs. The authors present a model of organizing methodological support for educational professionals, including a component for future educators, thereby proving the importance of organizing methodological interaction with practicing educators to shape a new type of university graduate capable of continuous professional growth. The authors are convinced that involving educators and students, i.e. future educators, in scientific and methodological events, including joint planning, contributes to the development of analytical skills and methodological culture, enhances professional mastery, fosters the establishment of conscious professional positions, and improves communication formats. Special attention is given by the authors to the application of normative and legal foundations for the organization of a multi-level methodological support system involving various methodological structures, professional communities, and subject associations.
 The article is addressed to the faculty and staff of the supplementary professional education system, research workers, doctoral students, teachers, and students of educational institutions, as well as those interested in educational issues in the field of improving the professional competence of educational professionals.

Structured Literature Reviews for Business Professional Doctorates:

The first significant piece of writing a Professional Doctorate must undertake is reviewing the literature within their elected field, allowing them to synthesise relevant theories and concepts underpinning their research (Pickering & Byrne, 2014). The task involves searching, assessing, screening and synthesis a significant literature volume. Often this task is perceived as daunting, potentially leading to periods of demotivation, where students feel stuck, particularly in Professional Doctorates (Wisker, 2015). A basic principle of Professional Doctorates is that candidates contend with the tensions of professional practice and academic scholarship, making sense of the intricacies of crossing intellectual boundaries (Wasserman & Kram, 2009). However, many professional doctorate students have been absent from higher education learning for a long period of time (Allen et al., 2002), to which the literature review process is crucial for doctoral students as it is their opportunity to cross ‘conceptual thresholds’, which is crucial for gaining new insights into a topic (Wisker, 2015). For professional doctorate students, this process is interconnected with their deep understanding of their professional practice, which drives knowledge production (Costley, 2013). This paper discusses the characteristics of using structured literature reviews as a pedagogical strategy in a credit-bearing taught module for professional business doctorates. It aims to assess the value of structured literature reviews to improve learning outcomes, doctoral completions and publishing opportunities. The analysis is drawn on a critical case study of the Literature Review module within the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) programme at Liverpool John Moore's University. The DBA is used as a critical case study for this research, as it represents the most mature and developed professional doctorate in the University. It reviews the module's internal structure addressing the coherent contents-aims/content-learning outcomes connection and learning techniques (Leger & Sirichand, 2015), the value of research-informed teaching (Joseph-Richard, Almpanis, Wu, & Jamil, 2021), and an exploratory review of students' satisfaction levels (Pickering & Byrne, 2014).

Predictors of Academic Success in Students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Considering that academic success is one of the most important topics for medical sciences schools and faculty members, this study was conducted to determine the predictors of academic success in students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. This cross-sectional study was performed on 542 students of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran. The sampling method was stratified at random. The socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, Multiple Intelligences Profiling Questionnaire (MIPQ), College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES), Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ-85-PART2), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS 16 software. The General Linear Model (GLM) was used to determine the predictors of academic success. According to the Pearson correlation test, there was a significant positive correlation between academic grade point average (GPA) and social support (r=0.10, P=0.048), academic self-efficacy (r=0.36, P<0.001) and there was a significant negative relationship between GPA and total mental health score (r=-0.14; P=0.003) and its subdomains including anxiety (r=-0.10, P= 0.027), depression (r = -0.15, P = 0.002), and social dysfunction (r=-0.12; P=0.010). According to GLM, the variables of academic self-efficacy, and level of education were among the predictors of academic success, so the GPA increased significantly with academic self-efficacy (β:0.02, P<0.001). The GPA was greater in bachelor's students than in professional doctorate students (β:0.76, P<0.001). The significance level was considered at P<0.05. Due to the significant relationship between academic self-efficacy, and educational level with academic success, the promotion of self-efficacy is necessary for all students of all educational levels.

Interprofessional learning to enhance Spanish communication skills in Latinx pharmacy students

This case study focuses on an interdisciplinary educational experience in which university Pharmacy and Humanities early and late Spanish-English bilinguals were paired to translate questions related to sociobehavioral aspects of medication use. This work describes the personal and professional benefits reported by the translators and the prevailing themes from verbal negotiations. The participants were an undergraduate in Spanish, seven pharmacy professional doctorate students, and five Hispanic studies graduate students. After completing individual translations, students were paired and met virtually to create a final, collaborative version of their translation. Participants were subsequently invited to answer open-ended questions about their experience. Translators’ transcribed interactions and questionnaire responses became the basis for this article. Results show that the main reported perceived benefit was the participants’ improved language skills. The findings also suggest that length, quality, and richness of interactions depended on whether the members of the pairings exhibited mutual respect, curiosity, and empathy.

Reflecting on the Journey Towards Identity and Belonging During Professional Doctoral Study

The Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD) is a doctoral level professional qualification for practising teachers that affords the opportunity to research an area of practice of particular interest. Many EdD students encounter mixed feelings, emotions and new identities as many could be leaders within their employment and seen as ‘experts’ in their role, however, they may find themselves on the periphery of a new community of which they are yet to feel a part. This reflective paper explores the role of ‘identity’ and ‘belonging’ in Professional Doctoral students with particular emphasis placed on situated learning theory (Lave &amp; Wenger, 1991) and the notion of communities of practice. I discuss the idea of ‘identity congruence’ and how I experienced this in terms of my identity as a leader of learning and as a fledgling doctoral researcher. The paper concludes that communities of practice promote a sense of community and belonging that have clearly supported me through the doctoral journey.

Evaluation of Teaching Professional Ethics of Professor from the Viewpoint of medical and pharmacy students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Since education is a profession and is the foundation of sustainable human development, the observance of professional ethics in teaching and/or education will lead to the realization of educational goals in universities. Therefore, the present study or the purpose of evaluating the professional ethics of the teaching of professors from the Viewpoint of medical and pharmacy students was conducted in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The present study is descriptive cross-sectional. The study population included all medical and pharmacy professional doctoral students entering the 99-98 Iranian academic year in which 118 people were randomly selected. The data collection tool was the professional ethics questionnaire of Professor prepared by Sobhaninejad et al. That was in the form of 6 components and 48 items.The scoring scale of the items was based on the Likert five-choice scale from one to five. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (single group t-test and independent t-test) using SPSS21 statistical software. Result: The total score of teachers 'professional ethics from the students' point of view was 3.59±0.63 and there was no significant difference (p = 0.231) between the views of male (3.5±0.65) and female (3.65±0.61) students. The results of comparing the components of teaching between students of the two fields showed that score of components of standard evaluation and learner cognition from views of medical students were higher than pharmacy students. Conclusion: Although the total average score obtained by the professional ethics of teaching professors in the two schools was at an average and relatively desirable level, is still far from the desired and standard situation and needs more planning by educational planners in order to improve the level of professional ethics of teaching.

Delivering professional doctorate education: challenges and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

Professional Doctorates have similar attributes of a PhD, but are arguably not as universally known. Moreover, professional doctorates have an added level of complexity, as students become scholar-practitioners by ensuring that they make a significant contribution to professional practice. However, professional doctorate education is often challenging due to the lack of research preparedness of professional doctorate students, who typically have been away from higher education for a number of years. Although these students may have built astute business mind sets, it could be argued that their approach to scholarly research is less so. So to achieve engaged scholarship that enables professional doctorate students to become scholar practitioners, it is crucial to create the correct learning environment. Using the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at Liverpool Business School, UK, as a case study, the ability to deliver professional doctorate education is explored, and pertinently the challenge and experience of how the teaching and learning environment has transitioned since the COVID-10 pandemic is evaluated. Finally, key lessons are outlined as to how to design professional doctorate programmes that are resilient to disruptions to conventional teaching and learning practices.

Substance use and mental health problems among graduate students: Individual and program-level correlates

Objective This study evaluated variation in substance use and mental health among graduate student subgroups. Participants A sample of 2,683 master’s and doctoral students completed an online survey in October 2017. Methods Subgroup variation in behavioral health by demographic and program characteristics, particularly degree type and academic discipline, was explored. Results Compared with academic doctoral students (ie, PhD students), professional doctoral students (ie, MD, JD, etc.) were significantly more likely to report high stress levels and moderate or severe anxiety symptoms. Master’s students were more likely to report moderate or severe anxiety symptoms and use marijuana than academic doctoral students. Students in the behavioral and social sciences, social work, and arts and humanities disciplines were more likely to use substances and report mental health problems than engineering and business students. Conclusions These findings highlight graduate student subgroups who might require closer attention with respect to access to behavioral health services.

On becoming an organizational autoethnographer

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the process and challenges of applying an autoethnographic research method to a professional doctoral thesis ethics application. It examines the traditional university ethical approval process and if it is appropriate for this evolving qualitative research method within an organizational context.Design/methodology/approachA short introduction to the literature on ethics prefaces an autoethnographic account of the author’s experience as doctor of business administration candidate tackling the application process for ethical approval of primary research. The account is a reflection of the review process and critiques with reference to the existing literature.FindingsThe majority of the literature relating to ethics has focused on the private, personal and largely evocative accounts of autoethnography. This paper highlights some of the differences and potential for organizational autoethnography and ethical conduct. It highlights the ethical implications of obtaining consent from one’s colleagues, developing and maintaining dependent relationships, risk and reward to one’s own professional reputation and becoming equipped to create both personal and organizational change through a process of reflexivity.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the discussion about ethical conduct when undertaking new forms of organizational ethnographic research. For those interested or involved in the university institutional ethics review committees and for professional doctoral students who are developing an emancipatory insider research approach.

The development and validation of the scholar–practitioner research development scale for students enrolled in professional doctoral programs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate the scholar–practitioner research development scale (SPRDS), an instrument to assess research competencies of students enrolled in professional doctoral programs. Design/methodology/approach In this instrument development study, an expert panel established the content valid. A factor analysis and internal consistency analysis was used to examine the validity and reliability of the instrument. Findings An expert panel deemed the scale as content valid. Results of a factor analysis and internal consistency analysis demonstrated that the scale is both valid and reliable, consisting of five subscales. Research limitations/implications The current study provides evidence that the scholar–SPRDS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess research characteristics professional doctorate students’ research competencies, which can be used to extend research on the development of doctoral students in professional doctorate programs. Practical implications The instrument can be a useful tool to assess and inform the faculty and administrators about their students, the curriculum and program resources. Social implications Equipped with an instrument such as this, faculty and administrators are better armed to assess students’ growth thought out the program, and, in turn, design and deliver research curriculum and mentorship that assists students in developing as scholar–practitioners, which may ultimately lead to success in the program and beyond, impacting the society. Originality/value There is not a formal or standardized scale to evaluate if professional doctoral students are progressing and developing as practitioner-scholars through their professional doctoral programs. There is not a standardized or universally adopted assessment to determine if professional doctoral programs are meeting the goals and objectives they have set forth. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and to determine the validity and reliability of a scale to measure a scholar–practitioner’s research competencies in a professional doctoral program.

Professional doctorates: A pathway to legitimacy for non-academic HE professionals?

This article discusses the current challenges faced by the two authors – both participants on a professional doctorate (PD) programme in education at a leading UK university – in gaining legitimacy as higher education (HE) professionals. By: (1) reflecting upon their own professional experiences in HE and as PD students; (2) utilizing semi-structured interviews with academic and non-academic professionals from their home institutions (in Ireland and India); and (3) drawing on Celia Whitchurch's typologies of 'third-space' HE professionalism, they found that in Ireland the current reform of the HE policy and praxis environment offers some real and positive opportunities for PD participants through the emergence of more progressive models of HE professionalism. In contrast, the relative lack of reform and a highly regulated Indian HE environment, presents ongoing difficulties in terms of applying one's PD learning in the work environment. This suggests that in India, PD graduates might, in fact, be afforded greater career progression opportunities by transitioning to a more traditional academic role.

Supervising the professional doctoral student

This article presents a discussion around issues of identity for part-time professional doctoral students. The current supervision arrangements of a professional doctoral programme were considered, using an exploratory study, to explore the idea that supervision for competent confident professionals should, in the early stages, focus on identity in addition to progress and process. Differing supervision models are discussed alongside ideas of identity development, more knowledgeable others and socialisation. It is suggested that individual academic supervision may focus too much on process and progress in the initial stages of professional doctorate programmes, and that supervision from a near peer in order to help students transition from the centre of their professional identity to the centre of a researcher identity may be of benefit. Alternative models are suggested for the leadership and the design of taught elements of these programmes, in order more fully to support the development of the competent professional’s research identity.

Distributed leadership and research degree administration

Studies of the interaction between professional and academic staff in leadership in higher education institutions have focused on distributed leadership. Whilst such studies have considered the leadership of the whole university, aspects of this model also apply to the relationship between programme leaders and administrators. This paper aims to explore the usefulness of this model in leadership of professional doctorates. The study is an exploratory one, reporting on the reflections of how one programme is managed through the eyes of the programme leader and lead administrator. The results provide evidence for the usefulness of this model in understanding the working relationships between programme leaders and administrators. We also show that a long-term appointment in the role of programme administrator is vital in ensuring a good student experience. This is linked both to general good practice of programme administration and to the unique characteristics of professional doctorate students.

The Academic Responsibility of the Professional Doctoral Students Who Major in Art Education

The Academic Responsibility of the Professional Doctoral Students Who Major in Art Education

The learning environment in professional doctorate and postgraduate dental education: a qualitative study.

Currently, there is a lack of studies focusing on professional doctoral students' and graduates' perceptions of their learning environment, in particular, using a qualitative approach to elicit in-depth information. This article aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by systematically exploring, critically analysing and getting a deeper understanding of professional doctorate dental students' and graduates' insights into effective and ineffective clinical and physical learning environment characteristics. The study included a total of 20 participants. Participants included 16 final-year Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) students and four dental specialists (graduates of the DClinDent programme). Semi-structured, individual interviews were used. Participants were asked to reflect upon and describe in detail their effective and ineffective learning environment experiences. The critical incident technique was used to guide the data collection. Data were analysed using a general inductive qualitative approach. Learning environment characteristics which participants associated with effective learning included the following: sufficient opportunities for comprehensive treatment planning; introduction to a number of patient treatment philosophies; a sufficient number of complex cases; clinically oriented research and assignment topics; a focus on clinical training in the programme generally; a research topic of a realistic depth and breadth, suitable for their 'specialist training' degree; and a well-resourced and updated physical infrastructure. On the other hand, most participants indicated that the absence of an adequate number of clinical cases, an overemphasis on research (as opposed to clinical practice) in the DClinDent programme and an 'outdated' physical infrastructure in the dental school clinics could hamper effective clinical learning. These findings contribute to the meaningful advancement of the literature on learning environment strategies through the exploration of (and in-depth qualitative insights into) what facilitated effective learning by New Zealand professional doctorate candidates and graduates. These findings provide a starting point for reflection by international academic directors, educational developers, curriculum planners, programme managers and clinical teachers in respect of the further development of the learning environment. Although the findings from this study may not be directly transferable to all international contexts, they have the potential to contribute to the further development of theory in this area.

‘Why has my world become more confusing than it used to be?’ Professional doctoral students reflect on the development of their identity

This article reports on research into the experience of professional doctoral students and is written by the students themselves. We, the authors, are currently studying for the Doctorate in Education at the University of Manchester, UK. We place our work in the context of recent empirical research into the development of doctoral student identity, noting that these literatures are usually authored by programme directors and supervisors. Using a theoretical approach based on the work of Etienne Wenger, we examine how the aims and curriculum of our programme interplay with our professional learning. In interviews with our cohort of students, we explore the complexity and non-linearity of learning. We do not find a simple progression from practitioner to researcher; rather, we find a fluid and complex relationship between those two identities. We consider the extent to which Wenger’s modes of identification are a useful conceptual tool for understanding this interplay and for theorising about our findings. We conclude that there is further scope for the development of our theoretical framework by drawing on other scholarly work on identity development and reflexivity.

Design of an Online Curriculum Promoting Transformative Learning in Post Professional Doctoral Students

Written reflections of 113 occupational therapy clinical doctoral students who graduated from an online program between 2007 and 2013 were analyzed for themes which reflected transformative learning and characteristics of curricular design which promoted transformative learning. Qualitative analyses of written reflections were performed. Several themes emerged which are presented using the framework of Person/Learner, Environment/Learning Context, and Occupation/Engagement in Learning Activities. Strategies such as active learning; assignments that directly apply to students’ work settings; implementation of a cohort model; and use of reflection, dialog, and project implementation appear to be effective in facilitating transformative learning in an online clinical doctoral program.

Design of an Online Curriculum Promoting Transformative Learning in Post Professional Doctoral Students

Written reflections of 113 occupational therapy clinical doctoral students who graduated from an online program between 2007 and 2013 were analyzed for themes which reflected transformative learning and characteristics of curricular design which promoted transformative learning. Qualitative analyses of written reflections were performed. Several themes emerged which are presented using the framework of Person/Learner, Environment/Learning Context, and Occupation/Engagement in Learning Activities. Strategies such as active learning; assignments that directly apply to students’ work settings; implementation of a cohort model; and use of reflection, dialog, and project implementation appear to be effective in facilitating transformative learning in an online clinical doctoral program.