Category Archives: PhD
45th Week PhD: Motivation
The past few weeks we have been discussing motivation in our Advanced Human Learning course. One of the articles we read, which happened to be a summary of a meta-analysis, was about how extrinsic rewards can be detrimental to intrinsic motivation. This has been studied on many levels, in many settings, but educational researchers are especially interested in motivation. For example, pizza parties, gold stars, and other rewards, can decrease intrinsic motivation. How do you teach intrinsic motivation at a young age, or at any age? This is hard to do since parents, teachers, caregivers, are unaware of what makes a child want to do certain things because they want to do it and not because they have to do it. Why do some children want to paint, solve math problems, play the violin, or read above their reading level? Are these things other children can learn to want to do on their own for its own reward?
Many of these questions have been pondered by classmates, and there doesn’t seem to be an answer for them. Teachers and parents can set goals for children to set them up for success, which will hopefully lead to intrinsic motivation later. One of our authors suggested that even adults can be intrinsically motivated to achieve goals even though it requires more effort and energy to learn. Habits need to unlearned in order to learn new ones. This can be hard for adults who have been doing the same thing for years.
My own intrinsic motivation has taken a hit this semester due to the lack of communication with one of our professors. She goes for weeks at a time without any feedback, encouragement, or instructions. We are left to fend for ourselves, taking autonomous learning to new heights for a doctoral level course in a program known for its excellence in online learning. We have turned in three papers, as a group, and haven gotten one back graded. Our next assignment is to be done individually. I am not worried if I will pass the course. I am worried that an opportunity was missed to learn more, express more, and do more than what I was given. That is what has sucked motivation from me this semester. I am hoping next semester my attitude will change and my motivation will improve.
Blessings to you and yours.
40th Week PhD: Spring Bed & Break(fast)
In a week and three days, my husband and I will be celebrating spring break by going to a Miranda Lambert concert and then going to the B&B she owns in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, again. We decided to go back because we really liked it there and wanted to see some things we didn’t get to last time we were there. Also, the breakfast is amazing and the service is first rate. We hope that there will be a band playing at the Platinum ballroom while we are there, since it wasn’t opened for bands last time we were there.
Spring break means no homework for a week and no reading of textbooks. I will be reading “Wild Rover No More” by L.A. Meyer as I need to review it for a publication in a couple of weeks. That just means I get to read a young adult fiction novel. Yippee! And, this is the last book in the Bloody Jack series, so all of the burning questions should be answered, right?
Before spring break can begin, I need to turn in my statistics assignment due this Sunday. There are vocabulary terms to learn, hypothesis tests to execute, results to interpret, graphs to label, and APA style to conquer. No biggie. In the meantime, our professor I mentioned in the last post still has not been in contact with her students, except through personal e-mail. This brings autonomous learning to a whole new level. Our second group assignment was due today, and we still have not received a grade or feedback on our last assignment.
It’s the 40th week of this journey my friends, and it will only get more exciting and challenging as the weeks go by.
Blessings to you and yours.
What Week Is This Anyway? PhD, Human Learning, Stats, and Grammar Lab
Technically this is week 34 (including breaks), so there’s that. Only about a hundred more weeks to go!
Theories, SPSS, and grammar are the focus of the courses I am taking this semester. “What does grammar have to do with a PhD?” you ask. Well, it does help when writing papers, but this grammar course is part of a copyediting program that will lead to a certification in copyediting upon completion of the program. The librarians were offered to take this program to possibly help with copyediting duties now that the university press has relocated (physical and administrative) into the library building.
So, I am taking 3 courses this semester, in case you didn’t catch that. So far, Advanced Human Learning and Motivation has a lot do to with developmental theories, including cognitive-stage, social learning, sociocultural, information processing, and ethology. We are not really studying the theories per se, but what makes up a theory–the good and the bad. Educational Statistics involves downloading SPSS software and learning how to use it for research. In Grammar Lab, we took a diagnostic test to see where we are at with our grammar capabilities and as it turns out, I need some work on grammar rules and regulations. Must. Not. Use. Too. Many. Periods.
It’s going to be an interesting semester.
Blessings to you and yours.
21st Week PhD: Worldview, Manuscript, and Joseph
This week we will be focusing on writing our Advanced Study of Worldview manuscript. We are to choose a competing worldview with a Christian worldview (I chose Individualism), define the competing worldview, describe the impact of the worldview on education, compare and contrast with a Christian worldview, and challenges and opportunities facing faith-based professionals who seek to redemptively engage adherents of such a worldview. Our final manuscript should be about 10-15 pages of content with about 3-5 pages of front and back matter. I haven’t started writing yet, but the articles and books I chose to use in the manuscript are interesting and should provide insight into how to narrow this very broad topic. Individualism as defined by Wilkens and Sanford (2009) “is the belief that the individual is the primary reality and that our understanding of the universe…should be centered in oneself” (p. 27). The Bible is pretty clear of how we should view ourselves as part of this world. Jesus says, “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12, New International Version). In other words, treat others like you want them to treat you. Similarly in Phlippians 2:3-4, Paul says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (NIV). In American life, these can be hard to do sometimes since most of what we do is geared toward individual fulfillment such as education, consumerism, social media, etc. In education, individualism is found in standardized testing and focus on individual accomplishments (valedictorian, honors, etc.). Somehow fitting all of these ideas into a paper will be my task for the next week.
Wilkens, S. & Sanford, M. L. (2009). Hidden worldviews: Eight cultural stories that shape our lives. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.
In the meantime, I am listening to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Donny Osmond version) to boost my writing and academic spirits. You could say that Joseph’s brothers showed signs of individualism in that they thought of a plan to get rid of Joseph to further their own gain (the ideas were collective, but they did individually agree to do them). They even went so far as to plan his murder (until Reuben stepped in) and then covered up the non-murder, lied to their father, and created an even bigger mess than if they had been nice to Joseph. Luckily for Joseph’s brothers, Joseph was nice and ended up forgiving them in the end, but not before playing a tiny trick on them.
My favorite song from Joseph is Close Every Door. Here are some of the lyrics: Close every door to me. Keep those I love from me. Children of Israel are never alone.
Bonus! Below is a clip of figure skater Todd Eldredge (World Champion, 6-time U.S. National Champion, and Olympian) skating to Close Every Door, which is the first time I ever heard the song that consequently led me to buy the CD and listen to it over and over and over.
Blessings to you and yours.
20th Week PhD: Tishomingo!
What in the world is a Tishomingo?! That’s what you’re probably asking, right? Tishomingo is not a thing, it’s a place, in Oklahoma. Where is that, you ask? Well, it is north of Dallas about two hours. It is about an hour south of Ada and about two hours southeast of Oklahoma City. Why would you go visit there, you ask? We spent three nights at a bed and breakfast in this tiny town. Some of this town’s claims to fame are The Pink Pistol, a Chickasaw bank museum, and that’s about it until about a month or so ago. My husband and I received word in January that country music singer Miranda Lambert, who opened and owns The Pink Pistol, bought a store front across the street and was remodeling it for a bed and breakfast. A few months ago, it officially opened for business and my husband and I reserved our rooms to coincide with my fall break from the doctoral program (a week free of homework, except some reading).
The Ladysmith Bed and Breakfast is a delightful boutique, classy, fancy-but-not-too-fancy, unique bed and breakfast experience. There are 8 rooms total, 5 downstairs and 3 upstairs. A three-course breakfast is made every morning by the innkeeper Staci often helped by her assistant Ashley. We were taken care of well by them and the other staff Chris, Amanda, and Josh. I guess the “odds were ever in our favor” since by happy coincidence, Miranda’s aunt and uncle were staying there while we were, and she dropped in one morning for breakfast to say hello to them. After another guest asked for a picture, I cautiously asked for a picture and she graciously obliged! She is very sweet, smart, and full of charisma. She even told us a few places to go while we were there! If you are looking for a unique, pampered experience for the two of you or for a girls’ getaway, this is definitely the place for you.
Well, enough of our wonderful fall break. However, I think it fits in relatively well with our topic in Advanced Worldview this week which was Postmodernism, specifically Postmodern Tribalism. According to Wilkens and Sanford (2009), postmodern tribalism is the belief that someone’s “tribe” is more important than any other “tribe” or culture (p. 142). While in Tishomingo, we visited the Chickasaw bank museum. This bank was the official bank of the Chickasaw nation in the early 1900s. It was restored to it’s original 1902 condition by the Johnston County Historical Society. There were so many interesting artifacts preserved from the Chickasaw tribe and other tribes on display. The attendant working there knew much of the history since she herself is Chickasaw.
We all can identify with a “tribe” of some sort, but it should not define all of us or be our motivation for serving God. Paul essentially denounces all of his “tribes” (circumcised, tribe of Benjamin, and Pharisees) in his letter to the Philippians when he says, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” (3:7, New International Version). As it says in Galatians 3:28 (NIV), “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Similarly Colossians 2:11 (NIV) says, “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” Christians should honor their unique cultures of origin, but when it comes to evangelism, there are no “tribes,” only love in Christ.
Blessings to you and yours.
17th Week PhD: Nationalism or Moral Relativism
This week on the PhD front: Our question for Advanced Worldview was “Which do you think is more prevalent in society in general and in education: nationalism or moral relativism?” I chose moral relativism even though nationalism, when taken to extremes, can cause destruction and harm by those who believe in it strongly. According to Wilkens and Sanford (2009) nationalism is “the imbalanced and distorted form of something that is good–patriotism” (p. 62). Nationalism can be attributed to one of the ideals that led to Hitler’s power of the Nazis. If nationalism is not checked, it can lead to destruction.
Wilkens & Sanford described moral relativism as “a seismic shift in our culture” (p. 79). Moral relativism can also be described as a belief that truth no longer exists, “and if it does, it is certainly not self-evident” (Wilkens & Sanford, 2009, p. 79). I can see this more prevalent in society where the “anything goes” attitude is rampant. Many of the younger generation (under 25) are content with individualizing their faith, beliefs, and morals: my truth is not your truth and your truth is your own truth. Many of them do not like to be told “no” or “you’re wrong” when that is the message they need to hear. I have heard of teachers who are not allowed to tell a student “no”, “that’s wrong”, or give a grade of F since those are a hindrance to learning. It seems that letting students fail gives them a chance to get it right the next time, and learn in the process. If you do not let a student fail, they will think they are incapable of it. This may be a bit of a shock when they get into the real world.
Whether individualism, consumerism, nationalism, or moral relativism, these are threats to Christianity no matter which one is more prevalent. Knowing they exist is the first step in preventing them from becoming dominant thoughts and replacing God with them.
Blessings to you and yours.
16th Week PhD: Individualism and Consumerism
Another week gone, and still there is much to do! Also, my mom is doing better after surgery and continues to recover. Thank you to all of you who are keeping her in your thoughts and prayers.
This week the focus for me was on the discussion post for the Advanced Worldview class regarding the prevalence of individualism versus consumerism in our world in general and in education. According to our textbook, written by Steve Wilkens and Mark L. Sanford in Hidden Worldviews (2009), individualism is “the belief that the individual is the primary reality and that our understanding of the universe and lifestyle should be centered in oneself” (p. 27). From the same textbook, consumerism “absolutizes consumption by believing that we can find fulfillment by accumulating wealth and everything that comes with it” (p. 45). In the case of the world in general, I believe individualism (selfishness) is more prevalent since individualism causes consumerism. Finding fulfillment usually means our own fulfillment, which is just a form of individualism. James 3:16 says, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (NIV). Adam and Eve ate from the tree of life in order to be like God (Genesis 3:5-6). Individualism, the desire to be put “in the God-position” has caused “every evil practice” (Wilkens & Sanford, 2009, p. 42).
Consumerism is rampant in education, especially higher education. Students are now viewed as consumers or customers. Making a profit is the goal for most institutions. Building better buildings, better programs, attracting more students are all incorporated into vision and mission statements without actually being stated. Too often the intrinsic value of higher education is lost in the sea of consumerism. Investing in buildings that are already there, students that are already there, and faculty and staff that are already there would seem to be the most profitable by being good stewards of what God has already given. Luke 12:48b (NIV) says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Blessings to you and yours.
15th Week PhD: Life Happens
During residency, several professors explained to us that throughout this program “life happens” regarding work to be done, time management, and emergencies. This has been a week of emergencies and deadlines. My mom went to the emergency room on Monday complaining of severe abdominal pain. After looking at tests, the ER doctor called her surgeon who performed emergency surgery that night (about 10:00pm). One of my assignments, a book review, was due at 10:59pm that day. Fortunately, I was almost finished and only had a few edits to do. The surgery went very well and my mom is still in the hospital, but is free from pain in her abdomen. God is good. I turned in my paper at approximately 10:40pm. God is good.
We can never predict when life will happen–as in “life happens”–and when plans are interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. My mom will not get to go on her trip to see her granddaughter’s first birthday this week. However, she will be able to go in the future. If she had not gone to the emergency room, her situation might have been different. The Bible has many examples of plans that get diverted, changed, postponed, or reversed. Job’s life didn’t go as he had planned, yet God blessed him with new plans. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) states, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” The prophet Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles in which it states, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). God tried to encourage the exiles with the fact that he had their backs and not to worry about their future. God did this for them after many years through his gift of Jesus, which is now our gift. So, when “life happens” remember God has your back.
Blessings to you and yours.
14th Week PhD: Doctrine of Vocation
This week we did not have any discussion questions to post since there is a book review assignment due in the Advanced Worldview course on Monday, and there is tons of reading to do in the Research Design course (6 chapters of research design in 2 weeks). As part of our reflective journal in the Advanced Worldview course, we were asked to answer one of two questions (or both). The one I chose is “How can the doctrine of vocation affect the way that we view Monday through Friday (and, for many of us, nights and weekends as well)?” This question relates to an article we were assigned to read by Veith called “Arenas of Service” in WORLD magazine. This question also fits in nicely with the last chapter of our Plantinga text (Engaging God’s World), “Vocation in the Kingdom of God.” The Latin origin of vocation is “calling” and in the Oxford English dictionary online, vocation is defined as “divine influence or guidance towards a definite (esp. religious) career.” Veith describes vocation as not only a job or career, but working “side-by-side with God” and serving others by what we do. Vocation is 365 days a year, 24/7. Second Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (New International Version). Knowing God has called us to Him gives us reason to carry out our vocation every day of the week, serving God by serving others.
Blessings to you and yours.
Veith, G. E. (2010, August 28). Arenas of service. WORLD Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.worldmag.com/articles/17017
Vocation. (2014). In Oxford English dictionary online. Retrieved from http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/224289?redirectedFrom=vocation&
Dawn of Knowledge 