Use of Self-Assessment
Topic 3: Preparing for Defense
The first step of the proposal or dissertation defense is a self-evaluation of your work. What follows is a guide to assist you with the writing process. This tool was developed using the work of Lovitts (2005) published in Academe Online.
The focus of the checklist is to facilitate your navigation of the proposal and dissertation defense. Lovitts (2005) suggests there are characterizations for the levels of quality of a dissertation. The characterizations for the dissertation are outstanding, very good, acceptable and unacceptable. As a part of this self-assessment, you should evaluate how you would characterize the quality of each chapter of the dissertation, prior to submission to your chair. There is no expectation that you would achieve excellence in all areas, as student strengths vary. However, a high-quality and comprehensive written product should be your end goal.
The focus of the checklist is to facilitate your navigation of the proposal and dissertation defense. Lovitts (2005) suggests there are characterizations for the levels of quality of a dissertation. The characterizations for the dissertation are outstanding, very good, acceptable and unacceptable. As a part of this self-assessment, you should evaluate how you would characterize the quality of each chapter of the dissertation, prior to submission to your chair. There is no expectation that you would achieve excellence in all areas, as student strengths vary. However, a high-quality and comprehensive written product should be your end goal.
 |
 |
