F.+ASSIGNMENTS

Each meeting's assignments will be listed for you here.

__**Assignments for January 24**__ Develop your current thoughts for your dissertation topic. Think about: What is the general problem area you want to investigate? What specific questions might you want to answer? Do you view your study more quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods? Why? Do you have a theoretical frame in mind for your study? What literature have you already reviewed that relates to your study?

1. Develop a working title and research questions for your dissertation study. Bring to class for discussion.
 * __Assignments for February 7__**

1. Study/Review the paper by Camp in theoretical/conceptual frameworks in research. Come to class prepared to discuss. 2. Browse the OCED theories handbook - you should already have a copy of the pdf file. Let Dr. A know if you don't have it. 3. Bring to class your ideas for theories that might support your proposed dissertation research. We will review theoretical frameworks in research, analyze some frameworks from recent OCED dissertations, and discuss how your own theoretical/conceptual framework might look. It is IMPORTANT that you come to class with some ideas of relevant theories for your research so you gain maximum benefit from our class discussion.
 * __Assignments for February 21__**

Work on developing a theoretical/conceptual framework for your dissertation study. First, formalize what theories apply to and underpin your study. What theories will you use in your study? Then, talk yourself through how your chosen theory(ies) guide your study, how they interrelate (if you are using more than one), how do they form working hypotheses ( if appropriate)? Finally, make a first pass at developinga Theoretical/Conceptual Framework DRAWING for you study. Bring your thoughts, explanations, and first drawing to class for discussion.
 * __Assignments for March 7__**

1. Work on refining your theoretical framework, title, research questions for discussion. 2. Draft your "Magic Table" 3. Make a list of what topics you feel should be included in your Review of Literature. 4. Develop drafts of Statement of the Problem, Purpose of the Study. Then review and tighten your research questions. After you do that, does your TITLE need adjusting? 5. Draft your Introduction. 6. Bring to class all components you have developed to date. They do NOT have to be perfect at this point! I just want to see where you are.
 * __Assignments for April 4__**

__**Assignments for April 25**__ 1. Draft your methodology section 2. Work on all components 3. Put all your components put what you have into the OCED prospectus template. Be prepared for discussion and turn in your work as a first-draft prospectus. Again, it may not be perfect or complete, but it should be long ways towards being ready to discuss with your advisor.