The Confirmation Process:

A Trek into the KnownA milestone in the UK PhD Journey

Margaret Korosec Technology-Enhanced LearningPhD Student / University of Hull

Presented at the Faculty of Education PhD Symposium

Welcome Introduction What is a confirmation? My own trek The confirmation

PrepareDeliverReflect

Conclusion

What is the PhD confirmation?

Image by Kreuzschnabel/Wikimedia Commons. 2013 License: artlibre and CC BY-SA 3.0

When is the confirmation? According to the Checklist of the Key Stages of the Research Degree Process found on the Graduate School site:

The PhD confirmation (the ‘upgrade’ meeting) generally takes place between

8 – 12 months after commencing your PhD programme

Documents and Forms: http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/graduateschool/documentsandforms.aspx

IntroductionMacPhail, W. (2009). Students in the Class. [Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/

Confirmation: Prepare Submit Summary of the research Research questions Thesis organisation with chapter headings Statement of progress to date Schedule and plan for further research Literature review A draft chapter or evidence of critical writing

Confirmation: Prepare Literature

Review

Research Questions

Thesis Organizatio

n

Progress to Date

Further Research

Plans

Draft Chapter

Confirmation: Prepare

Review documentation with your supervisor(s) Prepare verbal responses to your written submission Practice responding with a friend or fellow student Find out who the examiners are and their areas of

research Be prepared to address your progress between

submission and the actual confirmation meeting

Please note: Some departments require a presentation which is open to staff and students. Be sure and know what is expected of you!

Confirmation: Deliver

Confirmation: Deliver

Ask if the meeting can be recorded. Listen carefully to the questions and to the responses. Answer questions honestly. It is okay to say, “I do not know.” Remember the University wants you to succeed! Trust your efforts thus far, because….

Please note: Your supervisor(s) may be present during the meeting but are not allowed to speak!

You’ve come a long way, baby!

Confirmation: Reflect What guidance will you incorporate as you continue? Be sure to request a copy of the confirmation report. Review the audio and pull out key points, names of

recommended reading or themes, or other relevant points.

If you have any conditions, are you clear on what is expected?

Schedule a follow up meeting with your supervisor to review and gain his or her feedback.

My experiencePhoto: Claremont Colleges Digital Library (1965). Students In Class – Pitzer College. [Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/

My experience

Submitted confirmation documentation

21 March

Confirmation meeting with both supervisors, two examiners and one meeting chair

21 MayResubmission

1 August

My experience

The trek became clearer after confirmation Railway Yards at Stourbridge junction (Rob Newman)

Gain new perspective and reflect on your work.

Salac, M. (2013). Framed [Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/mik2/6225621707/in/photolist-au8Wri-e4FP3G-bkKu99/

Do not make assumptions! Be sure and consider all recommendations and evaluate whether they are right for you.

Keep the end in mind! You know where you are going, though there are sometimes different ways to reach the end.

Own it. This is your work and your work will influence your trek after graduation.

Lee, S. (2009). Every which way in downtown Brooklyn [Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/

Doctorates are awarded to students who have demonstrated…. The creation and

interpretation of new knowledge….

General ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge….

A systematic acquisition and understanding…

A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.

Thank you for your attention and good luck to you on your educational journey.