2.1 The doctoral dissertation of educational administration: a  (Page 7/11)

An EdD graduate stated:

“Until completing this survey, I never even realized that my dissertation on home schooling had any implications for promoting justice and democracy in communities. But I know realize that my dissertation empower the community. Therefore, I will use my dissertation to erase the stereotypes about home schooling.”

“I can’t lie-I never really thought about it until reviewing this survey. After completing this survey, I now realize that I not have a moral obligation to use my study to add new thoughts and ideas to my school.”

6. After participating in this study, how will you use your dissertation to promote a just and democratic society?

One-half of the PhD graduates concluded that they would promote justice and democracy by advancing knowledge and theories. One-half of the EdD graduates indicated that they would promote justice and democracy by applying a collaborative approach to addressing educational inequities. The other half of the PhD graduates and EdD graduates indicated that they were either unaware of or disinterested in the idea of using the dissertation to inspire a just and democratic society.

A sample PhD graduate response was:

“After completing this questionnaire, I will use my dissertation to develop a theoretical framework on how to understand student learning and modalities. I will then become one of the leading authorities in the field of teaching and learning.”

A sample EdD graduate response was:

“This study has helped me to see that I can use my dissertation to inspire a just and democratic society. I believe that improving education requires everyone’s input which includes finding ways to support students in an environment conducive to learning and achieving academic success in an organized, structured curriculum that makes learning authentic.”

Sample responses from the other PhD graduates and EdD graduates were:

“I do not plan on using my dissertation to inspire a just and democratic society. One reason is that I’m still not really sure what is meant by inspiring a just and democratic society. I think it contributes in bringing to light topics and discussions in terms of freedoms and facts associated therein. But I am uncertain beyond that.”

“In spite of reflecting on this survey, I still can’t help but reflecting on that the dissertation process was a very tiring process. Therefore, I am more concerned with recuperation than dissemination.”

The findings to these responses showed that most of the doctoral graduates did not use their dissertations to promote social justice in their profession or community. This finding is furthered explained by the three emerging themes for the study. They are awareness of application, interest in application, and encouragement of application.

For example, the graduates responded to the first two questions by explaining their awareness of and interest in the just and democratic significance of their dissertations. The EdD graduates’ responses may explain why they had the stronger preference for using their dissertations to engage in critical thought and reflection.