Examples of weaknesses identified for doctoral programs
- Students had difficulty identifying an important research question.
- Students have difficulty narrowing the scope of their dissertation in the early phases without substantial guidance.
- Some students said that more specific criteria for evaluation would help them focus on key aspects of their teaching. Moreover, a shared list of teaching skills to be observed would help faculty produce written evaluations that offer better feedback to students and documentation of their teaching; and allow for more consistent assessment. In addition, sharing such a list with students would reinforce the teaching methodologies being taught.
- Students have difficulty integrating the vast amount of theoretical complexity of the field.
- Some students lack the ability to work independently and critically evaluate their research
- Students had difficulty in generating novel research hypotheses and designing research to test them.
- Students may need to learn more about how the peer-review process works, and how to overcome hesitations to submitting work. Also, they may need assistance identifying the appropriate journals and audiences for their research and creative work.