Applying self-determination theory to improve completion rates in a part-time professional doctorate program
RIS ID
107321
Abstract
Non-completion or shm completion of doctoral degrees has been a matter of concem to Austmlian Uni1•ersities f(w 11wny years, as goremment funding for research sttulents is contingent upon on-time completion. Part-time students are of particular concem as it can be difficult for them to maintain motiwttion m•er se1•eral years. This chapter discusses the approaches adopted by one A ustrafian uni1•ersity to address tit is prohi em in a pro(l!ssional doctorate part-time program. Our program applies the conceprs of Self~Delermination Thecn~r (Ryan & Deci. 2002), addressing social reltt1edness {addressed through students raking cmtrse1rork suhi<•cts a.\' a co/tort), competence (students team ho11· to ll'rite a literature rel'il'H', !tmr to develop a conceptual .fi'wlleH'orf'. to design mtdjust(/~1' a research desig11, 10 conduct and analy::e quanritati\le,
Publication Details
G. McCarthy, "Applying self-determination theory to improve completion rates in a part-time professional doctorate program", in Emerging directions in doctoral education (eds P. Blessinger & D. Stockley), (Emerald Group Publishing Limited, United Kingdom, 2016) 207-223.