Transformative Phdsynthesis: Part 2

 My experience of embarking on a PhD journey was both challenging and transformative.

Challenging because I had to cope with difficult intellectual and emotional demands while navigating through complex research problems and moving beyond known boundaries of current literature to develop my original contributions of knowledge. Due to the length and nature of this rigorous academic demand, it was intellectually tiring and emotionally draining, which put my resilience and perseverance to an acid test. 

 

Despite these challenges, my PhD journey was deeply transformative. Based on this experience, I argue why my article is titled, Transformative Phdsynthesis Part 3 🤭. A PhD leads to a remarkable achievement not only in terms of academic scholarship but also in terms of developing personal growth and significant soft skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem-solving skills, resilience, and adaptability). I realised how resilient I was in navigating the rigorous academic journey and appreciated that I was able to complete it. Now, I have developed a profound respect and admiration for those who have completed their PhD – not because I have done it but because I understand the profound transformation it entails.

 

In pursuing PhD, I realised that identifying challenges was one thing but understanding how to mitigate those challenges was quite another. That is why, I was very cautious in balancing my area of control, out of my control, and the area of influence (see Figure below). 

 

Understanding the areas within my control helped me to manage them effectively and experience meaningful progress. Identifying the factors beyond my control facilitated me to make appropriate mitigations and prevent unnecessary shocks and setbacks. Knowing the area of influence reminded me to advance with a more balanced approach to achieving academically and personally. 

 

In My Control 

I identified that some of the following things were in my control: 

 

Self-motivation

Keeping the flame of self-motivation was crucial for me. I achieved this by constantly encouraging myself and drawing inspiration from my role models. Drawing from the knowledge I learned during the Young Professional Leadership Program, I nurtured a robust growth mindset. I believed that, when others can, I can.  

 

Health and Wellbeing

Taking care of my health (physical & mental) was my topmost priority although I faced challenges along the way. I reminded myself that a healthy person without a PhD can survive but a doctorate without good health would be miserable to imagine. That’s why, self-care habits such as going for evening walks, sleeping on time, and managing stress were consciously practised. I also sought support from healthcare professionals when needed. 

 

Feedback and Improvement

Seeking feedback from my supervisors helped me to advance my PhD progress. However actively seeking input in the form of normal conversation from my seniors, peers, and close friends allowed me to identify blind spots and areas for improvement. For example, discussing my work with some of my friends in related fields led to constructive criticism that mostly transpired in knowledge co-elaboration.

 

Time Management

Focusing on my primary purpose (i.e., to pursue PhD), I dedicated my time solely to it. Although it was challenging to juggle between academics, personal, family, and social life, I did it. I attended social gatherings to take much-needed breaks from the constant study. I did not stress over covering what I missed when I was at such gatherings. To make up for the lost time, I set small and realistic goals to progress. I minimised procrastination or drowning in the sea of social media which often diverted my focus to my study. 

 

Work Habit

I identified that establishing a good work habit (focusing on the required work) requires a conducive environment. I preferred working from home. The COVID-19 pandemic has further limited my mobility. But having a fixed work environment (a separate room) at home helped me easily locate things and track progress. I developed a discipline to work constantly and consistently even if the progress I made was very minimal. For example, at times, I struggled to complete a single paragraph after a full day of effort 😥🥺.  

Out of My Control 

            Not everything progresses as planned. The unexpected is bound to happen and preparation for it is crucial. I had some issues that were out of my control as discussed below: 

Research Results

Even with a rigorous plan and timeline for execution, outcomes can be unpredictable. My initial plan was to use an ethnomethodological face-to-face interface to collect data in Bhutan. However, the COVID-19 outbreak suddenly altered my plans. Since my research results depended on various factors such as data collection processes and the availability of the participants as proposed, my research outcomes were impacted. This led to frustrations and disappointment, creating anxiety about achieving my PhD milestones.

Supervisors’ Feedback

Supervisors provide feedback based on their experience, backgrounds, and expectations. The feedback would be favourable, unfavourable, and occasionally unpredictable, calling for significant revisions. Favourable feedback boosted my confidence. Unfavourable feedback was depressing and gave me feelings of helplessness and demotivation. However, I took a challenge to improve my personal and professional development regardless. 

Institutional Policies

Regardless of how well-established the institutional regulations were, the COVID-19 epidemic led to changes in policy, implementation, and resource allocation. Even if it appeared minor changes, some adjustments caused anxiety and impeded my progress. For example, the workspace for PhD students was changed due to the pandemic, and I had to switch workspace three times. My lack of a fixed workspace required me to move my study materials along with me. Considering the safety during the pandemic, I opted to study in my apartment. I remain grateful to my university for all support services (e.g., library access from home). 

Anonymous External Reviewers

As required, my thesis was sent to anonymous external reviewers following the Final Seminar for a window period of 3 months. Reviewers are specialists from other universities who are experts in my research field. Due to their wide experiences and expertise, they provided thorough, objective, and critical evaluations of my thesis. The long wait during the review period was nerve-wracking because unfavourable feedback could necessitate substantial revisions and impact my eligibility for graduation with a PhD.

Technology Failure

Unexpected technology glitches were beyond my control. Such failures caused significant disruptions, leading to stress, frustration, and delays in progress and overall productivity. For example, my one-year-old Mac started overheating intensely during data analysis, forcing me to replace it with a brand-new one. Likewise, a huge volume of data required me to purchase qualitative data analysis software from the UK through a friend. 

Global Phenomena (e.g., COVID-19)

My PhD journey began in 2020 when COVID-19 infection was surging. Nearly a year and a half later, international borders closed. My original proposal included plans to collect data from Bhutan by personally involving myself using video methods. However, I had to revise this plan to an online synchronous mode. The closure of schools due to the pandemic also made me anxious about the availability of research participants for my study. Fortunately, my research was conducted during a brief period when schools reopened after the pandemic subsided, but this window was short-lived. I realised that any phenomenon with a global impact could unpredictably affect my study, creating a sense of uncertainty and helplessness that significantly impacted my emotional well-being and disrupted study timelines. 

Influence Zone  

While juggling the issues that were within and beyond my control, I found that there were certain areas where I could leverage to my advantage even if complete control over the factors themselves was impossible. I call this the Influence Zone.

Learning Opportunities

I engaged in various learning opportunities that were mostly free. Actively participating in those learning opportunities in the form of workshops, seminars, and online courses, enriched my knowledge and skills. 

However, not all learning opportunities were equally accessible or relevant. A times, I encountered resource limitations (e.g., especially time). Often, certain opportunities did not align well with my research needs. Even if the learning opportunities were free, identifying irrelevant opportunities was crucial to avoid information overload and maintaining focus on my work. 

Feedback and Improvement

The iterative process of receiving feedback from supervisors, peers, and experts was crucial in refining my research approach and progressing my PhD. 

I learned that feedback for any academic work could entail subjectivity and vary significantly. At times, the part of my work that was rated acceptable and approved in earlier phases of a milestone was still deemed inadequate in subsequent phases by panels and reviewers. However, having immersed myself exclusively in my research for four years, I gained the necessary motivation and confidence to navigate those differences. All the feedback I obtained was instrumental in making me think outside of the box. 

Collaboration Dynamics

Although my PhD research was an individual project, building strong professional rapport with supervisors and peers significantly enriched my research experience. Collaborative efforts resulted in an exchange of resources, ideas, and support, creating a more productive and innovative learning environment. 

I identified that collaboration dynamics were influenced by multiple factors (e.g., personality, differing work styles, language, and culture). For example, as English was not my first language, communicating nuanced or intended meaning often posed challenges.  However, these experiences provided valuable opportunities to learn how others use English in academic and communication contexts, thereby enhancing my communication skills during collaboration.

Summary 

Identifying the factors within my control during my PhD journey helped me to maintain focus, resilience, and steady (even if it was slow) progress despite challenges. Prioritising self-motivation, health, feedback, time management, and good work habits significantly contributed to overall well-being. 

Out-of-control factors aroused a range of undesirable emotions (e.g., stress, frustration, anxiety, and demotivation), making things appear unpredictable, unstable, and challenging to remain focused and positive. Acknowledging these factors were beyond my control helped me develop coping strategies and focus on aspects of the PhD journey that I could manage, thereby maintaining a healthier emotional state.

Recognising the Influence Zone (e.g., learning opportunities, feedback, and collaboration dynamics) allowed me to maximise their benefits while being mindful of potential obstacles. By carefully navigating these factors, I could focus on actionable steps to leverage the opportunities they present, and choose a balanced approach, rather than feeling overwhelmed, and eventually completed my PhD 💪.

Transformative Phdsynthesis: Part I

I was offered an exciting opportunity to speak about my PhD experiences during RAP Week 2024, an annual event for Higher Degree Research students (MPhil, PhD, and EdD students) hosted by the School of Teacher Education and Leadership (STEL) and the School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education (SECIE) at the Queensland University of Technology. However, for multiple reasons, I could not grab this opportunity.  

Now that the session is over and my opinions not presented, I do not want the energy and effort I put into preparing the materials to go to waste. 

 

While I do not have any stories of groundbreaking research, spectacular success, or seamless PhD experiences, I was motivated to accept the offer to share a real and unfiltered glimpse of my PhD journey. After all, it took me heaps of determination and resilience to navigate successfully through the milestones, simultaneously balancing research, personal life, family, and social obligations. 

 

I acknowledge that the PhD journey is highly individualised. That is, one may follow the same template of milestones, yet each of our paths is unique, and shaped by various factors (e.g., research field, supervisor dynamics, personal circumstances, beliefs, culture, interest, and life or career goals). What worked for me may only apply to some, and what I found challenging or useful may vary for others.

 

Another rationale for accepting the offer was to share my experiences with the intent to encourage the current PhD students to approach their doctoral journey with an open mind, readiness to adapt, and understanding that, yes, challenges are inevitable but can be overcome with perseverance, support, and resilience.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

I describe my PhD journey as an emotional rollercoaster due to numerous highs and lows that come with it. I divide my PhD milestone into 5 significant phases: 

·      The Honeymoon Phase

·      The Reality Check

·      The Evaluation 

·      The Marathon, and,

·      The Countdown. 

 

Enrolment: The Honeymoon Phase

 

My ambition was to be a medical doctor, but this dream collapsed after I did not qualify due to low marks in the Year 12 public exam. Although several career opportunities in different colleges (e.g., CNR, RIHS, RIM, ILCS) were available during my job hunt after completing Year 12, sadly, none of the colleges offered degree courses. Considering the prospects of upgrading my qualifications, I opted for Samtse College of Education where I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Secondary). There, I became the recipient of the prestigious F L Gorospe Prize for Academic Proficiency for my outstanding academic performance and also received the Institute Prize for Valuable Contribution for my exceptional service to the college. 

 

In 2015, I obtained a Master’s Degree in Science (Science and Technology Education) from Mahidol University, Thailand, funded by the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) scholarship. My thesis work culminated in the development of a low-cost hands-on model for demonstrating the law of mechanical energy conservation. Six years later, my invention was recognised with a Certificate of Invention and Petty Patent (No. 18158) by the Department of Intellectual Property, Thailand, highlighting the innovation and originality. 

 

In 2020, I was awarded the prestigious Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend (International) and RTP Fees Offset (International) scholarship to pursue my PhD at Queensland University of Technology. Fast forward to 2024, I completed my doctoral study, focusing on investigating the interplay between social bonds (social and emotional connections) and metacognition (thoughts about thinking) in science classrooms.

 

Receiving a PhD scholarship brought an immense pride for me because it signified a global recognition of merit, greater financial support, and increased growth opportunities. Transitioning to a multicultural country to learn from the leading professors at the Queensland University of Technology, drenched me with excitement about my academic journey. With high expectations, grand plans, and ambitious goals, I embarked on this new journey with lots of optimism and enthusiasm. Everything during this period seemed promising and full of potential. With my family by my side, it was like going on a honeymoon. 

 

 

Stage 2: The Reality Check 

 

I describe Stage 2 as the Reality check phase of my PhD milestone. It is the critical second stage of admission to a PhD because, within the 3 months of enrolment, I had to submit the initial research project, clearly outlining my plans for the next 4 years. 

 

Although I only needed to submit a working document, I had to demonstrate the gaps in the existing literature and display the potential contribution of my work. The first real challenges of my PhD journey began here. As I delved deeper into my research, I started to experience heightened anxiety and fear, realising the density, complexity, and demands of my work. 

 

I knew I was only starting my PhD but even before the start of this journey, I anticipated the intellectual rigour my research would demand. This situation occasionally led to periods of self-doubt and questioning my abilities. 

 

The pressure to make a strong initial impression with high-quality research ideas weighed heavily on me, fearing that failing to do so might affect my supervisor’s expectations of me. The uncertainty of whether my working document would meet the standards set at this stage further fueled the turbulence of my emotions. This phase was emotionally taxing as ambiguity clouded my thoughts, highlighting the challenges inherent in navigating this critical stage of my PhD journey. 

 

PhD Confirmation: The Evaluation Phase 

 

PhD Confirmation is the stage where I call it the Evaluation Phase. Here, I had to submit a comprehensive research project plan after 12 months of enrolment in the PhD program. 

 

In consultation with my Supervisors, I developed and advanced the working document submitted in Stage 2. But most of the ideas submitted in Stage 2 kept changing and this process of change held me worrying. It was worrying because unlike Stage 2, I had to orally present and convince the Panel that I have the potential to undertake the research and be a potential PhD candidate.

 

By addressing the written and oral feedback of the Panel, I had to demonstrate my ability to perform at the PhD level. That is, by showcasing my competence in doing the research project, I was literally confirming my candidature as a PhD candidate. Before this stage, it sounded to me like, I was not even entitled to believe that I was a PhD candidate. 

 

By presenting detailed research plans to Panels of experts, I felt this phase of PhD a very intense and formative part of the milestone. In addition to what the supervisor had done, my research plans were subjected to a critical evaluation and rigorous scrutiny by questioning the quality and feasibility of my work from various dimensions. For example, I received feedback on methodologies, links between each chapter, robust review of literature and ethics in doing data collection. 

 

The constructive feedback received from the Panel helped in refining the research approach, identifying potential weaknesses, and suggesting improvements, which was crucial for the development of my PhD project. Although it was a nerve-wracking experience to face experts in a broader audience, PhD Confirmation served as a significant checkpoint to evaluate my progress, ensuring that the research was on the right track and meeting the required academic standards. 

 

The formative nature of this process helped to shape the future direction of my research, making it a pivotal moment in the PhD journey. Gradually, I began to gain a better understanding of my research’s scope and began to see the rough path my work would take in 4 years. Knowing the things that I was doing and going to do, helped me in building confidence and communication skills, which were vital for me as a researcher. 

 

Thesis Writing: The Marathon Phase

 

Once the Confirmation phase was complete, approval was given to collect the data for my study. That is, the ethics committee sanctioned my study, confirming that my research plan was robust and timeline feasible. 

 

In my case, the long and arduous marathon of real thesis writing began here. I was not only collecting, analysing, interpreting, and comparing data but also thoroughly involved in writing the thesis chapters. During the analysis of the empirical data obtained from the study, unexpected results emerged. Consequently, I had to revisit, review, and rewrite the previously completed chapters (Introduction, Literature Review, and Methodology) to align with the following chapters (Results, Discussion, and Conclusions). 

 

Navigating the complexities of data collection and analysis, and integrating the findings with existing literature, required immense patience, perseverance, and attention to detail. Continuous writing, revising, and refining of my thesis were necessary to compile it into a coherent document for the final seminar. It demanded a quiet environment, often leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

 

Sustained effort and resilience were crucial, especially when plans changed unexpectedly. For example, my initial proposal involved studying students’ social bonds and metacognition through a face-to-face interface in Bhutan. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that closed international borders, I had to adapt to online synchronous data collection, leading to changes in my methodologies.

 

Once data was collected, I spent long hours coding and generating themes based on my conceptual frameworks. I felt overwhelmed by the volume of data, including 25 diaries (3 pages each) for 8 weeks and 30-minute interviews with 12 students. Despite this, there were also some eureka moments when meaningful patterns and interesting insights emerged. Presenting these findings clearly and drawing coherent conclusions was challenging, but rewarding, especially when my supervisors agreed with my interpretations, arguments, and justifications.

 

As the writing part neared completion, I focused on reading and revising. Multiple drafts and revisions required patience and perseverance to ensure that the thesis was polished, formatted correctly according to the university template, and free of errors for the final seminar submission.

 

Final Seminar: The Countdown 

I heard from some of my friends that presenting my thesis at the final seminar of my PhD was almost like completing my study. However, after experiencing the final seminar, I realised that it was not the real final step. The final seminar represents the near completion of the PhD journey, but there are still crucial steps to be taken.

 

The final seminar is a crucial phase of the PhD milestone. This is the platform where I had to demonstrate expertise in my work and defend every question related to my thesis. I began by presenting my thesis, showcasing my insights, novel contributions, and innovative findings. Despite my careful preparation, the panel provided critical feedback and comments. Their assessment of whether I was able to justify my stand determined if my thesis needed further revisions or could be passed in its current form before being sent to anonymous external reviewers.

 

After addressing the panel’s comments, the thesis underwent review by external anonymous reviewers for a window period of 3 months. During this time, excitement and anticipation built up as the reviewers’ assessments would determine if I could officially be awarded the degree and entitled to use the title of Doctor (Dr). The final assessment of whether I had addressed all the comments from the confirmation and reviewers was also conducted by an independent committee from my Faculty. This was particularly stressful as they scrutinised every aspect, including technical details and copyright matters. For instance, I had to remove a figure related to my conceptual framework due to copyright restrictions. 

 

Given that there’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip, I had to remain extremely cautious throughout this final stretch to ensure everything was in order and avoid any last-minute setbacks. In this way, the entire journey of my PhD has been a rollercoaster ride spanning for 4 years 🤪.