OATdb Archive

2009 - 2010

Counselor Education PhD

Goal
Knowledge Of Counseling Education Literature
Current literature advised practice and research

Objective
PHD Candidates Will Demonstrate Knowledge Of The Literature
Candidates of the Counselor Education PHD program will demonstrate knowledge of current literature in the field of counseling to conduct their own independent research.

Indicator
Quality Dissertation Checklist
The Quality Dissertation Checklist will be used to score the introduction, literature review, and methodology of the dissertation proposal.

Criterion
Committee Approval And 85% Rating On Checklist
1.  All committee members must approve the proposal before the candidate can begin data collection.
2.  85% on the Quality Dissertation Checklist

Finding
Weaknesses
In reviewing the checklists and comments from committee members, weaknesses that emerged were significance of study, vague methodology, and lack of focus in literature review.

Action
Research Course
In the research course, application of counseling research will be given increased emphasis with candidates required to review completed dissertations considered well-done.

Goal
Research Competency
Candidates demonstrate research competency by original dissertation research. 


Objective
Demonstrate Competency In Research
Candidates of the Counseling Education PHD program will demonstrate competency in research by planning, implementing, analyzing, and writing a scholarly dissertation based on original research.

Indicator
Dissertation Checklist
Committee Chair scores the Quality Dissertation Checklist


Criterion
Checklist Score
Degree candidates will score at least 95% with the understanding that 100% must be achieved before final dissertation approval and graduation.

Finding
Checklist Results
Weaknesses in the process and product include APA formatting that includes writing mechanics as well as creation of tables and figures.

Action
Research Classes
All research classes will require students more diligently apply APA formatting style and writing mechanics.


Update to previous cycle's plan for continuous improvement

Plan for continuous improvement Program faculty have determined that more diligence is needed in all research classes to improve competent facility with APA formatting and writing mechanics as well as crafting of the literature review, determining the significance of the study, and providing a detailed methodology.