Virtual Dissertation Circles: Student Engagement Strategies and Lessons Learned

Abstract

A great body of research demonstrates that online doctoral student needs center around motivation, community, affirmation from peers, and feedback (e.g., Akojie, Entrekin, Bacon, & Kanai, 2019; Gibson, Fields, Wladkowski, Kusmaul, Greenfield, & Mauldin, 2019; Kumar, & Coe, 2017).This study focused on the development of a Dissertation Circles Model to provide students with a forum for connecting with peers at various stages of the dissertation process with rotated supervision by long-serving dissertation chairs within the department. Future directions include expansion of the initiative to include non-clinical practicum, to support improved preparation of students by setting expectations and providing mentorship opportunities.