The Portable Dissertation Advisor

By Miles T. Bryant

Book Overview

"I do not believe I have ever seen a work of this kind that so thoroughly and so carefully examines the important consideration of working with the students′ advisor, relationships with the students′ supervisory committee, and the oral defense. Students using this text will certainly applaud this work."
M. Scott Norton, Professor
Arizona State University

Having problems getting your dissertation finished? Here is the help you need

Getting your doctorate part-time or via the computer makes it difficult to schedule meetings with your advisor, use the library′s resources, or discuss your topic ideas and dissertation difficulties with fellow students. Problems unique to nontraditional graduate students are alleviated with this easy-to-use dissertation guide. In sections devised to follow the conventional structure of a dissertation, Bryant organizes the book to help you locate vital information quickly and efficiently.

Practical, targeted, and no-nonsense, this book includes suggestions and tips for:

Finding a topic, a theory, and a research method Creating a dissertation support group, plus an appendix listing activities for a support group Using a research library from off campus Developing a productive relationship with your advisor

The Portable Dissertation Advisor also contains an annotated bibliography of research books, a list of doctoral studies written about writing dissertations, and an assessment tool for you to evaluate your study.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761946969
• ISBN13: 9780761946960
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Corwin Publishers
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

A+++ rating!!

I've already gotten through the first 2 chapters and am finding hints and tips that have helped me figure out what I need to do for getting documentation as an online post-graduate that is writing a dissertation. The author does a great job explaining things and makes you feel confident as well in your quest to accomplish these tasks.

An Indispensible Guide

I have no fewer than six dissertation guides on my bookshelf as I complete my dissertation. This book is far and away the most helpful and comprehensive both in terms of explicating the committee process from start to finish and guiding the actual layout and writing of the dissertation. If you are writing or are considering writing your dissertation, buy this book. You'll not regret it.

Portable Advisor is Essential for the Doctoral Journey

Dr. Bryant's The Portable Dissertation Advisor was aptly named. It has traveled in my carry-on bag many times as I made the flight to the university where I earned my doctorate, primarily through distance learning. Like my suitcase, the book is lightweight, efficiently packed, and carries all the essentials for the journey. I referred to this book extensively throughout my dissertation proposal development, the writing process, and even when preparing for the defense. The advice offered is thorough, direct, and very practical. The number of turned-down pages and sticky-notes left protruding from the well-worn pages are testament to the usefulness of the small text. I will - and in fact, already have - recommended this resource to anyone in a doctoral program.

Book review

This is a "must have" resource, particularly if you are a doctoral student pursuing your studies via distance learning means. Virually everything you need to know for crafting your dissertation can be found right here, and it's written in a style that makes it not only informative, but interesting and enjoyable to read as well. I cannot say enough great things about this book...it really is that good!

Review

All dissertation writers search for practical hands-on advice. The Portable Dissertation Advisor offers that advice in a clear, readable, never overwhelming style. In addition, dissertation writers, particularly those involved in distance education, seek someone to assure them that their struggles are neither unique nor insurmountable. Miles Bryant is a faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Bryant teaches a course in the development of the doctoral dissertation and has worked with hundreds of doctoral students over the span of his career. This experience has helped him to write a book that is specifically aimed at distance and part-time doctoral students. Finding a topic, choosing a research design, writing a literature review, and presenting your proposal are some of the key topics covered in this book. But beyond the practical advice, Bryant goes a step farther. By the time you finish this book, you will not only have a solid handle on the task in front of you, you will also feel as though your fears and trepidations are understood, you have found a sympathetic and understanding guide through the dark forest that is the mighty dissertation.