The neoliberalization of universities is creating an increasingly instrumental, market-focused approach to higher education. This paper focuses on Masters dissertation supervision in the UK, which to date has been understudied and which recent changes to higher education have left in a precarious position. It presents a collaborative reflection on…

Scholarship parameters, in relation to postgraduate coursework studies, are developed against the expectations of the Boyer classifications of scholarship (Boyer, 1990) with particular emphasis on the role of minor thesis development. An example is presented in which postgraduate coursework students are required to undertake a three semester minor…

In 2004 the universities of Durban-Westville and Natal merged as part of the national restructuring of higher education in South Africa. These institutions' faculties and schools of education were, arguably, centres of excellence for research in adult education, teacher education and professional development, mathematics education and gender in…

Review and classification of 503 abstracts of industrial education theses and dissertations (1985-90) determined that (1) survey and status studies were most prevalent; (2) 19% focused on program/project evaluation; (3) research methods varied greatly among fields of study; and (4) few surveys were accompanied by site visits. (SK)

A survey of graduates of the University of South Carolina's College of Social Work master's program is reported. Data on the extent of dissemination and utilization of their theses revealed that over half of the student research was used in a practitioner-beneficial manner. Variables relating to research utilization are identified. (Author/MLW)

A guide to writing dissertations and theses is presented that is primarily directed to doctoral and master's degree candidates but that may also be useful to the writer of scholarly papers, essays, and papers. Attention is directed to the following concerns: starting and completing the dissertation; working with the research adviser and advisory…

Overviews of the process of historical research and the writing of a successful historical essay or dissertation are presented. Historical research is defined as the systematic process of collecting and objectively evaluating data related to past occurrences to arrive at conclusions about the causes, effects, or trends of past events that may be…

This paper is intended to give graduate level special education students (and others) a structure to facilitate completion of a field study/thesis for a master's degree or a dissertation for the doctorate. First, a format for a dissertation/thesis proposal is suggested and guidelines are offered for development of the proposal. The importance of a…

This handbook describes a set of conventions governing the written presentation of research. The recommendations on the mechanics and format of the research paper are based upon the practices required by college teachers throughout the United States and Canada. Sections 1 through 9 treat the logical steps in research and writing--selecting a…

Practical guidance is offered to masters and doctoral students on planning, developing, completing, and defending theses and dissertations. The objective is to meet the specific needs of students doing research in education and in the social and behavioral sciences, including psychology, social work management, health sciences, and communication.…

Describes an innovative program of supervision that uses qualitative methods to match a student with a thesis supervisor. The program uses cognitive styles analysis to match students and supervisors whereas the supervision process focuses more on the student's research than the particular subject matter. Includes tabular and statistical data. (MJP)

A study determined the extent to which graduate students have contributed to the body of adult education knowledge through published research. It described content of graduate research articles and identified graduate programs, faculty who supported its production, and levels of graduate study involved in research publication. The study also…

Recommends the inclusion of a master's thesis in industrial and organizational psychology programs. Argues that the thesis serves several critical educational purposes and is relevant to applied psychology. Offers suggestions for increasing the relationship between the educational requirement and the professional tasks. (MJP)

This report summarizes the current state of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). The introduction covers: an orientation to ETDs; the current situation; benefits of ETDs; key issues, including readiness, publication potential, intellectual property, orientation and training, standards, costs, access, archiving/preservation, and…

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is aggressively pursuing a plan to change the presentation and dissemination of student research by requiring students to submit theses and dissertations in digital form and creating a database on the World Wide Web that provides free, instantaneous access to graduate students' research. Some…