Defenses
What should you expect when you defend a paper as part of your graduate program? In addition to the comments immediately below, scroll down further to find out more about your specific defense and how to prepare for it.
General comments for all defenses
First, be sure to get your final version of your paper to your committee members no later than 2 weeks before your defense. Each committee member should get a paper copy plus a reminder of the date, time, and location of the defense meeting. In addition, send me an electronic version of the final paper.
Second, remember that you are responsible for all deadlines, paperwork requirements, etc. Your program handbook should have all of the information you need. If you still have questions, contact Dan Grafton in the EDPA main office.
Third, note that you may be asked to make some changes in your paper based on suggestions and comments in your defense meeting. After the defense, you and I will chat about what needs to be done, if anything.
Fourth, on the actual day of the defense, try to show up at least 15 minutes early to meet with me before the defense meeting. Also plan on spending 15 to 30 minutes with me afterward to talk about necessary changes, next steps, etc.
Fifth, try not to get nervous. A defense is simply an opportunity for you to share what you've learned and get some feedback from some really smart people. You may get some tough questions - that's okay - it's just your committee making sense of what you've told them, helping you extend your learning a little, etc. Remember that you know your topic better than anyone at the table.
Finally, although EdPA permits students to bring a small food item (e.g., cookies) and a beverage (e.g., sodas, water, coffee, juice) for committee members during defenses, I strongly encourage students not to bring anything at all. I'm hypersensitive to conflicts of interest - it's the attorney in me. Save the money and spend it on a nice celebration dinner for you and a friend, spouse, partner, or significant other.
Stay in touch between now and your defense. I'd rather hear from you than you make yourself a nervous wreck. No need to worry - you'll do great!
Master's Plan B paper
The Master's Plan B paper defense is actually more of a freewheeling conversation than a defense. Your committee members will come ready to ask you lots of questions about what you wrote. You definitely should be prepared to discuss both the K-12 administrative and larger, societal implications of what you wrote about. Otherwise, I don't have much else to tell you!
Ed.D. and Ph.D.
You have to give a short presentation at the beginning. I don't think that you need a PowerPoint; you are the expert in the room on your topic and know enough to talk off the cuff for a few minutes. If having a PowerPoint is comforting to you, here are your guidelines:
- Seven slides (maximum)
- Title slide
- Purpose of study slide
- Methods slide
- 2 to 3 slides on what you learned
- 1 slide on implications for school leaders