Hurtling forward to the inevitable

The bulletin board at this moment. . 

  In the picture above, the top section is chapter 3, the literature review.  The three column sections headed by green cards are the three Findings chapters, organized by the headings so I can check for flow.   I have an outline on paper, too.   This way I can check for relationships between the emerging themes and what I found in the literature review, which will enable me to see the "new" information my research may be able to add.  I know, even though every doc student wants to add something to the body of literature, the goal is to "finish" the dissertation.   But I really do think I may be on to some cool stuff. So humor me.  :)  Lack of sleep and too much chocolate is a dangerous combination.  :)
 

The Cards

 In these pictures, you can see my data cards.    These were created from the interviews. I took coded quotes, transcribed them to color-coded cards, jotted code/theme connections on them, and identifying numbers for the interview and page (3-9, for example, would take me to Surie's interview, page 9).  These cards were then sorted several times.  Once I was satisfied with the groupings, each pile was banded with an identification card on top explaining the grouping, such as "Making it Work" or "Why are Parents more involved here?" These groupings were then organized into four main categories: Parents' Perceptions on Schooling (theirs and their children's); Choice, Parent Involvement, and Lessons for School Improvement.    These four categories then became the chapters seen organized in the first picture up above: Ch. 4 Who Chooses and Why?; Ch. 5 Parental Involvement; Ch. 6 Outcomes of Choice: Improving Public Schools. 

Another view of  The Cards

Phew. Then those cards were typed into sections, based on their banded groupings.  As I typed, I found mis-categorized cards--cards that, upon closer examination, did not fit in the grouping I originally thought.  So I had an ever rotating pile of cards which were placed in new categories as I found the right fit.  I would jot notes on the card, like "try Ch. 6, Nature vs Nurture sect.".  When I started typing that section, I'd remember that card and go look for it...    In the end, I had a small banded group of cards with the label "Didn't use".  Every other card found a home!  Yeah, I guess I felt pretty responsible for making sure every participant' words were honored and utilized.  

Now that I am working on the conclusions section, and have a healthy draft of about 140 pages (that includes the appendices, so don't start panicking!) after untold hours of revision, I'm feeling pretty positive about my process. It took a LOT of time.  But the writing part has gone like lightening because of it.  Living and breathing the data for a condensed period of time has worked.  What a luxury it has been!

It's now Nov. 21.    I am close to having a fairly final draft composed.    My final is due to my committee the 29th, and I defend Dec. 10th.  I feel like I'm on fast forward, hurtling towards a jello wall covered in velcro, and I'm in a velcro suit. 

So, I'm on a role. Coffee, M&M's, and hanging out in Starbuck's.  Why Starbucks?   Not sure why, but I can concentrate much better sitting in coffee shops.  And the Ramone's down the street has terrible customer service and an unpleasant vibe. Truly, I'd rather support local businesses. But the people at Starbucks are really genuine and nice. So here I am.  I also get into the mood of my dissertation easier here, because a majority of the interviews for this study were done in coffee shops, and probably 50% of them were Starbucks! 

At any rate, I'm trucking along, and grateful for the rain so I'm not feeling guilty for neglecting my horses.   Their shelter is great, they use it all the time and are dry when I see them.  Really cool that the shelter has worked out so nicely. I miss my girls, though. They would be really nice to have around right now.

Until later...