Two Minds Better Than One - What About Screens?

by JoAnn Foley Markette, Ed.D.

I grew up before home computers existed as the norm. As I write that sentence, I cringe at how ancient that makes me sound. Nonetheless, truth is truth. After graduating from typewriters to enormous desktop after desktop, the laptop--which weighed the equivalent of a small dog in the early 90s--seemed miraculous. I rejoiced that I could fit my whole computer in my purse when I traveled! Maxwell Smart doesn't have anything on me...oops, there I go showing my age again.

While transitioning from the tether of the stationary desktop to the portable laptop then again to the revolutionary Surface with detachable keyboard, I boasted staying current with technology even if I never claimed to be one of those crazy early-adopters who camped out overnight outside of Apple waiting for the next new product. Young and hip--okay, no one who knows me would ever call me hip--I owned a Motorola flip phone then upgrade to a Blackberry. My first ever text, I made to my now-husband in 2008. Things have changed.

Now, many preschoolers maneuvered their way around an Ipad at the ripe age of 2. Now, high schoolers write entire papers on their phone. Now, as doctoral students, not only does the internet save hours of research time but also allows for said researching in pajamas without leaving the house.

So what are two TOP TIPS for the 21st century doctoral student?

Easy:

1) Use two screens.

At first, I balked at the idea. Truth be told, I didn't really know how to set up two screens. Technology can make

2) Learn to take feedback.

This is tough because it means putting one's ego in check. What? I spent an entire weekend, week, month on this section! How can YOU say it needs more revisions?? Yeah, we need to swallow our pride and trust that our reviewers really do want us to succeed. No doubt real effort birthed your latest deliverable, no doubt! The harsh reality is that at this stage of education, it isn't about effort; it is about quality. Maybe more work needs to be done to remove passive verbs, maybe the feasibility of the study needs to be improved, maybe the problem space / need for the study needs some bolstering. Whatever it is, don't let your pride get in the way of getting to GRADUATION!

Maybe advice from former Olympian, Michelle Perry--the guest of the video below--will help:

APA citation:

Markette, N. & Markette., J. [Dr. Markette]. (2022, March). How to BEST Deal with Dissertation FEEDBACK || 15 Survival Tips [Video]. https://youtu.be/E3kiPamXQJk

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