Week Four: Headlights

Recently I read a quote that I think has relevance to the graduate study journey.  In Anne Lamott’s book, Bird by Bird she discusses the novel writing process.  Within the book she references a thought by E.L. Doctorow that says, “Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”  Lamott goes on to add, “You don't have to see where you're going, you don't have to see your destination or everything you will pass along the way. You just have to see two or three feet ahead of you. This is right up there with the best advice on writing, or life, I have ever heard” (1995).  I agree with Lamott’s reflection and think it has specific relevance to dissertation and thesis writing.  The beginning of the research process feels disorienting like Doctorow describes.  This journey involves a lot of trust, investigation and patience.  While it is difficult to understand where a dissertation will end up, it is important to remember that much like driving in the dark, a destination can be reached small bits at a time with just a little light and the bravery to keep moving forward.  As graduate students, we embark on the study of the research process and this is an important thought to hold onto.  A dissertation or thesis will never be completed in a day. It will be completed one idea and paragraph at a time.  

Below are some ideas that might help break down the early stages of the research writing process into smaller more manageable pieces.

Techniques I have tried that may or may not be worth considering.

• Concept mapping (also called mind mapping)
• Concept mapping is a way to start to organize a series of thoughts that relate to a particular topic.  This method is helpful for organizing themes or connections in materials.  I have begun to use this method to organize potential research topics that might be worth pursuing later.  
• Below is an article by Novak and Canas that explains the psychological benefit of concept mapping if you are looking for more information about the topic.
• I would also encourage doing Internet searches for “concept map examples” or mind map examples” to get a visual of what the end product might look like.  There are also many instructional videos available that show the process of developing a map for a research project.
• Doyle (2008) also discusses concept maps int his book Helping Students in a Learner Centered Environment.

Quote that best represents the week.

• “Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” E.L Doctorow

Remember that what lies ahead might be a challenge but it is worth every minute.


Resources:

Doyle, T. (2008). Promoting independent learning. In, Helping students in a learner-centered environment (pp. 63-84). Sterling, VA: Stylus.

Lamott, A. (1995) Bird by bird. New York, NY: Anchor Books.

Novak, J.D., Canas, A. J. The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How to Construct and Use Them.  Retrieved from http://cmap.ihmc.us/publications/researchpapers/theorycmaps/theoryunderlyingconceptmaps.htm