PhD Coaching Blog — Thesis Format
Adding a human touch to your AI-generated thesis
AI Coaching Dissertation Thesis Thesis Format Writing
A new client told me yesterday that she had used ChatGPT to write her Introduction chapter. She said that she had asked that AI assistant what should go into that chapter, and had written it up accordingly. But now she's not happy with it. It sounds awkward and stiff. She asked me if I would be able to help her add a human touch. And of course that's the problem with using a robot (by any fancy name) to help in communicating with other humans. No matter how sophisticated the software, it still lacks that certain something that infuses a...
Update on Me and My Coaching Practice
Coaching Dissertation Doctorate PhD Thesis Thesis Format
It's been a few months since I posted, in spite of my 2025 New Year's Resolution to be more engaged through blog posts. But of course the best-laid plans are often interrupted by life, and illness and helping friends and family. As I said, it's been a while since I posted. But here I am again and determined to try and post more regularly, so that I can share some of the knowledge I've gained over years of working with the most brilliant minds on the planet -- that's you and your academic peers. So for today, here's a reminder...
Always start with a model!
Conceptual Frameworks Doctorate Model PhD Theoretical Framework Thesis Thesis Format
Graduate Pathways to Success Model When you're planning to build something, like a doctoral thesis, it's a good idea to create a model that shows how all the pieces connect. I'm very proud of the model that I created for the Graduate Pathways to Success program at the University of British cancel, and I saw it was still in use when I visited for a special event this week: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/professional-development Also pleased to see that I'm still being given credit for my work with GPS: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/professional-development/about-gps Of course that may change shortly, because the special event was the retirement...
Thesis Formatting: When, How and Why
PhD Style Guide Thesis Thesis Format
I sleep with the APA Manual under my pillow!
Style Guide Thesis Thesis Format
At least that’s what I tell PhD candidates. Yes, I assure them, it’s slightly uncomfortable but if you want to use the American Psychological Association (APA)Style Guide, you have to spend a lot of time with the manual! And just in case you’re just starting your academic writing and are not sure what a Style Guide is used for, it’s to ensure consistency in citations, reference lists, formatting and layout. So, if you want to know how long your dashes should be, a good Style Guide will help you with that. I’ve never quite understood why a manual developed by...