Field Notes

Field Notes Interview Instructions

For this assignment, you should interview two individuals who have earned a doctorate degree in the field of education (either a Ph. D or an Ed. D).  You should use the Interview Templates document provided in the Assignment Instructions folder to conduct your interview and record the subjects’ responses.  The interview can be conducted in person or through videoconferencing (with a tool like Skype).  Whichever method you choose to use for the interview, be aware that both interviews must be audio recorded for official transcription.  It is important to test the audio equipment prior to conducting the interview because the transcription is a required element for the interview.  You will submit both interview transcriptions (as recorded in the Interview Templates document) in Module/Week 7; however you must conduct AT LEAST ONE INTERVIEW by the end of Wednesday of Module/Week 5.

By interviewing individuals who have already completed the dissertation process for the field of education, you will have the opportunity to become acquainted with one data collection method while simultaneously increasing your understanding of the dissertation process.  Thus, as you look for candidates to interview, it would be helpful for you to interview individuals with degrees similar to the one you are pursuing. 

Below are some helpful details that you will need to know when preparing for and conducting the interviews.  You should also review the Interview Templates document and the grading rubric for a more thorough understanding of the assignment.

The following is a list of some typical doctoral degrees for the field of education:

·         Curriculum & Instruction

·         Reading

·         Education Administration

·         Teaching & Learning

·         Adult Education

·         Educational Counseling

·         Education Leadership

·         Education Psychology

·         Literacy & Learning

·         TESOL

·         Special Education

·         Science Education

Likewise, the following list gives you some examples of the job positions that your candidates may hold:

·         Principal

·         Professor

·         Guidance counselor

·         Superintendent

·         Coordinator

·         Specialist

·         Teacher