DRMC March 26

Throughout this course, we have discussed what differentiates the dissertation from regular academic writing. While we have primarily focused on content, length, and purpose, we have not focused as much on references, citations, and layout. PhD students at Walden University are required to write their dissertation using APA style (Walden University, 2023). When writing the dissertation, the student needs to ensure that they are mastering the knowledge of their content area and the use of APA formatting. Unlike in regular academic writing, where APA formatting mistakes can be present, APA formatting mistakes will not be allowed in published dissertations.

While some students may have completed their undergraduate and master’s degrees using APA style, some come into Walden’s PhD program having used other formatting styles such as MLA or Chicago; for this purpose, Walden University has provided resources to help explain APA formatting rules. To help students fully understand the APA style, the Walden University Writing Center has developed YouTube videos to illustrate various aspects of the APA style (WUWritingCenter, 2020). This playlist is titled APA Formatting & Style (WUWritingCenter, 2020). While there are many videos on the WUWritingCenter (2020) YouTube channel, there is one playlist in particular that can serve as a great APA formatting introduction. These videos can be beneficial because the viewer can pause, go back, and review the material as often as needed. It also helps to see the skills taught in the videos used in actual sentences, something that each video does. This playlist and other videos on the WUWritingCenter YouTube channel can be a great resource, especially for those new to APA formatting, in understanding how to use APA style formatting properly.

Library and Reading Thread

            Academic reading is unlike most other forms of reading and often requires a higher level of reading comprehension. Learning to read academic writing for clear understanding is an important part of preparing for one’s dissertation. The Walden University Library provides access to many great resources for doctoral students. The Walden University Library has an option to search for resources by degree. Once on the doctoral resources page, there is an option to click on “Academic Skills Resources.” Upon clicking on this option, the user is brought to a page where they can find another link to the “Reading to Understand Module.” This module provides valuable insights on how to increase reading comprehension skills regarding academic sources.

            Understanding what an academic journal article is trying to say is critical to the dissertation process. In the Reading to Understand Module (Walden University, n.d.), users are taken through three aspects of reading comprehension: understanding academic writing, basic fluency, working with context clues, and identifying main ideas. This highly interactive reading module incorporates videos, knowledge check questions, digital flashcards, and more. This variety helps to keep the user engaged and allows for learning for many different learning styles. This interaction is the main reason that this resource, in particular, is highly effective. Users can learn critical reading comprehension strategies when they fully interact with the module.

References

Walden University. (2023). Dissertation Guidebook. (March 2023 ed.). https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ld.php?content_id=42353287Links to an external site.

Walden University. (n.d.). Reading to Understand. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/reading-skills/reading-to-understandLinks to an external site.

WUWritingCenter. (2020). APA Formatting & Style [YouTube video playlist]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM7NbPzilFBecGQ3KLZYCQpPpY3O4CVg2Links to an external site. 

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