SSHRC
2006-2009

Reframing social sciences and humanities doctoral programs: A learning perspective

McAlpine, L. (McGill University), Pare., A., Amundsen, C. (Simon Fraser University), & Starke-Meyerring, D.

A serious problem in doctoral education is astoundingly high attrition rates, particularly in the humanities and social sciences; yet, what departments can do to address this problem is not well understood. The objectives of this research program are to:

• analyze the learning experience of doctoral students within and across two distinctly different disciplines at two universities.
• document and support institutional efforts to enhance the learning experience of these students.
• develop the pedagogical and policy implications of our findings.

We will document learning experiences and real programs in real time, implementing a longitudinal investigation of individual and institutional change, and develop procedures for sustaining the inquiry beyond the funding period. Two disciplinary units, English – a mainstream humanity - and education – a multi-disciplinary applied social science – wish to undertake a study of their programs and are the sites of the inquiry. They are in two universities, McGill, a medical-doctoral institution, and Simon Fraser, a comprehensive one. Departmental representatives will generate a set of strategies to improve student experience of learning, drawing on what is known about the factors influencing attrition and disciplinary goals for the doctorate. These plans will be implemented and evaluated on an ongoing basis. Departmental initiatives will be linked to the decisions and support of the respective faculties and universities as well as external policies.

We hope to create images of possibility for what social sciences and humanities doctoral programs can become. The research will provide valuable information to help reduce the serious loss of doctoral students due to attrition and will be shared with funding and other policy agencies, academics, administrators and students.