Getting Organized - Lists, Literature & Letters

Introduction:

• Welcome to the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast!
• Host: Dr. Renee Jordan.
• Topic: Importance of getting organized and practical steps to achieve it.

Personal Anecdote:

• Sharing a story about helping one of Dr. Jordan’s nieces at Morgan State University get organized.
• Emphasis on the importance of staying organized.

Making Lists:

• Create a comprehensive list based on course syllabi.
• Map out the entire semester, including due dates for assignments, projects, and tests.
• Use lists to transition into calendars and schedules.
• Allocate time according to the complexity of the subjects.

Detailed Breakdown:

• Include course names, assignments, chapters to read, due dates, and grade weights.
• Example: Lab assignments vs. other coursework.

Checking Off Tasks:

• Celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small.
• Suggestions for rewards: Breaks, favorite activities, treats, and self-care.

Application in Work Life:

• Use lists for full-time work and long-term projects.
• Example: Writing quarterly reports to simplify annual reports.

Personal Example - Doctoral Research:

• Dr. Jordan’s experience with a literature review in her doctoral program.
• Importance of aligning coursework with personal research interests.
• Benefits: Progress in PhD journey, coursework completion, and comprehensive exam preparation.

Comprehensive Exams:

• Approach exams as a demonstration of learned knowledge.
• Focus on showing connections and understanding rather than just correct answers.

Research for Marginalized Communities:

• Look beyond mainstream academic texts.
• Seek literature from experts within marginalized communities.
• Focus on asset-based narratives.

Getting Organized for Applications:

• Steps for organizing applications for programs or jobs.
• Importance of setting deadlines for others (e.g., recommendation letters).
• Drafting letters of recommendation and support.
• Example: Policy analysis project in a Master’s program.

Tips for Drafting Letters:

• Highlight specific experiences and strengths.
• Provide drafts to recommenders to make their task easier.
• Send more requests than needed to ensure adequate support.

Conclusion:

• Recap of key points: Comprehensive lists, aligning coursework with research, celebrating achievements, organizing applications.

Thank you for listening, and have a great day!

How to Turn GRA Data into Conference Proposals

Dr. Renee Jordan shares her journey of transforming GRA data into impactful conference proposals, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement, hands-on learning, and continuous improvement in research. Tune in to learn how to navigate the research process and develop your scholarship!

Welcome and Introduction

• Host: Dr. Renee Jordan, Black-Liberation.Tech podcast.
• Topic: Turning graduate research assistantship (GRA) data into conference proposals.
• Introduction to the NSF-funded AMAYS project: Acquainting Metro Atlanta Youth with STEM.
• Role of Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs).

Joining the AMAYS Project

• Dr. Jordan's entry into the AMAYS project in June 2015.
• Discussion about preliminary doctoral seminar courses and advising conversations.
• Dr. Jordan's proactive approach to seeking opportunities and expressing interest in assisting with curriculum development.

Curriculum Development and Alpha Test

• Dr. Jordan's curriculum development work during the first year of the grant.
• Launch of the alpha test in summer 2016: Overview and activities involving MIT App Inventor.
• Importance of seeking and creating opportunities during doctoral programs.

Qualitative Research and Conference Proposals

• Role of qualitative research in the AMAYS project.
• Dr. Jordan's coursework in qualitative research and use of alpha test data for a research project.
• Emphasis on the importance of presenting during doctoral programs and engaging actively.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Participant observations and informal interviews.
• Importance of qualitative data in complementing quantitative data and informing project modifications.
• Use of qualitative data for providing updates to NSF.

Developing a Conference Proposal

• Using primary data collected during GRA for conference proposals.
• Integrating research interests and methodologies.
• Exploring Afrocentricity and Ubuntu philosophies and their impact on research approaches.

Permissions and Ethics

• Importance of obtaining permission from PI and Co-PIs for using data.
• Ethical considerations and ownership of data collected during research assistantships.

Crafting a Conference Proposal

• Process of developing a unique research focus within the AMAYS project.
• Example of exploring student interactions with technology beyond the program's scope.

Hands-On Learning and Feedback

• Benefits of working with primary data for hands-on research experience.
• Receiving feedback from professors, mentors, and colleagues.
• Practical application of research skills and enhancing learning experience.

Submission and Presentation

• Dr. Jordan's experience submitting and presenting her first single-author paper at AERA.
• Importance of family, friends, and academic community support during presentations.

Continuous Improvement and Growth

• Encouraging students to use research projects for scholarship development.
• Serving as a reviewer for conferences and journals.
• Reflecting on feedback for continuous improvement and growth as a researcher.

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement for students to engage in research actively.

In this episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast, Dr. Renee Jordan takes you on a personal journey, sharing the motivations and experiences that led her to pursue and earn a PhD. As she reflects on her path, Dr. Jordan provides insights into the decisions and obstacles she faced, offering invaluable lessons for anyone considering advanced education or striving to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Key Points Covered:

1. Early Aspirations: Discover how Dr. Jordan’s initial dream of becoming a medical doctor shifted after a pivotal experience at Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer Research Center.
2. Teaching Journey: Learn about Dr. Jordan’s alternative route to becoming a certified teacher through the Prince George’s County Resident Teacher Program and her commitment to improving education in her community.
3. Transition to Public Policy: Hear about the influence of Dr. Jordan’s friend and her decision to explore public policy at George Washington University and Georgia State University, leading her to a deeper understanding of education policy.
4. Pursuit of a PhD: Understand why Dr. Jordan chose to get a PhD in Instructional Technology, her experiences in the program, and the practical applications of her research and training.
5. Overcoming Challenges: Dr. Jordan shares personal anecdotes, including the story of her grandmother’s experience with educational policy changes and how it inspired her to achieve higher education.
6. Commitment to Community: Learn about Dr. Jordan’s dedication to social justice and helping others in her community through academic and career coaching.

Call to Action:

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#PhDJourney #BlackLiberationTech #AcademicInspiration #CareerCoaching #LatinasInSTEM #AfroLatinasInSTEM #BlackWomenInSTEM #EducationPolicy #InstructionalTechnology #CommunityEmpowerment #SocialJustice #AcademicSuccess #CareerSuccess #DrReneeJordan

Tune in, get inspired, and let’s embark on this journey together. Thank you for being a part of our community!