The Doctoral Dispositions Self-Assessment
Marquita Henderson
Grand Canyon University: PSY-801
June 19, 2013

The Doctoral Dispositions Self-Assessment
The Doctoral Dispositions Self-Assessment is a useful resource for students looking to gain an understanding of their role(s) and requirements during the doctoral program. Grand Canyon University shares with us its Doctoral Dispositions, with clear description based on the idea that “An important distinction of a doctoral learner is the ability to take charge of one’s own learning. This involves working alongside professors, colleagues, and your dissertation committee members in taking an active role in the learning process” (Grand Canyon University). The self-assessment provides consideration of specific areas within the doctoral journey. The guiding principles exist as a foundation for both the organization’s collaborative work with students as well as students’ individual work. The Doctoral Dispositions Self-Assessment is an appropriate point of beginning for students eager to identify strengths and weaknesses more clearly.
Who I Am As a Learner & Why I’m Here
In a doctoral program, students have a responsibility, to themselves and to others. As a doctoral learner, I am separate and different from a “normal” learner. My requirements and expectations are greater. Therefore, the elevation of my academic nature places upon me a duty to establish and maintain an active engagement with faculty and classmates. Following the self-assessment, I conclude that I am a relatively well-prepared doctoral learner. I am a person who is fully committed and ready to carry the responsibility of a doctoral learner with the best of my ability. I am enrolled in the doctoral program to ultimately expand and complete my academic efforts. I desire the opportunity to research a subject that is intellectually stimulating and beneficial overall to my professional aspirations and career. In an unrelated aspect, I am here to encourage the idea and prove that people with disabilities can succeed and exceed at all levels of education to help abolish stereotypes.
My Strengths & Areas of Growth in the Doctoral Journey
The main strength that I bring to the doctoral journey is that of being a self-directed learner. Module and lecture one reads that self-directed learners are “able to self-motivate toward their continued pursuit of knowledge. Doctoral learners must be able to self-direct their learning. Much of the doctoral process involves the learner making choices and decisions about his or her learning without the need for explicit guidance from professors. Doctoral learners take charge of their learning”. Another strength is understanding and knowing how to communicate effectively. The lecture quotes that “the doctoral learner understands the need for good communication in all forms and has learned how to communicate effectively” (Grand Canyon University).
According to my self-assessment results, I am efficient in all areas of writing preparation. My most obvious skill is that my writing is clear, consistent, and free from grammatical errors. I am also strong in research preparation, with just area of needed improvement. Personal preparation is the portion of the self-assessment in which I feel most confident. Time management is my best quality in this section.
Areas of growth will undoubtedly be very important to my doctoral journey progression. Regarding research preparation, I must work on becoming more familiar with SPSS and other data formatting programs. My personal preparation responses reflect that I should communicate with other doctoral students and/or have read at least one other dissertation. I am anxious to better my apparent weaknesses as I move ahead in the program. Careful attention and dedication shall ensure success.
My Areas of Research in the Doctoral Journey & Conclusion
An area of research interest that I bring to the doctoral journey is The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Specifically, I want to examine how it affects the employment structure of most businesses. If not this particular area, I definitely wish to study some matter in the subject of disabled employees in the professional work environment. Given that it is a topic that impacts my professional and personal life directly, I look forward to consuming as much information as possible. The doctoral program will enrich the lives of students far beyond expectations. As a doctoral learner, I am grateful for the chance to participate and I anticipate that the program will have tremendous positive effects in my future.

References
Grand Canyon University. (n.d.). Doctoral Dispositions. Retrieved from Course Materials
PSY-801: https://lc.gcu.edu/learningPlatform
Grand Canyon University. Doctoral Dispositions Self-Assessment. Retrieved from Course Materials PSY-801: https://lc.gcu.edu/learningPlatform