Contemplating Doing Something Radical For Myself

[Duckfan]

Going back to school and working on a Masters In education.

Granted this may not be very radical, but something I never thought I would have to think about. My true goal is to get training to work as a teacher, but the option to work on a Masters Degree was something that was put before me. I do have to make a decision fairly soon.

But here's the concern: I haven't been in a classroom since 1993. So all the necessary things you do as a student besides study all day and night, come into play. One part is taking good notes (I'm certainly rusty in that department). Writing quality papers that pass muster of a professor/instructor (some of these people worry me sometimes). And of course knowing how to properly research stuff and put it together for a dissertation (with the concern my computer is going to break at the wrong time).

Of course I have to take math, reading, and English Comp. exams to qualify just to get in. And as with most of us, our motto is: math sucks (figuring out x and y slope is not going to be fun). But I'm trying to prepare for that anyway.

So I ask those who may already have an M.A. what would I be getting myself into if I go this route? What are the ups and downs of getting through this kind of program? Not sure what other questions to ask but just thought I would throw it out here since I need to get it off my chest. I'll hit the post button and see what the jury says. Thanks.

[roody]

1. Never miss class, even unprepared.

[Duckfan]

2. I was really wondering what the disertation is all about.

Kinda remember other students doing it when I was working on B.A. But not totally clear about that process.

[roody]

6. I got my M.A. by taking exams.

Though I wrote quite a few papers along the way.

[2naSalit]

3. It's never too late to go to school

and as mentioned above, never miss class even if you are unprepared. Also, always get the homework done first. I had a large garden in progress when in grad school, I found it to be excellent therapy when I came to a mental impasse for writing and thinking out/formulating arguments. So have a "go to" place or activity to clear your head whether it's gardening, skiing or whatever that allows you to get by yourself to think and hash out your thoughts on a regular basis. But do make it your full-time job, you can't succeed without fully investing yourself. Make sure you communicate often with your committee members and advisor.

Don't sweat the small stuff, just go forth and do it, even if you accrue some debt along the way, it will be something nobody can take from you and you will find that it will get you further along the road to accomplishment than without it.

I started college as a ninth grade dropout at the age of 35, I came out with a Master's... it was unbelievably painful in so many ways but it was worth it even if I am poor now and will likely never pay off the loans, my mind is clear and I have more options available in the workforce. I have no regrets about going the extra couple years.

[femmocrat]

4. I went back for mine when I was in my 40s and never regretted it.

The one thing that surprised me was that there were no exams. It was all research papers and presentations. There was tons of reading to do for each class.

It took me four years, taking one or two courses at a time. My master's paper took me 18 months to complete, but there was an option of taking a class with a shorter paper and two presentations (if I recall). I was a better writer than speaker, so I opted for the long paper. It was a grueling ordeal though!

There was no GRE to get in at that time, just the Miller's analogy exam, the application, and a writing sample. That might have changed though. Good luck to you! I loved grad school.

[Demeter]

5. Ask yourself what your goal (or goals) are

Do you want to teach, and that's the only goal? At which level? Do you need a Masters, or just a Teaching Certificate?

You can have two goals that interweave: wanting to teach and wanting a piece of paper credential. No law against that.

But you ought to realize that a Masters (or any degree) in Education has a limited appeal. In some positions, it would disqualify you.

So, do you want to teach? Which subject(s) and which Level(s)?

Or do you just want to stretch your mind? That's also a perfectly acceptable goal.

The downside to any goal is wanting something, but not being specific enough and not doing the research to ensure that you get where you want to be, at the end.

And even if you do everything perfectly, there are no guarantees, not in this job market, not in this country. Maybe not in any country. Welcome to the 21st Century, the Era of Uncertainty (Schrodinger's Century).

[Duckfan]

7. Well, here is some of the good news.

And a reason for my deciding if I want to to do this. I would be getting help financially which would GREATLY eliminate any kind of debt. Thats one reason. I kinda look at this as, "if I don't do this now, no second chance." As to the question of what subject, I want to teach English. Maybe English Lit. There is a local community college here that I attended back in 1980-82. I would love to be an inspiration to younger students there with dreams as I did. And if you're in Eugene you know which college I'm referring to.

But not to sound naive, I still have no idea what a "dissertation" is. Is that what you mean by presentation? On what?

I know DU is not the typical place to go for this kind of question. But it was available. Therefore, I ask. Your insight and answers are appreciated. And BTW, for the record, I'm no spring chicken. Just hit the big 50 last month.