Overview

Lecturers and Senior Lecturers are expected to mentor and supervise postgraduate students: Masters and eventually Doctoral students. Many academics acquire the necessary skills for this challenging role through a combination of personal experiences, learning from seasoned colleagues, and through iterative practice. However, thesis supervision is increasingly considered an important pedagogical skill, perhaps one of the most nuanced and intricate tasks that academics undertake.

This workshop aims to explore the complexities of effective supervision for postgraduate students, delving into various challenges that may arise. Participants will be introduced to different supervisory approaches and styles, highlighting the different relationships, roles, and expectations associated with each. Drawing upon both the relevant research and the participants' personal experiences, the workshop will raise awareness of best practices and pinpoint the essential skills necessary for successful supervision. The workshop will address the unique aspects and challenges specific to the supervisory process within both the humanities and the sciences disciplines. The supervisor’s role in supporting the wellbeing of students throughout their postgraduate and doctoral studies journey will also be discussed during the workshop.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will

• identify different approaches to postgraduate and doctoral supervision.
• understand how supervisory approaches affect relationships and expectations between supervisors and students.
• learn and use effective strategies for supervising postgraduate students based on research and experience.

Note:

• Participants will be asked to complete a pre-workshop survey to identify queries and concerns about postgraduate/doctoral supervision that will be addressed during the workshop.