ACADEMIC SUPERVISION: :

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

LPS IPGKTHO 29 June 2012

Dr. Suhaidah Tahir

Introduction Research Planning Research Problems Who is the supervisor What is supervision Quality supervisor and supervision Time Schedule Research Group Discussion Conclusion

Content

Introduction

Supervising research is an important connection between teaching and research aspects of OUR academic career It is exciting, rewarding and a wonderful experience Demanding, challenging, requiring careful attention to detail 4

 For most students it will be a totally new learning experience as this will be the first time they will work closely with the same academic over an extended period of time.

For most supervisors

Anxiety and laborious Most difficult - reading text that is not well written - usually it is the case of improper argument, incorrect description of 6 facts

 Analytical detail is not usually required. Independent enquiry & exercise of judgement is expected. Developing competency in research methods.
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Degree Final Year Project

Research Constraint
Research topic may be imposed on the student. Research must be completed within a given time period (if it is to be rated as a success) ..
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Research Constraint
Research results are to be presented in a specific manner. The student may have to relate to an academic supervisor who may be disinterested or lack competence in the field of study chosen. 9

Most Common: Difficulties in selecting a suitable topic. Problem of selecting an appropriate analytical or methodological framework. Inability to manage available resources, in particular their time. 10

Research Problems

Research Topic

Identify broad area of study

Supervisor Agreed

Initial Selection of Topic Yes No

Until a topic has been selected the research cannot be said to be underway

Is it Feasible?

No

Can it be Refined?

Yes
No

Sufficient Value?

Yes Acceptable Topic

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Research Planning
Planning of student research can demonstrate its feasibility within the time available by helping to identify all the activities which will be involved

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Research Planning
Clarify the aims and objectives of the research Define activities and the order in which they take place Identify critical milestones in the research
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Research Planning

Estimate time at which milestones will be reached and measured Ensure the effective use of key resources Defining priorities Complete work on time
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Avoidable Problem

1. Over commitment;

2. Failure to make use of the research plan;

3. Inadequate supervision.
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 Individual Centered Problem, i.e; illness, loss of motivation, other opportunities. Supervisors Related Problem, i.e; resigned, not all the necessary skill to advise, supervisors network, falls below expectation in quality and quantity. Research Problem 16

Unavoidable Problem

Supervisors Role
Get the student to define objectives at each stage; Check to see that those objectives are met; Verify with the student that his work is of right standard. Understand University rules and policy
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Students Responsibilities
To conduct all research work as discussed and agreed with the supervisor (and take responsibility for their implementation) Produce written lists of queries prior to meetings with the supervisor Keep written notes of meetings with the supervisor and submit copies to him (if required) Submit written material on time
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A supervisor is someone who 1. Has experienced through a complete phase of supervised training and supervision processes 2.Has higher level knowledge in the subject matter then the student
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Who is the supervisor?

Who is the supervisor ?

3.Highly creative and innovative 4.Cares for the needs of the students 5.An educator and a trainer

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Who is a supervisor ?
A knowledgeable person with good research background with added responsibilities such as:
administrator manager director advisor counselor motivator facilitator friend / partner

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Why do students need supervisors

To maintain progress in accordance with the agreed plan of work To obtain the support for regular presentations on research progress to other students, research groups, conference etc

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Why do students need supervisors

To ensure the thesis is an integrated whole and present a coherent argument. The thesis form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality To guide on responsibilities of student

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What is supervision ?

Generally: 1. Supervision is an action and result orientated activity

2.

It is to help students to execute its research strategies and action plan in accordance to the work schedule 24

What is supervision ?
3. To develop students creativity and innovative thinking through the process of research activities 4. To apply classroom knowledge to laboratory practices

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What is supervision ? (a) Before research

1. To assists and giving advice on the literature review and recognizing the research problem 2. Establishing the research aims and objectives

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What is supervision ? (a) Before research

3. Assisting in the development of the research methodology and scope of work 4. Identifying research milestones and work schedule

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What is supervision ? (b) During and upon completion of the research

1. Motivate and facilitate the research activities 2. Arranging frequent but acceptable meeting times 3. Monitoring the progress of the research work through written report 28

What is supervision ? (b) During and upon completion of the research

4. Capable of analyzing and diagnosing the research data 5. Assisting in the preparation of thesis writing 6. Encourage the dissemination of results conferences, seminars and journals 29

Quality supervisor and supervision

1. Be an accessible advisor, counselor, provide support to academic areas and personal matters 2. Suggest ways that students can make the most effective use of time

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Quality supervisor and supervision

3. Recognizing personal strengths and limitations and, in particular, identifying situations in which a student needs to be referred to colleagues for assistance

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Quality supervisor and supervision

4. Committing the time necessary to allow for maintaining the close and regular contact with the student

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Quality supervisor and supervision

5. Encouraging student to give seminars and to submit articles for publication. 6. Developing strategies for contact with and introductions to other researchers in related areas, including external agency, industry, or other institutional links. 33

Reality check!

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Time Schedule Degree Project

Semester 1 (2 credits) Wk1 Topic, Aims, Objectives Wk2 Scope of Work, Research Methodology Wk3 - 10 Literature Review, Problem Statement, Experimental work Wk11 - 14 Report writing Seminar

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Time Schedule Degree Project

Semester 2 (4 credits) Wk 1 - 10 Experimental work, analyzing data, theoretical predictions Wk11 - 14 Thesis (draft) Seminar

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Research Group Discussion

Most practical method of supervision when there are more then one research student Save time and energy Increases contact time between supervisor and student

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 Allowing each student to give a quick update of their research Students will be allowed to discuss any problems related to their research Brings in competitiveness among students

Research Group Discussion

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Research Group Discussion

Students will learn through observation in the group discussion Audience provides wider critical views towards the students ideas Importantly, group discussion helps to motivate the students research work 39

What to monitor?
Objectives Milestones Products Timeliness
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Monitoring
By semester Monthly Weekly Daily Breakfast/lunch meet
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Quality Research
Publications in journal Presentation at seminars Discussion, interaction with fellow professionals Advancing the topic of study Stimulating experience
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Conclusion
ALL STUDENTS MUST BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE SUCCESFUL IN THEIR RESEARCH WORK

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Conclusion
ALL SUPERVISORS MUST HAVE ADEQUATE PREPARATION (MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY) BEFORE EMBARKING ON SUPERVISING RESEARCH STUDENTS 44

Conclusion
GOOD SUPERVISION PRACTICES MUST BE INSTILL IN ALL SUPERVISORY ACTIVITIES

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