In this section we look at some of the systems, the project management and the relationships management involved in supervising.
We consider:
The characteristics of a good supervisor identified by supervisors and students –
Managing supervision and supervision relationships
-Ground rules, agendas, learning contracts identifying and managing expectations, responsibilities
–being structured , keeping notes, staying in touch.
Devising a research question and planning and managing the project- the skills needed, developing a proposal- timeline and shape.
What are essential characteristics of a good supervisor? In order to answer this you might like to think back to your own supervisor(s) , as a model or perhaps as presenting behaviours you would like to improve on. It’s a role which combines across
Personal
Learning
institutional
dimensions so you are going to be working with students as different human beings with different kinds of needs, lives, learning approaches and behaviours and different projects.
You will be supporting them in learning as research and in the conduct and completion of a project through to the written thesis or dissertation, and this will take place within the context of interpretation and up to date awareness of the institutional regulations, and expectations including production of work by due dates and other demands.
What do you really want to achieve in supervising students’ research?
How can you as a supervisor help students achieve research goals?
What do you think are the essential characteristics of a good supervisor?
Colleagues have identified:
Accessible
Encouraging
Inspiring
Respect
Organised
committed
Good networking skills-collaboration and introduce students to others
Good communication skills-social – can relate to different people
Good listener
Good researcher and have good ideas
Good up to date knowledge and knows others in the field
Motivated
Able to motivate student
Supportive
Open to new ideas
Realistic planner
Able to give constructive feedback
Assess abilities of those you supervise
Interested in the student and their work
Interested in being a supervisor
Able to guide
Recognise strengths and weaknesses at every stage
Expertise in field
Wider perspective
Able to hand over the power and let go
Encourages self efficacy and independence
Impartial
Respect
Accessible
Good role model
Gina Wisker 