DOCOTRAL SUPERVISION WORKSHOP 15-16 JULY 2024.pptx

The session aims were to :
1) Introduce the current landscape of doctoral supervision​
2) Briefly reflect on doctoral supervisory practices​
3) Present and discuss key global trends in contemporary doctoral supervision​

1. Empowering the Next Generation: Global Trends in Doctoral Supervision THENSA POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION WORKSHOP, 15-16 July 2024 Rita Ndagire Kizito [email protected] linkedin.com/in/rita-ndagire-kizito-72a4b58

2. The group consists of mainly of early-career supervisors across various disciplines, facing common challenges related to student progress, motivation, and support. Most of you are seeking practical skills and knowledge to enhance your supervisory capabilities and to stay updated with international trends Overview of pre-workshop responses Primary Disciplines: Wide range including Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Biology), Engineering, Information Technology, Health Sciences, Agriculture, and Social Sciences . Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024

3. MAIN CHALLENGES: APPROACHES TO SUPERVISION: EXPECTATIONS FROM THE SESSION: SPECIFIC TOPICS OF INTEREST: Time management and student progress Maintaining student motivation and engagement Balancing responsibilities Dealing with diverse personalities and cultural backgrounds Funding and resource constraints Mental health and well-being of students Most respondents indicated familiarity with functional supervision, while some mentioned critical thinking, enculturation, and emancipation approaches. Gain new skills and strategies for effective supervision Learn about best practices in doctoral supervision Understand how to support student mental health and well-being Develop conflict resolution skills Learn how to motivate and engage students Understand international trends and innovative techniques in supervision Balancing supervision and "babysitting“ Managing diverse personalities and potential conflicts Supporting students with limited resources Dealing with unfocused or struggling students Encouraging critical thinking Overview of pre-workshop responses Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024

4. Workshop Goals Introduce the current landscape of doctoral supervision Briefly reflect on doctoral supervisory practices Present and discuss key global trends in contemporary doctoral supervision I have sent the documents I will be using to your emails, or you can assess them from: Best practices for PhD supervision, University of Leiden: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/binaries/content/assets/geesteswetenschappen/pdfs/best-practices-for-phd-supervision.pdf Two brief Case studies: https://shorturl.at/jJH4p The University of Cape Town Guidelines for PhD candidates and supervisors https://uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/content_migration/postgradhub_uct_ac_za/62/files/Guidelines_for_PhD_Candidates_and_Supervisors.pdf

5. THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF DOCTORAL SUPERVISION

6. Approaches to Doctoral Supervision (Anne Lee, 2008, 2010)- linking research supervision to educational development (post-graduate teaching) Lee, A. (2010). New approaches to doctoral supervision: Implications for educational development. Educational Developments, 11(2), 18-23. Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024 PROFESSIONAL PERSONAL Functional Enculturation Critical Thinking Emancipation Relationship Development Supervisor’s activity Rational progression through tasks Gatekeeping Evaluation, challenge Mentoring, supporting, constructivism Supervising by experience, developing a relationship/team Supervisor’s knowledge & skills Direction, project management, negotiation Diagnosis of deficiencies, coaching Argument analysis Facilitation, reflection Integrity, managing conflict, emotional intelligence Possible student reaction Obedience, organized negotiation Role modelling, apprenticeship Constant inquiry, flight or fight Personal growth, reframing A good team member, with emotional intelligence A framework of approaches to research supervision

7. Approaches to Doctoral Supervision Adopt a non-reductionist view: Different situations call for different approaches. By considering what's appropriate and communicating expectations clearly, one can achieve the best results. FUNCTIONAL Focus : Efficiency and achieving the desired outcome (graduation). Metaphor : A guide dog provides clear direction and support, ensuring the student (the blind person) reaches the destination (PhD completion) safely and efficiently. A guide dog Nurturing Elephant ENCULTURATION Focus : Integrating the student into the research community and its values. Metapho r: Elephants live in social herds with matriarchs who nurture and guide younger members. The supervisor resembles this nurturing leader, helping the student acclimatize to the academic world. CRITICAL THINKING Inquisitive Owl Focus : Encouraging independent thought, questioning assumptions, and developing critical reasoning skills. Metaphor : Owls are known for their sharp eyesight and intelligence. The supervisor, like an owl, encourages the student to see things from different perspectives, question existing knowledge, and develop critical thinking. RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT Collaborative Wolves Focus: Fostering a collaborative and supportive relationship between supervisor and student. Metaphor: Wolves are social animals that work together in a pack to achieve goals. The supervisor and student collaborate as a team, sharing knowledge and resources to advance the research journey. Soaring Eagle EMANCIPATION Focus : Empowering the student to become an independent researcher with their own voice. Metaphor : Eagles are powerful and independent birds. The supervisor equips the student with the skills and knowledge needed to "take flight" as an independent researcher. Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024

8. UK/US: Supervision approaches may be more directive, with supervisors providing clear guidance and expectations. There's often an emphasis on independent research and student initiative. Variations in approaches Europe: Co-supervision models with two supervisors from different disciplines are common in some European countries. This fosters interdisciplinary research and broader perspectives. Asia: Shifting from hierarchical relationships between supervisors and students to increasingly more collaborative approaches. South America : Collaboration and co-supervision are common, alongside efforts to internationalize doctoral programs. (over-generalizations)! Africa : Initiatives are underway to strengthen supervision practices through training and technology, amidst challenges of limited resources and large student-supervisor ratios. South Africa : South Africa emphasizes equity and redress in doctoral supervision. Initiatives focus on supporting students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Australia : Many Australian universities emphasize research training programs alongside supervision, providing students with additional skills development alongside their research. Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024

9. Some Current debates Mindful Supervisors: The requirement for supervisors to build strong interpersonal relationships with students (intellectual & emotional) to overcome liminality or conceptual gateways, or threshold concepts ,(Land, Meyer & Smith, 2008), that must be passed through to arrive at important new understandings of doctoral supervision ( Buirski, 2020) Dynamic Landscape : Dynamic supervision practices are influenced by institutional expectations and evolving policy contexts, life experiences, and global trends (Bengtsen & McAlpine,2022). Adapting to Change : Equip graduates with broader workplace skills foregrounded by an interplay between student agency and the development of certain dispositions. (Cornell, Doorsamy, & Padayachee, 2022). For example, the disruption presented by the Generative -AI introduction to teaching & assessment signals a need to develop and implement educational transitions required to reform doctoral supervision pedagogy Quality Assurance : Self-evaluation and graduate tracking ensure quality ( Lelei, 2022). The Keys to Success: Mindfulness, Adaptability, and Quality Assessment Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024

10. Best practices for PhD supervision

11. What are some best practices for PHD supervision? Institutional contexts and disciplinary demands vary but there are some best practices such as those provided by the University of Leiden (the Netherlands). There are also some global commonalities associated with good PhD supervision practices, such as: Regular Meetings: Regular meetings are a cornerstone of supervision globally. Frequency can vary, but regular check-ins ensure progress and address student concerns. Thesis Committee/Advisory Panel : Many programs involve a committee beyond the primary supervisor, providing diverse perspectives and expertise. Feedback Provision : Effective feedback on research proposals, drafts, and presentations is crucial for student development. Progress Monitoring: Tracking progress through milestones or deadlines helps ensure timely completion. Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024

12. REVISITING key challenges in PhD supervision MAIN CHALLENGES ADDITIONAL CONCERNS Time management and student progress Maintaining student motivation and engagement Balancing responsibilities Dealing with diverse personalities and cultural backgrounds Funding and resource constraints Mental health and well-being of students Balancing supervision and "babysitting“ Managing diverse personalities and potential conflicts Supporting students with limited resources Dealing with unfocused or struggling students Encouraging critical thinking The University of Cape Town Guidelines for PhD candidates and supervisors are available at https://uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/content_migration/postgradhub_uct_ac_za/62/files/Guidelines_for_PhD_Candidates_and_Supervisors.pdf Link to two brief Case studies: https://shorturl.at/jJH4p Additional documents Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024

13. Addressing key challenges: GROUP WORK ACTIVITY Now that we've identified the key challenges in PhD supervision, let's explore potential solutions together. Please form groups of 4-5 people. Each group is assigned one challenge from our list. Your task is to brainstorm practical strategies to address these challenges, drawing on your own experiences and the best practices we've discussed. You have 15 minutes for discussion, after which each group will present their top 3 strategies with the rest of the group for comments & questions. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers - we're here to learn from each other!“ Group 1: Time management and student progress; Group 2: Maintaining student motivation and engagement; Group 3: Balancing responsibilities; Group 4: Dealing with diverse personalities and cultural backgrounds; Group 5: Funding and resource constraints; Group 6: Mental health and well-being of students; Group 7 Balancing supervision and "babysitting“/Dealing with unfocused or struggling students; Group 8: Managing diverse personalities and potential conflicts; Group 9: Supporting students with limited resources; Group 10: Encouraging critical thinking. * Add any additional challenges not covered Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024

14. key global trends in contemporary doctoral supervision

15. exploring five key trends shaping doctoral supervision Understanding these trends will equip you to be a more effective and informed supervisor in today's dynamic academic landscape. Digital Transformation, Diversity and Inclusion, Interdisciplinary Research, Ethical Considerations, and Student & Supervisor wellness Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024

16. DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION DIVERSITY & INCLUSION INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS STUDENT & SUPERVISOR WELLNESS LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY (esp. AI) TO ENHANCE SUPERVISION Technology is transforming how doctoral research is conducted and supervised. Online resources, collaboration tools, and data analysis software are becoming increasingly commonplace. Benefits: Digital tools can enhance communication, facilitate student progress tracking, and offer new avenues for data analysis and research dissemination. Approach requires: Supervisors to be familiar with relevant technologies to support their students effectively. Resource: Weller, M. (2011). The digital scholar: How technology is transforming scholarly practice (p. 208). Bloomsbury Academic. EMBRACING DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES IN DOCTORAL EDUCATION Doctoral programs are becoming increasingly diverse in terms of student backgrounds, experiences, and learning approaches. This trend necessitates a shift towards inclusive supervision practices. Benefits Enriches research and fosters innovation. Approach requires: awareness of potential biases and cultural differences that can impact the supervisory experience. inclusive supervision involves creating a supportive environment where all students feel valued and respected. Resource: Holley, K. A., Taylor, S., & Kiley, M. (2023). The changing landscape of doctoral education: Conclusions and further research. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 60(5), 784-792. BREAKING DOWN SILOS: FOSTERING INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION The boundaries between disciplines are becoming increasingly porous and doctoral programs are encouraging interdisciplinary research. Benefit : Confronting complex problems from multiple perspectives. Approach requires : supervisors able to facilitate interdisciplinary research by guiding students in navigating different methodological approaches and disciplinary expectations. openness to new perspectives and expertise from outside one's field. Resource: Thompson, J. L. (2009). Building collective communication competence in interdisciplinary research teams. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 37(3), 278-297. NAVIGATING THE ETHICAL LANDSCAPE IN RESEARCH Ethical considerations are paramount in doctoral research. Supervisors must equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate ethical dilemmas that may arise during their research journey. Benefit: Supervisors have a responsibility to ensure their students' research adheres to institutional ethical guidelines and best practices. Approach requires: Open communication and proactive discussions about ethical issues are essential to foster responsible research conduct. Resources Comstock, G. (2012). Research ethics: A philosophical guide to the responsible conduct of research. Cambridge University Press. CULTIVATING WELL-BEING IN DOCTORAL SUPERVISION The doctoral journey can be demanding for both students and supervisors. This trend emphasizes prioritizing well-being, creating a more fulfilling experience for all involved. Benefits: Improved focus, creativity, communication, and overall satisfaction with the doctoral experience. Approach requires: Attention to Self-care -regular exercise, balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Time Management - prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals. Support Networks -connecting with colleagues, mentors, and therapists. Open Communication -regular meetings, check-ins, and open dialogue. Resource: Basko (2024), Leadership Burnout: How to Restore Your Depleted Bandwidth https://www.chronicle.com/article/leadership-burnout-how-to-restore-your-depleted-bandwidth Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024

17. WORKING ON TRENDS: ACTIVITY Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024 Select one of the five trends you would like to concentrate on and then look for a team of other participants who have selected the same theme to develop short personal development plans (PDPs). ( You will complete these after the session). Use the template below with 6 sections where you provide: The chosen trend Rationale for the selection (why you chose this trend). How it applies to your current or future supervision practice Proposed changes or improvements with action steps indicating how you will incorporate this trend into your supervision practice. Potential challenges and possible solutions. Resources you are going to explore further. (You have 15 minutes). We will reconvene as a large group and ask for volunteers to share key insights or interesting plans from their small group discussions for comments and questions. * Continue exploring these trends after the workshop !

18. WRAP-UP

19. Conclusion and Wrap-up Recap key learnings and takeaways It is important to continue professional development by building and strengthening networks with each other Please do approach me if you have any questions. Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024 Key learnings? https://www.vitae.ac.uk/vitae-publications/vitae-library-of-resources/Vitae-professional%20development-and-training-for-researchers A useful resource

20. Rita Ndagire Kizito July 2024 References Bengtsen, S. S., & McAlpine, L. (2022). A novel perspective on doctoral supervision: Interaction of time, academic work, institutional policies, and lifecourse. Learning and Teaching, 15(1), 21-45. Buirski, N. (2020). Is mindfulness a useful next trend in doctoral supervision? The Australian Universities' Review, 62(2), 61-68. Cornell, A. S., Doorsamy, W., & Padayachee, K. (2022). Supervisor perspectives in STEM PhD supervision: a social realist analysis of current trends. Higher Education Pedagogies, 7(1), 146-159. Land, R., Meyer, J., & Smith, J. (Eds.). (2008). Threshold concepts within the disciplines (Vol. 16). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers. Lee, A. (2008). How are doctoral students supervised? Concepts of doctoral research supervision. Studies in Higher education, 33(3), 267-281. Lee, A. (2010). New approaches to doctoral supervision: Implications for educational development. Educational Developments, 11(2), 18-23. Lelei, J. J. (2022). Analysis of Doctoral Supervision. International Journal of Advanced Research, 5(1), 21-29.

21. THANK YOU Rita Ndagire Kizito kizitorita@gmail,com