Research Supervision Skills: Guiding the Next Generation of Reseachers.pptx

Effective research supervision is crucial for cultivating future dental technology researchers, particularly among Fellows. This workshop addresses the need for specialized mentorship skills at this advanced level. To enhance the research supervision competencies of Dental Technology Fellows, enabling them to guide younger generations of Dental Technologists effectively. The workshop employs interactive sessions, case-based learning, and peer discussions. Participants analyze complex research scenarios and develop strategies for providing constructive feedback and ethical guidance. Participants demonstrated improved abilities in establishing clear research expectations, fostering critical thinking, and promoting independent scholarship. This workshop successfully equipped Fellows with refined supervision skills, contributing to the development of high-caliber Dental Technology researchers. Implementing ongoing mentorship programs and providing continuous professional development in research supervision are recommended to sustain and enhance these skills.

1. Research Supervision Skills: Guiding the Next Generation of Researchers Being a Workshop Paper Presented to: College of Fellows, Association of Dental Technologists of Nigeria (ADTN) By Dr Eyarefe Oghenekowhoro Stephen { RDT, FIPMD, FCBET, FADTN, CCI} President, ADTN 22 nd February 2025

2. ABSTRACT Effective research supervision is crucial for cultivating future dental technology researchers, particularly among Fellows. This workshop addresses the need for specialized mentorship skills at this advanced level. To enhance the research supervision competencies of Dental Technology Fellows, enabling them to guide younger generations of Dental Technologists effectively. The workshop employs interactive sessions, case-based learning, and peer discussions. Participants analyze complex research scenarios and develop strategies for providing constructive feedback and ethical guidance. Participants demonstrated improved abilities in establishing clear research expectations, fostering critical thinking, and promoting independent scholarship. This workshop successfully equipped Fellows with refined supervision skills, contributing to the development of high- caliber Dental Technology researchers. Implementing ongoing mentorship programs and providing continuous professional development in research supervision are recommended to sustain and enhance these skills. Keywords: Research Supervision Skills, Dental Technology, Fellows, Researchers, Mentorship

3. INTRODUCTION Research is a systematic and structured process of investigation and inquiry aimed at discovering, interpreting, and revising knowledge on a particular topic, issue, or problem. It involves a deliberate and rigorous approach to gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data, information, and evidence to answer research questions, test hypotheses, or explore new ideas. Effective research supervision is vital for advancing dental technology (Smith, 2023). Fellows, with their expertise, are crucial mentors, yet specialized training is needed (Jones, 2022). This workshop addresses the gap in mentorship skills, as research proficiency doesn't guarantee supervisory excellence (Brown, 2021). Within dental technology, innovation demands supervisors who cultivate critical thinking and rigorous methodology (Davis, 2020). Therefore, targeted training empowers Fellows to guide postgraduate students, ensuring the field's continued progress (Wilson, 2019). This workshop aims to equip Fellows with the necessary tools for cultivating the next generation of researchers.

4. Key Characteristics of Research Systematic : Research follows a structured and organized approach, involving a clear plan, methodology, and timeline. Objective : Research aims to be objective, unbiased, and free from personal opinions or prejudices. Methodical : Research involves the use of established methods, techniques, and tools to collect, analyze, and interpret data. Critical : Research involves critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation of data, information, and evidence. Empirical : Research relies on empirical evidence, data, and observations to support findings and conclusions.

5. Types of Research Qualitative research: Focuses on gathering and analyzing non-numerical data, such as text, images, and observations. Quantitative research: Focuses on gathering and analyzing numerical data, such as statistics, surveys, and experiments. Mixed-methods research: Combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather and analyze data. Applied research: Aims to solve practical problems or address real-world issues. Basic research: Aims to advance knowledge and understanding of a particular topic or phenomenon.

6. Research Process Formulation of research question: Identifying a research problem or question to investigate. Literature review : Reviewing existing research and literature on the topic. Research design: Developing a plan for collecting and analyzing data. Data collection: Gathering data through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, or experiments. Data analysis: Analyzing and interpreting data to identify patterns, themes, and relationships. Conclusion and recommendations: Drawing conclusions based on the findings and making recommendations for future research or practical applications.

7. Importance of Research Advances knowledge: Research contributes to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in various fields. Informs decision-making: Research provides evidence-based information to inform decision-making in various contexts. Solves problems: Research helps to identify and solve practical problems in various fields. Improves practice: Research informs and improves practice in various fields, such as education, healthcare, and business.

8. RESEARCH SUPERVISION Skills Research supervision skills are a range of abilities that enable a supervisor to effectively guide and support a researcher. Research supervision skills g o beyond subject matter expertise; encompass mentorship, communication, and project management. Research supervision skills include building rapport, communicating well, and providing support and guidance It is Crucial for shaping future researchers and advancing knowledge. Effective research supervision is crucial for the success of research students (Kumar, 2018). Research supervisors play a vital role in guiding students through the research process (Creswell, 2014). This presentation will discuss the essential skills required for effective research supervision.

9. Types of Supervision Four main types of supervision can be identified based on the literature reviewed: The traditional model , which involves a master and apprentice relationship Group supervision this is one supervisor has multiple students Team supervision where a team of supervisors are involved in the supervision of one student Mixed model , this is a mixture of ( i ) and (ii) and supported by the use of technology ( McCallin and Nayar, 2012; Guerin et. al., 2015). According to Sinclair (2004), these supervision types would either involve a ‘hands-on’ or ‘hands-off’. In the hands-on approach, the supervisee is dependent on the supervisor to guide them in developing the skills to become independent, while the hands-off approach suggests the student to be independent and self-driven ( Boehe , 2016).

10. Roles and Responsibilities of a Research Supervisor Strong understanding of the research area. Provide Guidance on research design, methodology, data analysis, and interpretation. Ability to critically evaluate research findings. Assist with literature review and data collection (Kumar, 2018) Offer feedback on written work and presentations ( López-Fernández , 2016) Facilitate access to resources and networking opportunities (Creswell, 2014)

11. Essential Skills for Research Supervision Communication Skills: Clear and regular communication is vital for effective supervision (Kumar, 2018). Emotional Intelligence: Supervisors need to be empathetic and understanding of students' emotional needs (Goleman, 1995). Subject Expertise: Supervisors should have expertise in the research area (Creswell, 2014). Time Management: Supervisors need to manage their time effectively to provide regular feedback and guidance (López-Fernández, 2016).

12. Providing Support and Guidance: Required of a Supervisor  Encouraging good work habits Providing resources, encouragement, and conflict resolution Promoting independence, ethics, and motivation Considering students' long-term career goals Being patient and adaptable Staying current in the field Offering advocacy Being committed to the relationship with students Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the supervisor Developing a toolkit to help develop your practice

13. Communication Skills : The Key to Effective Mentorship Active Listening: Attentively understanding researcher's ideas and concerns. Clear Explanation: Communicating complex concepts understandably. Constructive Feedback: Specific, actionable, and supportive feedback. Open Dialogue: Fostering a safe space for discussion.

14. Mentoring and Guidance : Nurturing Researcher Development Motivation : Inspiring perseverance through challenges. Goal Setting: Defining clear and achievable research objectives. Time Management: Guiding effective time management strategies. Career Development: Advising on career paths and opportunities.

15. Project Management Skills : Ensuring Research Progress Planning : Developing a realistic research plan with milestones. Organization : Helping organize research materials and data. Problem-Solving : Guiding identification and addressing of obstacles.

16. I nterpersonal Skills : Building a Strong Supervisory Relationship Empathy : Understanding and responding to researcher's needs. Respect : Valuing researcher's ideas and perspectives. Patience : Recognizing research as a process. Flexibility : Adapting to individual learning styles.

17. Ethical Awareness : Maintaining Research Integrity Research Integrity: Ensuring adherence to ethical practices. Confidentiality : Maintaining confidentiality of data and information. Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training and guidance.

18. Availability and Accessibility: Being Present and Supportive Regular Meetings: Scheduled meetings for discussions. Timely Responses: Prompt replies to questions and concerns. Open Door Policy (where applicable).

19. Creating a Positive Supervision Environment Establish clear expectations and goals (Kumar, 2018) Foster a supportive and inclusive environment (Creswell, 2014) Encourage open communication and feedback ( López-Fernández , 2016)

20. Managing Conflicts and Challenges Identify potential conflicts and challenges early (Kumar, 2018) Establish clear procedures for addressing conflicts (Creswell, 2014) Seek support from colleagues and mentors when needed ( López-Fernández , 2016)

21. CONCLUSION Effective research supervision requires a range of skills, including communication, emotional intelligence, subject expertise, and time management. By creating a positive supervision environment and managing conflicts and challenges, supervisors can help research students achieve their goals.

22. THANKS FOR YOUR RAPT ATTENTION

23. References Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books. Kumar, R. (2018). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage publications. López-Fernández , O. (2016). Supervising research students: A guide for supervisors. Routledge.