HED5005

Postgraduate research supervision ( 6 points, SCA Band 0, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Associate Professor V Clifford

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit facilitates the development of the postgraduate research supervision skills. It is based on the premise of reflective practice and participants are required to be concurrently co-supervising a postgraduate research student so that they can consider their own supervising beliefs and practices in relation to current research knowledge and recognized good practices. The unit introduces participants to the policies, regulations and practices of Monash university. It will consider issues that arise from different disciplinary models of postgraduate supervision, the changing supervisory relationship and the stages of the task.

Objectives: At the successful completion of this Unit, participants should be able to: i. Articulate their own theory of supervision and supervisory practice contextualised within their own discipline ii. Relate the literature on the scholarship of research supervision to their own supervisory practices iii. Discuss and apply Monash University policies and procedures related to postgraduate research supervision iv. Explain the elements of a productive research learning environment v. Compare alternative ways of structuring supervision vi. Discuss key issues in facilitating learning in one-to-one and small group situations vii. Articulate a repertoire of advisory strategies including off-campus supervision and dealing with student issues and supervisory difficulties.

Assessment: The students will have a choice of either: - (a) Students will keep a reflective journal of their supervisory experiences (1000 words equivalent) and their studies during the semester. Students will be invited to obtain feedback on their journals twice during the semester from the unit coordinator. A reflective essay will be written based on the journal as a final assignment for assessment (2000 words). During the semester another written assignment will be required (1000 words). or (b) Assignment 1: A 1000 word essay on Experiences as a higher degree research student and issues arising + Assignment 2: A 1000 word essay on a topic on the course related to their own practice + Assignment 3: A 2000 word essay on 'What is your approach to research supervision?'

Contact Hours: Equivalent 2 hours per week contact hours (face-to-face and on-line)

Prerequisites: First degree or equivalent

Corequisites: Concurrently co-supervising