CAPHRI Day - April 3 rd 20122 Imagine...... I invite you to come to my house tonight! How could I guide you to get there? Think of any possibility...

Supervision with Results

About the quality of PhD supervision

Tessa van MourikCaphri Day April 3rd 2012

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Imagine...

... I invite you to come to my house tonight!

• How could I guide you to get there?

• Think of any possibility ... no limits!

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What if...

... there are limits! You have:• A tight budget• Limited time• Personal limits• To learn how to get there yourself

• What would change in how I guide you to get there?

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Some facts

• Graduation rates for PhD Programmes– Delays are common < 30% finishes within deadline– Some never graduate 4 – 16 % dropout estimate

• Causes for delay or dropout– Procedural problems supervision, candidate aptitude– Practical problems data collection, delimitation

• Ideas about supervision– Subject expertise is the most important factor– Peer exchange not necessary, unless you have issues

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Common PhD problemsreasons for delay

• Productrelated– Tunnelvision - Lack of limitation– Lack of focus - Unclear about direction

• Processrelated– Timemanagement - Conflicting supervisors– Insecurity - Private issues– Relationship with supervisor

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Common supervision problemsreasons for delay

• Lack of process management and coaching– Insufficient contact time– Only product related feedback

• Position of PhD candidate– Dependence – independence paradox– Candidate torn between conflicted supervisors

• Lack of commitment or interest– Cancelling appointments– Lack of active interest in PhD´s research track

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Points of Interest

• A good project start

• PhD candidate´s individual needs

• Relationship development with supervisor

A good start...

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A good project start

• Thorough recruitment and selection• Thorough project plan• Agreements and clarity on

– formal structure– roles, expectations and responsibilities– moments of evaluation

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Range of developmentfor PhD candidates

• Life stage• Relationship with supervisor(s)• Self-confidence• Skills in research and writing• Network• Career development

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The need for guidanceexpected model

time

Pro

ject

gui

danc

e

3 yrs

supervisor

PhD candidate

Source: Heinze Oost

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PhD candidate motivation

time

mot

ivat

ion

3 yrs

ideal

reality

Source: Heinze Oost

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Reality Paradox

time

Source: Heinze Oost

3 yrs

PhD candidate

supervisor

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Relationship Development

• Get to know each other– Personality, ambitions, competences, etc.– Be explicit on interdependency and stakes– Involve everyone in the project team

• Be aware of shifting needs for supervision– Quality and quantity

• Evaluate process and supervision regularly

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Practical Pitfalls Supervisorfor supervision meetings

• Monologue on subject not listening• Focus solely on contents• No meeting agenda• Sudden shifts of advise, method or plans• Shallow problem analysis• Solution orientation taking over• Cancelling (parts of) meetings

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Quality Supervision...

• … is also process-oriented (not just product)• … is based on expertise and personal relation• … includes training on the job• … is included in contract & planning• … is available and committed (time, attention)• … is sensitive to (changing) individual needs• … includes regular evaluations

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How to supervise with results

• Learning approach to supervisor’s role

• Dedicate time and attention

• Follow the ‘Golden Rules’

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Learning Approach

• Share experiences with fellow supervisors– Organise intervision opportunities

• Actively search for feedback– Supervision on performance interview agenda

• Follow courses– UM Course: ‘Supervision of PhD Candidates’

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Ten Golden Rulesfor supervisors

1. Get to know your PhD candidate – as a person2. Discuss mutual expectations regarding supervision3. Make a project plan together with your PhD candidate 4. Separate responsibilities for the research project5. Evaluate project plan as well as supervision – on a regular basis 6. Be available and reliable7. Know that support needs may shift – no linear learning curve8. Organise or stimulate peer support – for the PhD candidate9. Share and open up your network10. Share supervision experiences with other supervisors

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Ten Golden Rulesfor PhD Candidates

1. You’re stakeholder #1 in your project – be the captain of your ship2. Discuss mutual expectations about supervision3. Get an overview – make a project plan with your supervisors 4. Manage your time well – and make sure you do it your way5. Work hard, play hard6. Ask for what you need – and address it if you don’t get it7. Make use of all available sources of support8. Organise peer support9. Invest in your future – build network, expand activities and skills10. Remember you’re smart – Yes You Can!

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