Articulating and developing supervisory skills through collaborative action research

ABSTRACT

Postgraduate master’s dissertation supervision is one of the least understood aspects of academic practice. Using action research, 25 master’s supervisors aimed to develop a better understanding of the complexities and challenges involved in this role. Through focus groups, individual interviews and monthly workshops, they developed and piloted resources for new supervisors. The main complexities and challenges identified and articulated were: understanding the student, accepting the unpredictability of their progress, tailoring support, giving constructive feedback, and developing their personal understanding of supervision. Following the project, those involved reported increased awareness and confidence in their supervisory role and changes in their academic practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Action research
• master’s degree
• postgraduate
• supervision
• supervisor

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ann Macfadyen

Ann Macfadyen is a University Director of Learning and Teaching, based in the Teaching Excellence Team at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle.

Christine English

Christine English is Head of Subject for Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. She is member of the Board of Trustees at St Oswald’s Hospice, Newcastle upon Tyne, and a founder member of the International Family Nursing Association, UK and Ireland Chapter.

Maggie Coates

Maggie Coates is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle and is Programme Leader for the Return to Nursing Programme. She is on the Executive Board of the Community Practitioners and Health Visitor Association and is Chair of their Education Reference group.