The Pursuit of ‘Balance’ by a Greenhorn Supervisor

Mark Prendergast

Abstract


This article explores the transition process from being a research supervisee to being a first time doctoral research supervisor. This is a difficult and trying endeavour. The lack of previous supervision experience at this level results in many supervisors referring to their own time as doctoral students and supervising in the same manner as they experienced. It is important to break this cycle and realise that just like teaching, there are many different models of supervision. Much of the research conducted in the area draws conclusions about the type of characteristics or traits that make a good supervisor. This article takes a different point of departure and gives a personal account of the author’s thoughts and experiences in attempting to make the transition from supervisee to supervisor. These experiences are explored with reference to existing literature with the intention of unearthing and documenting key issues for first-time supervisors to consider and develop their own understanding of effective supervision practice. The author hopes that documenting these issues through a personal, reflective account will help others who decide to continue the journey and make the transition from supervisee to supervisor.


Keywords


Research Supervision; Higher Education; Reflective Practice; Research Experiences

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References


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