FD module 40-Research Supervision in an International Context | Spring 2025

Optional module

In this module we will examine research-based strategies for supervision of PhDs, postdocs and research groups.

Bergen

Credits: 1 ECTS
Start Date: 21.05.2025
Duration: 20 hours of work
Language: English

This optional module is part of UPED852 Optional modules.

We survey research in the field of doctoral and postdoctoral supervision as well as scholarship on group supervision and mentoring. We debate relevant theories and findings and practice various strategies using “role play” approaches.

Key Concepts

Criteria for “Doctorateness” in Research
Doctoral Supervisor Competencies
Doctoral Student Stress and Wellbeing
Threats to Doctoral Mentoring Relationships
Co-Supervision and Research Groups
Supervising Postdocs
Maintaining Professional Standards in Doctoral Committees
Publishing and Grant-writing During and After the PhD

Organization of module

This course is an estimated 20 hours of work. There will be 8 hours of seminars (3 of which are synchronous), that will include lecturing, group discussions, and feedback. It is expected that participants use 2-3 hours reading background information and publications. Finally, it is expected that there will be roughly 8-9 hours of hands-on exercise where the participants will develop an assessment that they can use in their future work after the module is completed.

Form: In-person/digital seminars and preparation/practice in-between.

Learning platform: Canvas

Seminars

Schedule for the two synchronous seminars (offered in hybrid format, both in Kronstad, Bergen, and online/synchronous):

9.30-11.00 (CET) on 21 May, 2025
9.30-11.00 (CET) on 4 June, 2025

Learning outcomes

This module has 2 in-person seminars.

Before the 1st seminar, the participants will be expected to read some background literature and to watch and comment on tailor-made videos for the course
1st seminar work in disciplinary, interdisciplinary and international groups
Before the 2nd seminar, the participants will be expected to work on design of their mentoring plan, and share with group members and then read, comment and give feedback to each other’s work.
2nd seminar presentation and feedback

After completion of this module, the participants will be able to:

Interpret and critically evaluate various publications on advanced research supervision
Demonstrate awareness of the most common issues faced in advanced research supervision
Design a mentoring plan for supporting various kinds of students

Evaluation

In addition to attendance, there are two main tasks

to develop a brief mentoring plan to support various kinds of research students
to provide feedback (written before the seminar and verbally in class) to each other on the mentoring plans.

Background literature

Breen, S. M., McCain, J., & Roksa, J. (2024). Breaking points: exploring how negative doctoral advisor relationships develop over time. Higher Education, 1-20.

Hebert, D. G. (2025). Doctoral Supervision (in Music): What the Research Shows. In D. G. Hebert & Lum, C-H. (Eds), Perspectives on Music, Education, and Diversity. New York: Springer.

Pyhältö, P., Tikkanen, L., & Anttila, H. (2024). Relationship between doctoral supervisors’ competencies, engagement in supervisory development and experienced support from research community, Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 61(3), 555-569, DOI: 10.1080/14703297.2022.2160369