EXPERIENCED RESEARCH SUPERVISORS’ WORKSHOPS 2010-11
Aim of the Programme:
The formal research supervisor development programme is supplemented by a series of more in-depth workshops for experienced supervisors. The workshops will address a range of topics in reference to the Institutional Code of Practice, but there will also be a strong focus on participants’ experiences as aids to learning.
Objectives:
The staff development workshops for experienced supervisors build upon the research supervisor development programme for new supervisors. On completion of each workshop participants will have been updated on recent developments in the topic under discussion and will have had the opportunity to share experiences with colleagues in similar roles.
Examining a research degree.
· Dates: Wednesday 3rd November 2010, 2-4pm, venue tbc
or Wednesday 6th April 2011, 2-4pm, MI005
· Indicative content: Examination process and procedures, responsibilities of internal and external examiners; what constitutes a “good” thesis; learning outcomes and assessment criteria; conducting a viva voce examination; after the viva - examination outcomes.
· Who should attend: this workshop is compulsory for all newly appointed, inexperienced MPhil and PhD examiners. Experienced examiners should regard this as an opportunity to update on current requirements.
Towards Timely Completion: Encouraging and supporting research students’ skills development.
· Date: Wednesday 26th January 2011 2-4pm MI005
· Indicative content: The Research Councils’ skills agenda; HEFCE and QAA perspectives; the University of Wolverhampton skills development scheme; research student self-assessment; supporting your student(s) in identifying training needs, personal development portfolios (PDPs) and action planning.
· Who should attend: all supervisors without prior experience of the emerging skills development agenda.
Supporting research students to the examination stage, including the viva voce.
· Date: Wednesday 23rd February 2011, 2-4pm MI005
· Indicative content: Making examination arrangements (including the nomination of examiners); preparing a student for the viva; possible examination outcomes and the post-examination phase; post-viva support for students – minor amendments and resubmission; feedback from supervisors and students.
· Who should attend: supervisors of students approaching the examination stage of their research degree programme.
Monitoring research student progress and Confirmation of the Research Degree Programme
· Date: Wednesday 2nd March 2011, 2-4pm, venue tbc
· Indicative content: Why monitor? What’s involved in annual progress review? what’s involved in the “Confirmation” stage of a research degree programme?; the role of action planning; bringing a project to a conclusion; ensuring timely completion.
· Who should attend: all experienced supervisors wishing to update knowledge and skills in this area.
Chairing a research degree.
· Dates: Wednesday 1st December 2010, 2-4pm, venue tbc
or Wednesday 20th April 2011, 2-4pm, MI005
· Indicative content: All research degree students, including those undertaking professional doctorates, undergo a viva voce examination. An independent Chair is appointed to each viva voce examination, normally a member of URC or its sub-committee or other suitably experienced member of academic staff. The role of the Chair is to ensure that the examination is conducted in accordance with the Regulations and Code of Practice and that the candidate has the best opportunity to defend his/her thesis. This workshop aims to brief newly appointed Chairs and update experienced staff members on best practice, and to discuss the ways in which Chairs are able to facilitate a smooth process.
Who should attend: All newly appointed Chairs are expected to attend the briefing workshop. In addition, all members of staff with research supervisory experience who anticipate a request to chair research degree examinations are encouraged to attend this workshop.