A multi-level researcher development framework to address contrasting views of student research challenges

Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
HESA
Abstract
Ensuring quality and completion of students’ research places pressure on postgraduate supervisors. Postgraduate students’ primary interest in theoretical and practical knowledge rather than research, influences the completion of qualifications. Student research challenges were explored using an Interactive Qualitative Analysis research design. Through conducting student and supervisor focus groups and individual interviews, issues emerged related to educational input, support and identity development. There were differences in the perspectives of student and supervisor indicating that students are less dependent on supervisors than supervisors thought they were. Supervisors indicated support strategies, such as an awareness of learning styles, adaptive support and strengthening researcher identity. Researcher development needs to take place on multiple levels to enhance quality and relieve pressure on the postgraduate supervisor in changing educational contexts.
Description
CITATION: Albertyn, R., Van Coller-Peter, S. & Morrison, J. 2018. A multi-level researcher development framework to address contrasting views of student research challenges. South African Journal of Higher Education, 32(1):13-30, doi:10.20853/32-1-1639.
The original publication is available at http://www.journals.ac.za/index.php/sajhe
Keywords
Graduate students -- Supervision of, Universities and colleges -- Graduate work, Students, Research
Citation
Albertyn, R., Van Coller-Peter, S. & Morrison, J. 2018. A multi-level researcher development framework to address contrasting views of student research challenges. South African Journal of Higher Education, 32(1):13-30, doi:10.20853/32-1-1639