Abstract
Introduction: This study explored the issues and
challenges facing supervisors required to act as
a supervisor to their fellow educators’ research
dissertations. This situation often stems from the
need to enhance the research profile of Faculty
staff. For example, the studies of Porter and
Mansour (2003) and Ried and Fuller (2005) identify
the need to enhance research outputs of nurse
educators. However, where there is no critical mass
of experienced researchers as is the case in many
Nursing Faculties nationally and internationally it
becomes a difficult issue to provide the research
support needed.
Methods: In-depth interviews were undertaken
with students (n=7) and their supervisors (n=5)
in order to explore the experiences of Faculty staff
that have successfully completed an in-house
masters’ level dissertation when being supervised
by a fellow member of staff.
Results: A wealth of qualitative data was obtained
which was subject to a thematic analysis. Findings
revealed that the majority of student and supervisors had a positive supervisory experience.
However, many student respondents said they felt
uncomfortable with the assessment aspect where
they felt they were under ‘public’ scrutiny in Faculty
meetings. Conversely the supervisors felt that on
occasions students did not take the established
norms of any supervisory relationship seriously
enough causing tensions in the relationship.
Discussion: Generally the literature gives numerous
accounts of what constitutes good supervisory
practice but less about what the actual experiences of students and research supervisors are.
However, Denicolo (2004) relates that colleague
supervision is special on a number of counts. For
example, colleague supervision gives the potential
for further role conflicts that both parties have to
contend with. This study gives indications of how
Faculty policies and practice may be developed so
as to enhance student and supervisor experiences
of MSc dissertation supervision
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - May 2010 |
Event | Royal College of Nursing (RCN) International Nursing Research Conference - Gateshead, United Kingdom Duration: 11 May 2010 → 13 May 2010 |
Conference
Conference | Royal College of Nursing (RCN) International Nursing Research Conference |
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Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | Gateshead |
Period | 11/05/10 → 13/05/10 |