ED5306 - Advising Higher Degree Research Candidates

Aligned to the objective of preparing academic staff for the broad range of duties, this subject has been developed by the Graduate Research School and builds upon the advisor training program provided by the JCU Graduate Research School. It is assumed non-JCU participants will have completed equivalent training in higher degree research (HDR) supervision from another university. The subject will focus on approaches to advising HDR candidates in a research setting. It is intended to encourage advisors of research higher degrees candidates to extend their repertoire of supervisory strategies and their awareness of current issues in research and research education that influence HDR advisory practices. The course also aims to promote critical reflection and engagement with the scholarship of research education and supervision. Participants will typically be expected to be a member of an advisory panel of at least one research candidate (Honours, Coursework Masters, Research Masters or Doctoral). However, this course will also be relevant to participants who are about to commence HDR advising or are involved in HDR administration, although it should be noted the subject is likely to be more challenging without such practical experience.

Learning Outcomes

• analyse and synthesise the literature related to research education;
• identify and appraise current issues, developments and policy relating to advising HDR candidates at national and international levels including consideration of Indigenous contexts;
• evaluate, apply and critically reflect on evidenced based approaches to advising HDR candidates;
• communicate professional knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently through oral and written modes to students and key stakeholders in the HDR process and/or professional audiences.

Subject Assessment

• online quizzes (30%)
• statement of advisory expectations (20%)
• portfolio of reflective writing and literature review (50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.