Abstract:
The paper outlines an approach to research supervision based on collaborative partnership
with and between research students in both face-to-face and virtual learning environments. The approach
uses collaborative team-based approaches to encourage transparency and students' active participation
and inclusion in developing common goals and making decisions, leading to quality research process and
outcomes. Collaborative decisions are made about planning, methodology, interpretation, and
presentation of research outcomes. Information and communication technologies and online learning
environments are used to foster and enhance communication and co-creation between participants
whether on campus or at a distance. The approach intends to assist students to produce high quality
postgraduate research as well as promoting broader research education outcomes such as the capacity for
lifelong learning, critically reflective practice, research project management and teamwork.
The paper reports on the authors' experiences of two different forms of partnership with research students
and makes suggestions for supervisors and students working within a collaborative partnership model. It
was noticed that virtual supervision works more effectively when students are aware of the potentials and
limitations of the virtual environment, and when supervisors prepare students to actively engage in the
partnership process.
