A collaborative partnership approach to virtual research supervision

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.