Making the most of your project writting or supervusion experience

Special Study Centre National Assembly, Abuja.

A presentation by Iyke Ezeugo Member, Global Doctoral Consortium (GDC) of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)

+234-703-4720-386 // [email protected]

Thesis Writing and Supervision

1

23rd September 2016

mailto:[email protected]

Iyke Ezeugo // email: [email protected] 2

Preambles

This presentation is at the instance of Professor Joy Eyisi, the Director, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Special Study Centre, National Assembly (SSCNA). It is meant to help

students and supervisors appreciate the purpose, intrinsic values and the critical requirements for successful thesis writing and

supervision.

The goal is to help both the students and academic project supervisors understand how they can make the most of the

opportunity offered in academic project writing and supervision exercise to enhance the quality of their products so as to make

themselves and the school justifiably proud.

Thesis Writing and Supervision:


Making the most of your Thesis writing and supervision experience

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Introduction

1. What is it?

2. Why is it necessary

3. How best can it be started?

4. How best can it be organised?

5. How is best can it be supervised?

6. How is it planned, executed and delivered?

Thesis basic questions:

Iyke Ezeugo // email: [email protected]

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Thesis / Dissertation: What?

Thesis / Dissertation is a supervised independent academic research project and findings report presented for higher academic degree award.

Note: In some countries like the Americas, the term "thesis" is used either for bachelor's or master's degree whereas "dissertation" is used for Doctorate Degree; in other countries like the United Kingdom, "dissertation“ is used for Masters. Therefore, don’t let the name confuse you, the meaning is about the same thing, the project is only what your university has called it ant he Universities usually will give the project a name based on the countries education system alignment.

Thesis / Dissertation: Why?


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Proof of learning - A capstone of your

learning in your field of study

RESEARCH - equipping with scientific problem-solving skills &

communication in methodical ways

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1. It is started with Purposeful learning.

2. Understand and follow applicable scientific problem-solving method.

3. Seeking information while applying intellectual, organizational, time management and communication skills

4. Setting your eyes on the goal will

help you not to give up in the most challenging situations

Thesis / Dissertation: How best to start?


Making the most of your thesis writing and supervision experience

Food for thought: Truthfully, while students are usually trained for research through the usual research methodology programs or project preparatory training, THERE IS NO

REAL FORMAL TRAINING FOR ACADEMIC PROJECTS SUPERVISORS. You know the implication? ….it is like issuing drivers license without training and driving test.

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1. Thesis pre-project engagement preparations

2. Ideal relationship between the student and the project supervisor

3. Important but de-emphasized roles of the Supervisor

4. Strategies for delivering exceptional results in project supervisor

5. Structuring the whole process for achieving the University’s goals and upholding its integrity, vision and values.

6. The unique values that this process adds to the university, the supervisor, the student and the larger society.

Focus Areas

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Thesis pre-project engagement preparations

Pre-project engagement preparations


Who

How

Why

What

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Pre-project engagement preparations: Who?

Pre-project engagement preparations: How?


Invest time in understanding what it is for and why

Go all out to understand precisely what to do and how to do it

pre-project engagement preparations: Why?


Primarily purposed for helping students understand the methodology of RESEARCH or how research it is done - the

series of actions and steps necessary to effectively carry out research and the desired sequencing of these steps.

To familiarize students with the importance of research and prepare them for quality research.

To practice the technicalities of research and writing articles/dissertations/thesis

Pre-project engagement preparations: What?


Student must demonstrate

understanding of what is research, why and how it is done; what it entails with respect to his/her

institution and programme requirements.

Supervisor must demonstrate

understanding of what academic project supervision entails, its

PROCESSES and the art of mentoring in the context of project supervision.

Plagiarism Issues


Know the consequences of plagiarism beforehand


What is plagiarism? Any materials copied from another person’s work, even it is placed between

quotes that is not properly cited is considered as plagiarism. The value of ensuring that the thesis you produce or supervise is and original work cannot be

overemphasized – besides the fact that plagiarism is criminal and forbidden, it is a shame and an education inhibitor.

Get yourself acquainted

with the consequences of plagiarism beforehand

Avoid plagiarism


Culled from: http://www.elearners.com/education-resources/online-learning/how-to-avoid-plagiarism/

http://www.elearners.com/education-resources/online-learning/how-to-avoid-plagiarism/












Let the Student know the consequences of plagiarism beforehand


Include a plagiarism policy in your course outline

It is ideal for schools to

have a plagiarism policy in their syllabus or school

handbook – such will give students the opportunity to

have a clear and detailed guide to the school stance

on plagiarism.

use a plagiarism checker Always use the checker and be familiar with the knowledge base, experience level, and skill sets of your student to be alert to plagiarism. Plagiarism checkers enable both the student

and supervisor to create meaningful learning experiences.

Plagiarism Checking Tools


Some Free and affordable online plagiarism checkers 1) http://www.duplichecker.com

2) https://copyleaks.com

3) http://www.paperrater.com

4) http://plagiarisma.net

5) http://www.plagiarismchecker.com

6) http://www.plagscan.com/plagiarism-check/

7) http://www.plagtracker.com

8) http://www.quetext.com/

9) http://www.plagium.com

10) http://www.scanmyessay.com

http://www.duplichecker.com/



https://copyleaks.com/

https://copyleaks.com/

http://www.paperrater.com/

http://www.paperrater.com/

http://plagiarisma.net/

http://plagiarisma.net/

http://www.plagiarismchecker.com/

http://www.plagiarismchecker.com/

http://www.plagscan.com/plagiarism-check/



http://www.plagtracker.com/

http://www.plagtracker.com/

http://www.quetext.com/

http://www.plagium.com/

http://www.plagium.com/

http://www.scanmyessay.com/

http://www.scanmyessay.com/


OTHER FACTORS: Understanding Research as a Process


Education is not all about getting literate, but to become a better human being

It makes us a better human being. It makes us independent. It makes us self-confident. It develops the decision-making power of what is right and wrong. It removes the superstitions. It saves us from getting fooled. The Thesis part equips us with knowledge and its practical applications


… a process of inquiry and investigation which must be systematic, SCIENTIFIC, METHODOLOGICAL and ethical purposed for solving practical problems and increase

knowledge. …search for knowledge pertinent information on a specific topic.

Understanding Research as a Process


scientific method is the pursuit of truth through logical considerations. …to discover a systematic interrelation of facts by experimentation, observation, logical arguments from accepted postulates and a

combination of these three in varying proportions.

Understanding Thesis as a scientific method of addressing real-life needs

Culled from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method


Understanding Thesis / Dissertation process

Culled from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4433299608792536/


Thesis / Dissertation content overview

Culled was from: https://student.unsw.edu.au/thesis-structure

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Ideal relationship between a postgraduate student and the

project supervisor

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PROVIDE GUIDANCE about the nature of research, requirements , standards expected, choice of research topic, and acquisition of the requisite research skills.

PROVIDE RESEARCH PROPOSAL GUIDE that complies with the requirements – Start by discussing the research idea, and later by offering detailed feedback on draft research proposals.

KEEP WRITTEN RECORD of supervisory meetings with respect to agreed work plans and required actions.

Ideal supervisor / student relationship: Supervisor’s roles

MAKE YOUR SELF ACCESSIBLE and avoid whatsoever that will look like harassment

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Respond to requests in a timely manner and give useful progress reports or academic feedback on the thesis chapters on a sliding scale

Carefully monitor performance relative to the standard required for the degree, promptly alert student of inadequate progress or standards of work, by specifying the problems and discussing ways of addressing them.

Assist in the development of research and writing skills, but do not serve as the student’s editor.

Ideal supervisor / student relationship: Supervisor’s roles

Play the role of a MENTOR

How the Supervisor can play the role of a mentor


The SUPERVISOR is the school approved project advisor, academic guide,

quality assurer and a MENTOR.

He/she is a senior

colleague / advanced researcher that is able to advise on technical and methodological issues, and discuss the project content and subject-

matter.

TEACH

INSPIRE

The Supervisor: what shouldn’t be


The supervisor must recognise his role is to guide through the muddle of regulation and requirements, offer suggestions and do some teaching around issues such as methodology,

research practice and process, and be sensitive to the life-cycle of the process.

Students attempt to clone the supervisor

Disguised Extortion;

Remote / Ghost supervision.

The chum – overfamiliarity and drawn into family and friendship networks.

Big public profile that have no time for your work.

Combatant: intellectual torment -The student is made to feel worthless and stupid

The Supervisor: what shouldn’t be


Creepy crawlers: stalking games

between supervisors and students with an

unhealthy and unrequited sexual

obsession

Captivate and con: supervisor and student entering into a sexual relationship for a number of reasons.

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Ideal supervisor / student relationship: Student’s roles

1) Let dignity, respect, and courtesy be your watchword

2) Be ready to work and make yourself available

3) Show respect for privacy 4) Imbibe honesty and research

Ethics 5) Discuss and Negotiate the terms

of your working relationship. 6) Initiate interaction with your

supervisor. 7) Communicate effectively

Follow your supervisor’s advice; Don’t delay and Don’t expect your supervisor to spoon-feed you. Earn your degree!


Discuss your expectations concerning the kind of guidance and feedback you wish to receive.

Diligently study and Carefully apply your supervisor’s advice.

Initiate contact and request meetings.

Imbibe the right attitude

Abide by the approved research proposal.

Work diligently and steadily.

Respect your supervisor's space and time

Ideal supervisor / student relationship: Student’s roles

Image was culled from: http://breakyourshackles.com/lawofattraction/motivation-and-attitude/attitude-is-indeed-everything/

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Structuring the whole process for achieving the University’s goals and upholding its

integrity, vision and values.


36 Iyke Ezeugo // email: [email protected]

Consider giving template in most stages

Regular training and retraining

Regular review of the Students work

Try some motivational and material incentives

Maintain integrity at all cost

Do all to preserve the image, reputation , pride and values of the school

Structuring the process for achieving the University’s goals

Image was culled from: http://lacrossevictoria.com.au/administrators/play-by-the-rules/

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Important but de-emphasized roles of the Supervisor



Go beyond just playing the conventional supervision roles which focus only on providing management and direction for the

project.

The Supervisor as a mentor


See your candidate as your colleague in training: the supervisor could not have approved a project he/she has already researched fully. When a candidate is treated as a colleague in training, the

relationship is always on a professional basis, where the individual and their work

is held in respect.

Ideally, all academic projects’ supervision

relationships should be based on mentoring rapport.

Unfortunately, there is often little training or desire to develop the role ….only few supervisors are skilled in dealing with the

emotional issues associated with career development.

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The Supervisor as a mentor:


Is there any value of increasing

counselling and mentoring care

for higher degree research

students?

The role of a mentor is one that combines elements of counselling, tailored organisational, social and psychological

support for the higher degree research students.


What is the rationale for higher degree student mentor role by the project supervisor?

Could the creation of this role only be proposed as a means of

increasing student satisfaction and retention?






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Strategies for delivering exceptional results in project supervision



Dedication, creativity and sacrifices within the boundary lines

Strategies for delivering exceptional results in project supervision

…it pays to: Selflessly give back to academia Build a legacy that you will

certainly reap from when you will need it at a much later time

Find satisfaction in the privilege of augmenting output

Build someone, invest into human, its never a loss

Build a network, trend, etc. Make a change that will out live

your generation ...much more than money is easily exhausted

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The unique values that this process adds to the university, the supervisor, the student

and the larger society.


FOR ALL PARTIES: discuss

Excellence in learning, in practice, and in academic products Proficiency in scientific problem-solving skills Dignity for the student, supervisor and the school Pride of achievement for all parties Versatility in your practice, viability and motivation for greater exploits in

academics Resourcefulness for both the student and the supervisor Better rating for the school and its products

The unique values that this process adds to the university, the supervisor, the student and the larger society.

The unique values of effective supervision.


IT IS ACTUALLY

Recommended reading materials


Good Practice in the Supervision & Mentoring of Postgraduate Students: It Takes an Academy to Raise a Scholar By:

Catherine Chiappetta-Swanson, PhD Educational Consultant Susan Watt, DSW, RSW Susan Watt, DSW, RSW Professor

© McMaster University, 2011 Centre for Leadership in Learning. E-Book can be accessed from: https://cll.mcmaster.ca/resources/pdf/Supervision%20&%20Mentoring%20of%20Postgrad%20Students.pdf

The Student/Supervisor Relationship When Supervision goes BAD By; Curtin Student Guide, accessible from: http://hgso.curtin.edu.au/pdf/Student-Supervisor%20conflict.pdf

https://cll.mcmaster.ca/resources/pdf/Supervision & Mentoring of Postgrad Students.pdf



http://hgso.curtin.edu.au/pdf/Student-Supervisor conflict.pdf








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