Videos

These scenarios have been developed to stimulate reflection and discussion about several themes. These themes are drawn from interviews with supervisors and candidates from three universities, and the characters are composites of interviewees.

Scenarios are intended to provoke reflection, but deliberately do not provide solutions. Most of the scenarios display multilayered and complex situations – as happens in real life. They show the situation from the points of view of the candidate and supervisor

The issues portrayed often stem from a variety of interacting factors such as personality and individual circumstances as well as the cross-cultural context.

These scenarios are free for you to use and can be downloaded and used as often as necessary. Feel free to add a link from your website.

Some ideas for use:

as discussion starters for groups of supervisors and candidates;
to introduce discussion about particular themes;
for independent reflection about issues and solutions to problems;

Questions that might assist with reflection and with getting started with discussion might include:

What are the main issues portrayed in this video?
How is the situation different from point of view of supervisor or candidate?
What are some possible solutions to the issues raised?
Are there any legal and/or ethical aspects to these issues e.g. visa regulations?

Videos	Key Ideas		Transcript	Discussion Questions
Becoming a student again	handling criticism from supervisor and other students practicing oral presentations managing mature age cadidates or candidates who are mid-career professionals	providing critical feedback to candidates becoming a student again making sure candidates know what to expect about interactions with supervisor and other colleagues	transcript	download - pdf
The first meeting	importance of the first meeting mismatched expectations	role of supervisor similarities and differences between candidates	transcript	download - pdf
Having two supervisors	choosing supervisors managing disagreements between supervisors putting the student in the centre of a conflict between supervisors	where does the candidate go when there is a problem? communication between supervisors politely disagreeing with supervisors	transcript	download - pdf
Approaching the supervisor	arranging meetings helping students understand how to approach supervisor for help	setting the expectations to avoid misunderstandings being polite, but getting the help you need	transcript	download - pdf
Giving and receiving feedback	writing in academic English editing mature age candidates	providing useful feedback finding help for the candidate	transcript	download - pdf
Communicating Expectations	what is the main purpose of regular meetings?	coping with misunderstanding communication problems	transcript	download - pdf
Being international versus domestic	speaking up when you have a problem communication problems	additional needs of international students mismatched expectations	transcript	download - pdf
Whose Doctorate is it?	disagreement about when the thesis is ready for submission the need to publish results	different expectations about the purpose of a doctorate and doctoral supervision	transcript	download - pdf
Differing culture	understanding that sometimes there may be relaxed or casual approaches to work allowing time for settling in	working towards a positive relationship between the supervisor and candidate punctuality, or different understandings of what “being on time” means	transcript	download - pdf
Using communication technology	feelings of isolation recording interviews options for supervision when you are travelling	learning from other candidates creating a support group or research team for candidates	transcript	download - pdf

Group Content

Group Calendar

September 2010

Single page: Videos

Videos