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Learning Objective 1: To appreciate the nature and quality of evidence for supervision of graduate students
Learning Objective 2: To critically debate the best available evidence for supervision of graduate students
Research supervision is a crucial factor impacting on both the quality of graduate education and the efficiency of the higher education system to deliver graduate students. The quality of supervision, the length of time to complete and the high percentage of students who terminate their studies is unacceptable. The aim of this study was to review of evidence on best practices of supervision in graduate research. In this paper I reflect on the nature of the evidence in relation to the findings.Methods
The review question “what are best practices in research supervision?” guided the ILR. Various data bases were systematically searched in a multi-staged search procedure to identify all scientific studies published in Afrikaans and English, including primary research studies, guidelines and policies. Ten studies complied with the selection criteria. Appropriate instruments from Critical Appraisal Skills Programme’s (CASP) were used to appraise the studies. Guidelines and policies from universities well-known for graduate supervision were analysed using content analysis.
Findings
No intervention studies could be identified. The nature of evidence consists primarily of descriptive and exploratory studies, and action research expert opinion and consensus statements. Ten studies were appraised and guidelines from seven universities were analysed. Best practices related to three themes, namely research supervision, process and outcomes were identified.
Discussion
The nature of the evidence consists primarily of expert opinion and consensus as well as reflection on intervention. In the absence of properly designed intervention studies, supervisors can use these guidelines as a starting point to improve the quality of supervision. However, there is an urgent need for properly designed intervention studies on best practices for postgraduate supervision.