Nurturing Positive Atmosphere in Supervisor-Supervisee Relationship Throughout Postgraduate Studies

Nor ‘Adha Abdul Hamid; Rosfazila Abd Rahman; Norfaezah Mohd Hamidin

Nor ‘Adha Abdul Hamid
Rosfazila Abd Rahman
Norfaezah Mohd Hamidin

Abstract

Student supervision is directly related to student self-development and career. A good supervisor needs to carry out his or her responsibilities effectively towards completing research and student academic project reports. With this, supervisors should help, guide, advise motivate and give academic feedback to students. Students then take responsibility due to honoring the trust given by their supervisor. This study aims to identify the steps and roles that need to be played by supervisors in helping to create students who are able, to graduate within the stipulated period along with further establishing effective supervision. Therefore, two guidelines for student-supervisor relationships for effective supervision is discussed in its usage as guidelines by supervisors and students carrying out research at the postgraduate level. The objective of this study is to review past studies related to student-supervisor relationships in a positive environment and in creating an effective supervisory process. Next, the findings of previous studies are synthesized and summarized by presenting a discussion of specific guidelines to increase effectiveness in the practice and process of supervision of students. This study also simulates nine (9) case studies to address the issues encountered in supervision and discuss possible solutions to such problems. The study found that the supervision as a process of monitoring, assisting and motivating degree research candidates is to obtain quality learning outcomes. The nurturing practice of a positive supervisor-student relationship usually includes a combination of various factors such as the supervisor skills and commitment; the student abilities and commitment; and the existence of clear policies or guidelines at the university level to overcome problems related to candidates and ongoing research. When these three things are given attention by the individual concerned, then the effectiveness of the supervision can be enhanced and nurtured where individual can play a role and understand their respective responsibilities to embrace the supervisor-supervisee positive atmosphere.

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