Supervision of distance and part-time higher degree research students

Today I coordinated a supervisory workshop for the CSU Research Office titled "Supervision of distance, remote and part-time higher degree research students" The workshop was attended by academics from four universities (Australian National University, University of Canberra, Charles Sturt University, and University of New South Wales).
The other presenters were
Rob Doubleday, Manager, Research Policy and Coordinator | CSU Research Office

Dr Rod Pope, Head, Research Professional Development Programs | CSU Research Office

Kate Crowe, PhD student, Faculty of Education, CSU.

As part of my presentation I discussed practices of effective supervisors (based on James and Baldwin, 1999) that required special consideration when working with part-time distance students (see asterisked points):

"FOUNDATIONS

1.Ensure partnership is right for project

2.*Get to know students and carefully assess their needs

3.*Establish reasonable, agreed expectations

4.Work with students to establish a strong conceptual structure and research plan

MOMENTUM

5. Encourage students to write early and often

6. *Initiate regular contact and provide high quality feedback

7. *Get students into the life of the department

8. Inspire and motivate

9. *Help if academic and personal crises crop up

FINAL STAGES

10. Take an active interest in students’ future careers

11. Carefully monitor the final production and presentation of the research"

James, R., & Baldwin, G. (1999). Eleven practices of effective postgraduate supervisors. Parkville VIC: University of Melbourne.