Tag Archives: doctoral supervision

5 rookie researcher mistakes

August 14, 2014academicsacademics in higher education, conducting research, doctoral students, doctoral studies, doctoral supervision, grad students, thesisckosnik

As we get ready to start a new academic year, I (Clare) found this advice for new graduate students extremely helpful and accurate. Excellent suggestions relevant to all graduate students.

The Thesis Whisperer

One thing I have learned over the years I have been Whispering is, although the problems they face are similar, no two research students are alike. What works for one person may not work for another. For this reason I have developed a habit of ‘reverse advice’ lists, for example: “5 classic research presentation mistakes” “Are you getting in the way of your PhD?” , “5 ways to fail your PhD” and “5 ways to poster = fail”.

I like a reverse list because it highlights the problem more than the suggested solutions, leaving you free to choose your own.

This time of year I attend a lot of research student orientation sessions around RMIT, where I usually give my ‘top five newbie mistakes’ talk. I tell students there’s no need to take notes because I have blogged it (yet another reason to keep up a blog by the way)…

View original post 1,182 more words

J.J. Berry Smith Award Ceremony: Photo Array

May 31, 2014celebrationsClare Kosnik, doctoral supervision, graduate studies, higher education, J.J. Berry Smith, literacy teacher educators, University of Torontockosnik

Clare Kosnik awarded 2014 JJ Berry Smith Doctoral Supervision Award

May 29, 2014celebrations, graduate students, literacy, Literacy teacher educators, Teacher education2014 JJ Berry Smith Doctoral Supervision Award, awards, Clare Kosnik, doctoral supervision, grad students, OISE, PhD supervisor, U of TDr. Cathy Miyata

clare u of t Yesterday, we (Clare’s grad students) had the honour of seeing Clare awarded the 2014 JJ Berry Smith Doctoral Supervision Award. Professor Brian Corman, Dean of Graduate Studies (Uof T), acted as MC for the proceedings. Dean Corman reported there were many distinguished applications and the selection committee was under great pressure. However, the decision to award Clare was unanimous. 19 letters from present and former grad students were included in the application. Dean Corman shared some of the comments written in the letters: “epitome of a pedagogy of caring”, “challenged me to think deeply”, “met with me weekly, which after talking to other grad students, I realized other supervisors did not do”. Clearly, her students felt privileged to have worked and be working with her.

While accepting the award, Clare suggested doctoral supervision was a terrific topic for a research study. She shared that as she read the letters she was astounded by the differences in what the doctoral students said mattered to them. We hope someone takes Clare up on this suggestion. They should begin the study with Clare. Using her work ethic as a model, many other grad students might have the opportunity to work with a supervisor as dedicated, caring and wise as Clare.
Congratulations, Clare! Well deserved.