Professional in Supervision of PhD candidates

This 3-day workshop is based on 4 phases during the 4 year programme and focusses on communications styles, coaching formats, leadership, cultural issues, distance based supervision, writing moments and personal needs related to supervision of PhD candidates. Much emphasis is placed on sharing knowledge and experiences, trying out new techniques and strategies, practicing with an actor and discussing other related issues to supervision. Another key element of these workshops is the peer coaching meeting between day 2 and day 3 where the participants handle several real life practical cases.

New to the workshop is that more emphasis is put on the supervision of the writing process and the specific role the supervisor plays.

Note that this training is credited in Tenure Track. 

Background

WGS organizes this workshop because:

• Supervision is a crucial factor in the success and duration of a PhD project.
• The PhD duration needs to be brought back to 4 years while keeping the quality at a high level and as such the urge for good supervision has increased.
• Supervisors themselves indicate a need in support to improve / strengthen their supervision skills given the developments within the scientific arena.

Specific goals of the workshop:

• After the Personal Intake (see programme below for specifics) the supervisor will be able to formulate his/her personal goals of learning and development
• Supervisors will share knowhow and experiences with colleagues and learn from these experiences
• Supervisors are aware of their own style of supervision, the strengths and possible pitfalls and how to deal with them
• Supervisors will make optimal use of their own capacities and those of others
• Supervisors will be able to apply various communication techniques
• Supervisors will practise the essential components of writing and coaching on this matter
• Supervisors will recognize different “types of PhD candidates” and subsequently learn how to apply various coaching styles
• Supervisors will learn their role and responsibility with regard to the research project (planning, focus and monitoring)

General Information 

Certificate: participants will receive an authentic certificate after completing the workshops.

Programme

The content of the 3-day course basically follows the entire PhD process from selection to graduation (focus lies on the different roles and expectations which PhD candidates and their supervisors go through during the 4 year programme).
The participants will be introduced to 4 phases and 4 ribbons.

4 Phases

The course is build up in 4 consecutive phases:

1. Selection the PhD candidate (before the WUR gate)
2. Road to Project Proposal and Go / No Go decision
3. On-going business (incl. annual evaluation)
4. Last legs of road to finalize the PhD

4 Ribbons

These are important items that continuously play a vital role during the entire PhD supervision. These ribbons are intertwined in the course as:

1. Effective Interaction (communication)
2. Role and expectations of PhD and SV during supervision process towards independence
3. Culture, Character, Competences during the 4 phases
4. Writing moments, styles and moments

The Programme consists of three parts:

PART 1: Personal Meeting
Before the workshop starts each participant will have a personal meeting with the consultants. The personal meeting will serve as an input for a tailor made workshop closely related to the individual needs of the participants. Furthermore, we expect from each participant to formulate his/her personal goals to be achieved.

PART 2: Day 1 & 2 of the supervisory workshops
The exact programme of the workshops will be based on the outcome of the Personal Intakes. The focus of the supervisory workshops will be on two different levels: (A) awareness & recognition and (B) training and sharing skills.
Please note: on the evening of day 1 a team play is organised. Before the workshop starts, participants will fill out a team role test which is crucial for the team play. In the afternoon of day 2 the training actor will be present.

Between day 2 and day 3: 2 groups will be formed to practice one peer coaching session to share experience, practice a real life case and reflect on professional behaviour.

PART 3: Day 3 of supervisory workshops
Four weeks after day 2, the third day is organised where the toolbox of the supervisors will become more taylor-made. Participants will reflect on what they have learned during day 1 and day 2, and on what they have experienced/practised during the peer coaching meeting and the personal action plan. Much emphasis will be placed on various coaching styles and cultural issues. Participants can practise and develop their own style in role plays. In the afternoon of day 3 the training actor will be present.

Fee

Cancellation condition

You may cancel free of charge up to four weeks before the start of the course. After this date you will be charged the University fee. Unless:

• You can find someone to replace you in the course and supply the course coordinator with the name and contact information of your replacement.
  In this case you will only be charged a € 50,- cancellation fee.
• For staff of Wageningen University: when you have a valid reason to cancel (illness or death in the family 1st or 2nd degree).
  In this case you will be charged the reduced fee and your supervisor/superior must send a mail indicating the reason for cancellation.

Information

For more information please contact Claudius.vandeVijver@wur.nl / Tel: 0317-485116