Towards Institutionalized Knowledge-Based PhD Supervision: What Is Key?
Abstract
Institutions of higher learning especially universities, are very aware of the core mandate they have, i.e. to produce very high-quality researchers, capable of carrying out both Basic and Applied Research for society transformation. Behind the scenes of producing these expected high caliber researchers is a rigorous process managed by supervisors and mentors who subscribe to different supervision philosophies. PhD supervisors tend to fall in two major categories i.e. Knowledge-based and Experience-based. Much as it is believed that, Experience-based supervision, is more supervisor centered, in certain situations it becomes very practical depending on the type of student or the kind of task being handled in the PhD supervision journey. Also, depending on the cultures, perceptions, the context, among others, some PhD students may be derailed by the laxity they may perceive in the, Knowledge-based supervision philosophy which is believed to be more student centered. Much as in PhD supervision the context matters, but what parameters are ’Key’ in the prevailing situation or context? This position paper, set out to discuss six (6) ’Key’ parameters, towards institutionalized Knowledge-based PhD supervision.
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