Research supervision: training, process and experience

In the UK, mandatory training of research supervisors has grown significantly since 2001. In an attempt to address this challenge, universities have encouraged their supervisors to undergo a variety of training schemes ranging from award courses over a year to weekend residential courses. This paper highlights the need for supervisor research education, the role of supervisors training in translating theory into practice and the students' perceptions of the current process. It was concluded that supervisor training and development is a valid mean in translating theory into practice and improving the research supervision process. Moreover, the enculturation of students into professional communities is considered to be an excellent way forward that would significantly empower research students to generate their own definitions of good performance in higher education.