This workshop is for university teachers interested in developing their supervisory skills. The focus is mainly on supervision of theses at bachelor level, but also supervision at both lower and higher levels in different programs is relevant.

About the workshop

Supervision is a challenging task and there are many pitfalls to watch out for. In some situations, you need to create a clear structure while other situations require you to let the student control the structure based on their needs. Sometimes you need to explain and inspire but sometimes it is better to listen and let the student formulate. It is good to stay focused on the text being produced, but it can also be valuable to allow yourself to broaden your perspective and think outside the box. Most of your attention should, of course, be devoted to discussing the thesis, but at the same time you may also need to take a step back and discuss the work process, the collaboration between you and how the student feels about the work. While most supervisors would agree that a balance is needed on these issues, finding that balance is not so easy. When supervision fails, it is often due to imbalances in any one of these areas.

In this workshop, you will get inspiration and tools to develop your supervisory skills. Before the workshop, each participant prepares by summarizing and reflecting on a challenging supervision situation. During the workshop, participants analyze these situations together to identify which imbalances could explain the challenge and which tools could contribute to more balanced supervision. The workshop leaders provide a structure for these discussions and also make shorter inputs such as reflections and references to higher education research.  

Workshop leaders are Aron Schoug, Senior lecturer at the Department of Education and Cormac McGrath, Associate Professor, Centre for the Advancement of University Teaching.

Preparations and litterature   

Before the workshop, prepare by summarizing and reflecting on a challenging supervision situation.

Registration

The workshop is aimed at all teaching staff and educational managers, regardless of subject affiliation, at Stockholm University. Participation is free of charge. Book your place in good time, as places are limited. First come, first served is applied.

Register here