Supervising a social science undergraduate dissertation: staff experiences and perceptions

Authors: Todd, Malcolm1; Smith, Karen1; Bannister, Phil1

Source: Teaching in Higher Education, Volume 11, Number 2, Number 2/April 2006 , pp. 161-173(13)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract:

This article reports on a research project that investigated the experiences and perceptions of staff supervising final year social science undergraduates enrolled on a dissertation module in a post-1992 UK university. Using data from semi-structured interviews, the article explores staffs perspectives of the supervision process, the different approaches taken by staff to supervision and the challenges they face in supporting students through the dissertation journey. The paper offers a picture of the dissertation supervisors' experiences and, it is hoped, will encourage other supervisors to interrogate their own supervision in light of the practice of colleagues.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/13562510500527693

Affiliations: 1: Sheffield Hallam University, UK

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