Professional in Supervision Wageningen University and Research

Overview

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 Professional in Supervision workshops at the Wageningen University and Research is the peer coaching meeting between day 2 and day 3 where the participants handle several real life practical cases.

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)

• The participants will be introduced to 4 phases and 4 ribbons.

The course is build up in 4 consecutive phases:

• Selection the PhD candidate (before the WUR gate)
• Road to Project Proposal and Go / No Go decision
• On-going business (incl. annual evaluation)
• 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:

• Effective Interaction (communication)

• Role and expectations of PhD and SV during supervision process towards independence

• Culture, Character, Competences during the 4 phases

• Writing moments, styles and moments