Research to date on the examination process for postgraduate research theses has focused largely deconstruction of examiners' reports. This article reports a study processes that experienced examiners go through, and judgements they make before writing their A sample 30 (defined as having examined equivalent at least five over last years), from range disciplines in universities was interviewed. Clear trends emerged with regard to: criteria used by levels student performance expected them;...

Most work on threshold concepts has hitherto related to discipline‐specific undergraduate education, however, the idea of generic doctoral‐level appeared us provide a strong and useful framework support research learning teaching at graduate level. The early regarding research‐level is further developed reported in this paper using carried out with supervisors into their identification students' crossing these thresholds. was conducted two stages involving 65 experienced across six countries...

Abstract In this article I argue that doctoral candidates undertake a form of rite passage, generally incorporating several shorter rites during their candidature three to five years. Furthermore, there are times research education when many demonstrate through writing, presentation, discussion, and even demeanour, they have undergone change in the way understand learning themselves as learners. These changes, it is suggested, indicate candidate has encountered threshold concept crossed...

Within the overall theme of this special issue re-theorising doctoral education, article examines outcomes a policy adjustment in centralised higher education system, and its impact on research supervision practices. Using Australian programs as case study, focus here is rethinking supervision, training supervisors, response to various policy, social educational changes by government: particular, funding formulae criteria. Following brief discussion developments government related past 10–15...

A well‐developed and researched conceptual framework exists for identifying undergraduate students' conceptions of learning. In addition, research has been reported on teachers' teaching as they relate to their The in this paper takes the existing into a new area, postgraduate supervisors' "research". It is hypothesized that development identifies "research", how these articulate with held by supervisors, will enable support mechanisms be developed used assist students early candidature....

One issue universities face is the need to demonstrate excellence in postgraduate research supervision at individual, faculty and university level. While poor might become obvious over time, with grievances, withdrawals completion times rates, this paper focuses specifically on identifying demonstrating supervisory excellence. Currently, amount range of evidence used support claims tends be limited, leaving supervisors, faculties institutions a position where remains difficult. This proposes...

Existing literature suggests that a particular learning challenge for some doctoral candidates is coming to an understanding the concept of theory, use theory frame research as well theorising findings. The has been identified Threshold Concept taking into account characteristics these concepts outlined by Meyer and Land. However, there little work focused on strategies supervisors adopt help them move from liminal 'stuck' space not understanding, crossing conceptual threshold following...

The use of external examiners in the doctoral assessment process is seen as a quality assurance most higher education systems. This article suggests that selection critical aspect process. Interview analysis highlights professional/academic considerations involved selecting suitable examiners, well somewhat more difficult to determine personality issues. Most findings lead an appreciation experienced supervisors see one their roles protecting students from ‘bad and mad’, looking for those...

Most research into supervision practice focuses on functional, collegial or problematic power-related experiences. Work developing the supervisory role concentrates new supervisors, and taught development support programmes. literature academics' professional learning to be a university teacher and, latterly, researcher. However, supervisor's is constantly evolving in response experiences with students, reflection this can contribute learning. Initial suggests examiners learn from examining...

Although there have been increasing attempts to involve undergraduate students in conducting research, a pivotal moment when engage knowledge production is during honours programmes. Honours programmes, particularly those Australia, seek develop students' capacity higher order thinking that may lead production. This transition facilitated through advanced disciplinary knowledge, research training and project. However, pedagogical tension between requiring this deeper level of inquiry at the...

Learning a scientific way of thinking is fundamental aim university education. It means that there are certain skills students across all disciplines should learn during their studies. For example, critical and reasoning essential for graduates. In addition, expected to achieve skill levels related research, example: learning the basic concepts science research methodology, understanding process nature origins knowledge. We call these competence see as one main elements . assume starting...

Within Australian universities the results of Honours have traditionally been used as main entry requirement for a research degree and means ranking scholarships. But despite critical role Honours, there has little about Honours. There is an untested assumption that offering programmes, staff teaching them, students undertaking them share common assumptions their purpose. To test this researchers undertook initial study across five in two different disciplines, to identify extent which...

Just over a decade ago, the Australian Government introduced funding mechanisms which aimed at reducing doctoral candidates' attrition rate and completion times, increasing reported student satisfaction. This study looks for any evidence of impact on universities' research education programmes as result introduction these mechanisms.

Work in 1997 on Australian research postgraduate student mobility indicated that most students chose to remain at their current institution undertake a degree rather than move elsewhere, and they were unlikely seek widely for information. The present study aimed determine, 7 years later, if there had been changes or the way which sought results show is virtually same with only 12 per cent of respondents indicating planning accept scholarship masters doctorate different university State...

In this paper we argue that the terms 'profession', 'professional' and 'professionalism' provide us with important insights into practice of dentistry priorities for continuing development as a profession. More significantly, suggest understanding can assist in designing professional (CPD) programmes aimed at maintaining professionalism dentists throughout their working lives. A CPD framework is required to support both new graduate develop from novice expert well experienced practitioners...

Purpose This paper aims to reflect on the development of Australian doctoral education after program commenced, initially at University Melbourne, following end Second World War. Design/methodology/approach While utilizing rich literature in Australia, adopts a chronological approach key issues that have had particular impact doctorate since mid-1980s. Findings Three major reports PhD which was based Oxbridge model supervisor/candidate with little or no coursework. Originality/value...

In this paper, we focus on professional development for senior academic staff, in particular, doctoral supervisors. Using an authentic case as example of a long-term, comprehensive, and mandatory program analyse the challenges benefits such identify issues consideration. The main include: 1) need strong incentive structures initiated by top management; 2) teaching principles that are aligned with group academics; 3) well-evaluated course that, long term, encourages supervisors to participate...

The focus of this paper is on student learning pathways – with particular reference to the factors motivating coursework master's students seek entry a doctoral programme along implications for higher education policy and practice. It argued nationally internationally that although number challenges continue confront those responsibility teaching supervising students, there are opportunities renewal especially in terms provision enhanced support. Located within an international context...

This paper reports on implementing learning plans at an Australian university and their perceived use in supporting doctoral candidates' professional academic development. The implementation of individualised for candidates was the outcome university-wide discussions regarding coursework PhD. Based a review literature evaluative comments from staff, need plan identified. Driven by institute-specific outcomes candidates, we developed online plan, referred to as MyPLAN. Preliminary findings...