The Making of Doctoral Supervisors

With a wide range of international contributors, this book surveys how the main doctoral awarding countries across the globe define criteria for the eligibility of supervisors. It compares and contrasts their approaches, comments upon their robustness, and identifies examples of good practice.

The quality of supervision has been shown to be a major factor in determining the learning experiences of doctoral scholars and their chances of success. However, relatively little is known about the ways in which doctoral supervisors are selected for their roles, supported to perform them, and recognised for their efforts. This book looks at these matters in 21 major doctoral awarding countries, collectively responsible for over 90% of global doctoral awards. Each case study constitutes a stand-alone contribution to the literature on doctoral supervision in that country and:

• provides a brief introduction to the national context of doctoral education;
• outlines policies and procedures for the selection of supervisors;
• discusses the support and development available to supervisors and gives examples of good practice;
• comments on if and how supervision is recognised and rewarded.

Written by a distinguished international team of authors, The Making of Doctoral Supervisors will be of interest to all those engaged in doctoral education including policy makers, program leaders, supervisors, administrators, and scholars in the field.

Stan Taylor is an Honorary Professor of the School of Education and former Director of the Centre for Academic and Researcher Development at Durham University, UK.

Margaret Kiley holds an adjunct position in the Research School of Arts and Humanities at the Australian National University, Canberra.

Karri A. Holley is Professor of Higher Education at The University of Alabama, USA.