Making the most of your project writting or supervusion experience

Special Study Centre National Assembly, Abuja.
A presentation by Iyke Ezeugo
Member, Global Doctoral Consortium (GDC) of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)
+234-703-4720-386 // iykye@yahoo.com
Thesis Writing and Supervision
1
23rd September 2016

Iyke Ezeugo // email: iykye@yahoo.com 2
Preambles
This presentation is at the instance of Professor Joy Eyisi, the
Director, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Special
Study Centre, National Assembly (SSCNA). It is meant to help
students and supervisors appreciate the purpose, intrinsic values
and the critical requirements for successful thesis writing and
supervision.
The goal is to help both the students and academic project
supervisors understand how they can make the most of the
opportunity offered in academic project writing and supervision
exercise to enhance the quality of their products so as to make
themselves and the school justifiably proud.

Thesis Writing and Supervision:
Making the most of your Thesis
writing and supervision experience

4
Introduction
1. What is it?
2. Why is it necessary
3. How best can it be started?
4. How best can it be organised?
5. How is best can it be supervised?
6. How is it planned, executed and delivered?
Thesis basic questions:
Iyke Ezeugo // email: iykye@yahoo.com

5
Thesis / Dissertation: What?
Thesis / Dissertation is a supervised independent
academic research project and findings report
presented for higher academic degree award.
Note: In some countries like the Americas, the term "thesis" is used either
for bachelor's or master's degree whereas "dissertation" is used for Doctorate
Degree; in other countries like the United Kingdom, "dissertation“ is used for Masters.
Therefore, don’t let the name confuse you, the meaning is about the same thing, the
project is only what your university has called it ant he Universities usually will give the
project a name based on the countries education system alignment.

Thesis / Dissertation: Why?
Real-Life
knowledge
applications
Proof of learning -
A capstone of your
learning in your
field of study
RESEARCH -
equipping with scientific
problem-solving skills &
communication in
methodical ways

7
1. It is started with Purposeful
learning.
2. Understand and follow
applicable scientific problem-
solving method.
3. Seeking information while applying
intellectual, organizational, time
management and communication
skills
4. Setting your eyes on the goal will
help you not to give up in the most
challenging situations
Thesis / Dissertation: How best to start?

Making the most of your thesis writing and
supervision experience
Food for thought: Truthfully, while students are usually trained for research through
the usual research methodology programs or project preparatory training, THERE IS NO
REAL FORMAL TRAINING FOR ACADEMIC PROJECTS SUPERVISORS. You know the
implication? ….it is like issuing drivers license without training and driving test.

9
1. Thesis pre-project engagement preparations
2. Ideal relationship between the student and the project
supervisor
3. Important but de-emphasized roles of the Supervisor
4. Strategies for delivering exceptional results in project
supervisor
5. Structuring the whole process for achieving the University’s
goals and upholding its integrity, vision and values.
6. The unique values that this process adds to the university,
the supervisor, the student and the larger society.
Focus Areas

10
Thesis pre-project engagement
preparations

Pre-project engagement preparations
Who
How
Why
What

12
Pre-project engagement preparations: Who?

Pre-project engagement preparations: How?
13
Invest time in understanding what it is for and why
Go all out to understand precisely what to do and how to do it

pre-project engagement preparations: Why?
Primarily purposed for helping students understand the
methodology of RESEARCH or how research it is done - the
series of actions and steps necessary to effectively carry out
research and the desired sequencing of these steps.
 To familiarize students with the
importance of research and
prepare them for quality research.
 To practice the technicalities of
research and writing
articles/dissertations/thesis

Pre-project engagement preparations: What?
Student must demonstrate
understanding of what is research,
why and how it is done; what it
entails with respect to his/her
institution and programme
requirements.
Supervisor must demonstrate
understanding of what academic
project supervision entails, its
PROCESSES and the art of mentoring in
the context of project supervision.

Plagiarism Issues

Know the consequences of plagiarism beforehand
What is plagiarism?
Any materials copied from another person’s work, even it is placed between
quotes that is not properly cited is considered as plagiarism. The value of ensuring
that the thesis you produce or supervise is and original work cannot be
overemphasized – besides the fact that plagiarism is criminal and forbidden, it is a
shame and an education inhibitor.
Get yourself
acquainted
with the
consequences
of plagiarism
beforehand

Avoid plagiarism
Culled from: http://www.elearners.com/education-resources/online-learning/how-to-avoid-plagiarism/

Let the Student know the consequences of plagiarism beforehand
Include a plagiarism policy
in your course outline
It is ideal for schools to
have a plagiarism policy in
their syllabus or school
handbook – such will give
students the opportunity to
have a clear and detailed
guide to the school stance
on plagiarism.
use a plagiarism checker
Always use the checker and be familiar with the knowledge base, experience level, and skill
sets of your student to be alert to plagiarism. Plagiarism checkers enable both the student
and supervisor to create meaningful learning experiences.

Plagiarism Checking Tools
Some Free and affordable online plagiarism checkers
1) http://www.duplichecker.com
2) https://copyleaks.com
3) http://www.paperrater.com
4) http://plagiarisma.net
5) http://www.plagiarismchecker.com
6) http://www.plagscan.com/plagiarism-check/
7) http://www.plagtracker.com
8) http://www.quetext.com/
9) http://www.plagium.com
10) http://www.scanmyessay.com

OTHER FACTORS:
Understanding Research as a Process

Education is not all about getting literate, but to
become a better human being
It makes us a better human being.
It makes us independent.
It makes us self-confident.
It develops the decision-making power of
what is right and wrong.
It removes the superstitions.
It saves us from getting fooled.
The Thesis part equips us with knowledge and
its practical applications

… a process of inquiry and investigation which must be
systematic, SCIENTIFIC, METHODOLOGICAL and ethical
purposed for solving practical problems and increase
knowledge. …search for knowledge pertinent
information on a specific topic.
Understanding Research as a Process

scientific method is the pursuit of truth through logical considerations. …to discover a systematic
interrelation of facts by experimentation, observation, logical arguments from accepted postulates and a
combination of these three in varying proportions.
Understanding Thesis as a scientific method of addressing real-life needs
Culled from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scienti
fic_method

Understanding Thesis / Dissertation process
Culled from:
https://www.pinterest.com/pi
n/4433299608792536/

Thesis / Dissertation content overview
Culled was from: https://student.unsw.edu.au/thesis-structure

27
Ideal relationship between a
postgraduate student and the
project supervisor

28
 PROVIDE GUIDANCE about the nature of
research, requirements , standards
expected, choice of research topic, and
acquisition of the requisite research
skills.
 PROVIDE RESEARCH PROPOSAL GUIDE
that complies with the requirements –
Start by discussing the research idea,
and later by offering detailed feedback
on draft research proposals.
 KEEP WRITTEN RECORD of supervisory
meetings with respect to agreed work
plans and required actions.
Ideal supervisor / student relationship: Supervisor’s roles
 MAKE YOUR SELF ACCESSIBLE and
avoid whatsoever that will look like
harassment

29
 Respond to requests in a timely
manner and give useful progress
reports or academic feedback on the
thesis chapters on a sliding scale
 Carefully monitor performance
relative to the standard required for
the degree, promptly alert student
of inadequate progress or standards
of work, by specifying the problems
and discussing ways of addressing
them.
 Assist in the development of
research and writing skills, but do
not serve as the student’s editor.
Ideal supervisor / student relationship: Supervisor’s roles
Play the role of a
MENTOR

How the Supervisor can play the role of a mentor
The SUPERVISOR is the
school approved project
advisor, academic guide,
quality assurer and a
MENTOR.
He/she is a senior
colleague / advanced
researcher that is able to
advise on technical and
methodological issues,
and discuss the project
content and subject-
matter.
TEACH
INSPIRE

The Supervisor: what shouldn’t be
The supervisor must recognise his role is to guide through the muddle of regulation and
requirements, offer suggestions and do some teaching around issues such as methodology,
research practice and process, and be sensitive to the life-cycle of the process.
 Students attempt to clone the supervisor
 Disguised Extortion;
 Remote / Ghost supervision.
 The chum – overfamiliarity and drawn into
family and friendship networks.
 Big public profile that have no time for your
work.
 Combatant: intellectual torment -The student is
made to feel worthless and stupid

The Supervisor: what shouldn’t be
Creepy crawlers:
stalking games
between
supervisors and
students with an
unhealthy and
unrequited sexual
obsession
Captivate and con: supervisor and student entering
into a sexual relationship for a number of reasons.

33
Ideal supervisor / student relationship: Student’s roles
1) Let dignity, respect, and courtesy
be your watchword
2) Be ready to work and make
yourself available
3) Show respect for privacy
4) Imbibe honesty and research
Ethics
5) Discuss and Negotiate the terms
of your working relationship.
6) Initiate interaction with your
supervisor.
7) Communicate effectively
Follow your supervisor’s advice; Don’t delay and Don’t expect
your supervisor to spoon-feed you. Earn your degree!

 Discuss your expectations
concerning the kind of guidance
and feedback you wish to receive.
 Diligently study and Carefully
apply your supervisor’s advice.
 Initiate contact and request
meetings.
 Imbibe the right attitude
 Abide by the approved
research proposal.
 Work diligently and steadily.
 Respect your supervisor's
space and time
Ideal supervisor / student relationship: Student’s roles
Image was culled from:
http://breakyourshackles.com/lawofattraction/motivation-and-attitude/attitude-
is-indeed-everything/

35
Structuring the whole process for achieving
the University’s goals and upholding its
integrity, vision and values.

36Iyke Ezeugo // email: iykye@yahoo.com
 Consider giving template in most
stages
 Regular training and retraining
 Regular review of the Students work
 Try some motivational and material
incentives
 Maintain integrity at all cost
 Do all to preserve the image,
reputation , pride and values of the
school
Structuring the process for achieving the University’s goals
Image was culled from:
http://lacrossevictoria.com.au/administrators/play-by-the-rules/

37
Important but de-emphasized roles
of the Supervisor

Go beyond just playing the conventional supervision roles which
focus only on providing management and direction for the
project.

The Supervisor as a mentor
See your candidate as your colleague in
training: the supervisor could not have
approved a project he/she has already
researched fully. When a candidate is
treated as a colleague in training, the
relationship is always on a professional
basis, where the individual and their work
is held in respect.
Ideally, all academic projects’ supervision
relationships should be based on mentoring rapport.
Unfortunately, there is often little training or desire to develop
the role ….only few supervisors are skilled in dealing with the
emotional issues associated with career development.

40
The Supervisor as a mentor:
Is there any value
of increasing
counselling and
mentoring care
for higher degree
research
students?
The role of a mentor is one that combines elements of
counselling, tailored organisational, social and psychological
support for the higher degree research students.

What is the rationale for higher degree student mentor role by the
project supervisor?
Could the creation of this role only be proposed as a means of
increasing student satisfaction and retention?

44
Strategies for delivering exceptional
results in project supervision

Dedication, creativity and sacrifices within the boundary lines
Strategies for delivering exceptional results in project
supervision
…it pays to:
 Selflessly give back to academia
 Build a legacy that you will
certainly reap from when you
will need it at a much later time
 Find satisfaction in the privilege
of augmenting output
 Build someone, invest into
human, its never a loss
 Build a network, trend, etc.
 Make a change that will out live
your generation
...much more than money is easily
exhausted

46
The unique values that this process adds to
the university, the supervisor, the student
and the larger society.

FOR ALL PARTIES: discuss
 Excellence in learning, in practice, and in academic products
 Proficiency in scientific problem-solving skills
 Dignity for the student, supervisor and the school
 Pride of achievement for all parties
 Versatility in your practice, viability and motivation for greater exploits in
academics
 Resourcefulness for both the student and the supervisor
 Better rating for the school and its products
The unique values that this process adds to the university, the
supervisor, the student and the larger society.

The unique values of effective supervision.
IT IS ACTUALLY

Recommended reading materials
Good Practice in the Supervision & Mentoring of
Postgraduate Students: It Takes an Academy to Raise a
Scholar
By:
Catherine Chiappetta-Swanson, PhD Educational
Consultant Susan Watt, DSW, RSW
Susan Watt, DSW, RSW
Professor
© McMaster University, 2011 Centre for Leadership in
Learning.
E-Book can be accessed from:
https://cll.mcmaster.ca/resources/pdf/Supervision%20
&%20Mentoring%20of%20Postgrad%20Students.pdf
The Student/Supervisor
Relationship When
Supervision goes BAD
By; Curtin Student Guide,
accessible from:
http://hgso.curtin.edu.au/pdf
/Student-
Supervisor%20conflict.pdf

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