Award for Excellence in Supervision
For individual academic staff or teams of academic staff
This award recognises a sustained record of strong and innovative
commitment to students, and best practice in introducing students to research
and research networks.
Eligibility Criteria
1. All academic staff at the College, full-time or fractional;
continuing or contract, can be nominated.
2. A nominee must be a member of staff at the ANU during the period of the Education
Committee’s deliberations and decision.
3. The nomination must relate to a research supervision carried out whilst the
nominee has been a staff member at the ANU.
4. Both team and individual nominations are encouraged. Teams may be of any
size however, nominations may name no more than five members. A team name is
strongly recommended in instances where a team consists of more than five members.
5. Previously unsuccessful nominees are eligible for renomination
6. Previous award recipients will have their nomination considered only if it
substantially builds on and/or differs from the basis of their previous award.
Otherwise previous award winners are only eligible for renomination after six
years.
Selection
Criteria
These selection criteria refer to supervision of honours projects,
research projects in coursework Masters and HDR supervision:
1. Clarification of
mutual expectations with individual candidates and maintenance of professional
working relationships throughout the period of the candidature
Which may include: induction of research students
and ongoing clarification of mutual expectations; introduction to the department,
meeting with other students and researchers and discussion of supervisory process;
mentoring research students for career development;
flexibility of approach to supervision and sensitivity to the diverse needs
of students; provision of appropriate pastoral support; regular monitoring and
evaluation of the supervisory relationship including the composition and operation
of the supervisory panel (for PhD supervision).
2. Fostering of a climate of intellectual
rigour to promote research work of sound standing and the development of a skilled,
knowledgeable and ethical researcher
Which may include: development of a research program
that attracts and maintains high quality candidates; encouraging students to
attend, and be involved in, College seminars and other College activities; encouraging
and assisting candidates with publication during their period of study; facilitation
of student networking with other national and international researcher colleagues;
development of independent, ethical researchers; ensuring that students access
appropriate research education opportunities ranging from workshops on the concept
of research through to using data sources.
3. Guidance in planning and undertaking
the research process and provision of regular feedback on progress
Which may include: provision of
resources, necessary coursework if required, and research plan design; developing
students theoretical, analytical and methodological skills appropriate to the
discipline; assisting candidates in the development of research, writing and
communication skills; monitoring student progress (e.g. through regular meetings,
annual reviews and plans); constructive and timely comment on written work (e.g.
chapter drafts, early literature work, papers); journal manuscripts and structure
of the dissertation including specific advice where required; constructive and
timely feedback on candidate presentations (e.g. proposal seminar, conference
papers); oral feedback during regular meetings; selection of appropriate examiners
and support for students during and following the examination process.
4. Developing a climate of intellectual
engagement with a broad scholarly community
Which may include evidence of: modelling
a scholarly approach to research in a global context which recognises the complexity
and challenges of this context; encouragement and support for students to access
a range of research scholars and projects nationally and internationally, providing
opportunities for students to work within an international context through exchanges,
meetings, and collaborative work; provision of career support and opportunities
at a national and international level; leadership of, or contribution to, an
effective supervisory panel; facilitating the construction of a well balanced
panel; encouragement of students to effectively utilise supervisory panel members;
taking responsibility for particular roles within a supervisory panel.
5. Systematic and scholarly approach
to professional development of supervisory academic practice and skills
May include evidence of: advanced
skills in evaluation and reflective practice; participating in and contributing
to professional activities related to research supervision; coordination, management
and leadership roles in relation to research supervision; conducting and publishing
research related to research supervision; leadership through activities that
have broad influence on the profession, department, school and/or research candidates;
contribution to relevant policy development.
In considering
the application the selection committee can take into account:
• the extent to which the claims are supported by formal and informal
evaluation;
• the extent of creativity, imagination or innovation in the approach
to supervision, irrespective of whether the approach involves traditional learning
environments or technology-based developments;
• whether there has been a sustained contribution; and
• the information contained in student evaluations, references and documents
submitted by the nominee.
The Committee
may contact nominees and/or referees for clarification or further information.
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