Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Behind supervisory doors: taught Master’s dissertation students as qualitative apprentices

Maunder, R., Gordon-Finlayson, A., Callaghan, J. and Roberts, A. (2012) Behind supervisory doors: taught Master’s dissertation students as qualitative apprentices. Psychology Learning & Teaching. 11(1), pp. 30-38. 1475-7257.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: This article explores the supervision of Master’s students undertaking qualitative research dissertations. Specifically, it presents a model for theorising the nature of the supervisory relationship established with students who are relative newcomers to the qualitative research community. By drawing on reflections from the authors’ own practice and situating this within a broader context of the 'community of practice' approach to learning, it argues that the supervision of qualitative Master’s dissertations can be seen as an apprenticeship into qualitative research, whereby students begin to take on the identity of a qualitative researcher. Adopting such a model requires a reconceptualisation of how supervisors work with their supervisees, how students are prepared for the requirements of the dissertation, and how strategies are developed to facilitate their transition from novice to expert. This article explores how educators might integrate theoretical and practical concerns in applying the apprentice model to Master’s dissertation supervision, considering the advantages and limitations of such a model.
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2371 Graduate education
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1050 Educational psychology
Creators: Maunder, Rachel, Gordon-Finlayson, Alasdair, Callaghan, Jane and Roberts, Anca
Publisher: Symposium Journals
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Social Sciences (to 2016)
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
Date: 2012
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 30-38
Journal or Publication Title: Psychology Learning & Teaching
Volume: 11
Number: 1
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2304/plat.2012.11.1.30
ISSN: 1475-7257
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/4302

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