Effective communication in postgraduate supervision: Shaping experiences and overcoming challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38140/ijer-2024.vol6.13Keywords:
Effective communication, postgraduate studies, supervision, transactional model, transformative learningAbstract
Although postgraduate supervision relies on effective communication, it has become increasingly challenging due to various factors, including the cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds of both the supervisors and supervisees. As a result, institutions of higher learning are struggling to attract and retain these students. In addition, students often feel frustrated by the pressure to balance their academic and social lives during their studies. Therefore, this study explores the impact of effective communication on postgraduate supervision in higher learning institutions in Lesotho and South Africa. The study adopts an interpretive paradigm and uses a qualitative approach rooted in a case study design. Face-to-face interviews were employed as the data collection tool, and latent thematic analysis was used to analyse emergent themes. The findings reveal several factors that hinder effective communication in postgraduate supervision, including cultural dominance, lack of mutual respect, insufficient training, and a lack of professionalism, among others. Based on these findings, the study recommends that experienced supervisors be assigned to students and that there be a focus on two-way communication and training to develop the necessary skills for a respectful supervisor-student relationship.
References
Abdaoui, M. (2021). Exploring the supervisor-supervisee communication gap: The case of second-year Master students, 8 May 1945 University. Ex-professo, 6, 54-70.
Adedokun, T., & Oyetunde-Joshua, F. (2024). Navigating the academic odyssey: Exploring the role of supervisors in supporting postgraduate students. Journal of Culture and Values in Education, 7(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.46303/jcve.2024.1
Alharahsheh, H. H., & Pius, A. (2020). A review of key paradigms: Positivism VS interpretivism. Global Academic Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(3), 39-43. https://doi.org/10.36348/gajhss.2020.v02i03.001
Anas, N., & Ishaq, K. (2022). Qualitative research method in social and behavioural science research. International Journal of Management, Social Sciences, Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(1), 89- 93.
Baker, A. L., Schaefer, K. E., & Hill, S. G. (2019). Teamwork and communication methods and metrics for human–autonomy teaming. Aberdeen Proving Ground (MD): CCDC Army Research Laboratory (US); Report No.: ARL-TR-8844.
Bhasin, H. (2023 June 9). What is Communication? Importance, Elements & Types Explained. Marketing91. https://www.marketing91.com/what-is-communication/
Boyd, C., & Dare. (2014). Communication Skills For Nurses(1sted.). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bragg, B., Cooley, S. Cooley, A. Hinck, R., Kitsch, S., & Bragg, B. (2021). Transactional Communication Model. The media ecology and strategic analysis.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2012). Thematic analysis. In H. Cooper, P. M. Camic, D. L. Long, A. T. Panter, D. Rindskopf, & K. J. Sher (Eds.), APA handbook of research methods in psychology, Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological, (Vol. 2, pp. 57–71). American Psychological Association.
Buc??a, G., & Rizescu, A. M. (2017). The role of communication in enhancing work effectiveness of an organisation. Land Forces Academy Review. XXII, (85), 49-57. https://doi.org/10.1515/raft-2017-0008
Cekiso, M., B. Tshotsho, R. Masha, & T. Saziwa. (2019). Supervision experiences of postgraduate research students at one South African higher education institution. South African Journal of Higher Education, 33(3), 8–25. https://doi.org/10.20853/33-3-2913
Chugh, R., Macht, S., & Harreveld, B. (2022). Supervisory feedback to postgraduate research students: a literature review. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 47(5), 683–697. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2021.1955241
Clarke, M. C., & Wilson, A. (1991). Context and rationality in Mezirow’s theory of transformative learning. Adult Education Quarterly, 41(2), 75–91. https://doi.org/10.1177/0001848191041002002
Collard, S., & Law, M. (1989). The limits of perspective transformation: A critique of Mezirow’s theory. Adult Education Quarterly, 39(2), 99–107. https://doi.org/10.1177/000184818903900200
Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. Pearson Learning Solutions.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, Sage.
Dar, M. A., & Dar, H. M. (2019). Contribution of effective communication in educational settings: A critical review. International Journal of Research in all Subjects in Multi Languages, 7(8) 13-20.
Drew, C. (2023). All 8 models of communication are explained. https://helpfulprofessor.com/communication-models/
Emilsson, U. M., & Johnsson, E. (2007). Supervision of supervisors: on developing supervision in postgraduate education. Higher Education Research & Development, 26(2), 163-179. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360701310797
Fleming, T. (2018). Mezirow and the theory of transformative learning. In V. Wang (Ed.), Critical Theory and Transformative Learning. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-6086-9
Ghosh, U. (2022). Role of communication in education. Journal for Research Trends and Innovation, 7(6) 326-329.
Govender, N. (2023). Attributes and Relationships in the Supervisor-Supervisee Partnership: An autoethnographic Study. In M.A. Samuel and H. Mariaye (Eds.), Transforming Postgraduate in Africa. CSSALL. https://doi.org/10.29086/978-0-9869937-3-2/2023/AASBS14
Governors University (2020, July 17). What is the transformative learning theory? https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-transformative-learning-theory 2007.html
Gupta, M., & Shaheen, M. (2019). Qualitative Techniques for Workplace Data Analysis. IGI Global
Harrison, M. (2018). Supervising Postgraduate Research: Contexts and Processes, Theories and Practices. Taylor & Francis.
Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The power of feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 81–112. https://doi.org/10.3102/003465430298487
Heale, R., & Twycross, A. (2018). What is a case study? Evid Based Nurs, 21(1), 7–8. https://doi.org/10.1136/eb-2017-102845
Hodza, F. (2007). Managing the student-supervisor relationship for successful postgraduate supervision: A sociological perspective. South African Journal of Higher Education, 21(8), 1155–1165. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-high-v21-n8-a12
Jan-Mendoza, C. (2020). Communication and Communication Models. https://www.academia.edu/44018864/Communication_and_Communication_sssss
Joshi, S. (2020). Nature and Process of Communication. https://aissmschmct.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Chapter-1-Nature-Process-of-communication.pdf
Kapur, R. (2020). The types of communication. https://www.researchgate.net/pulbication/344235361_the_types_of_communication
Kiley, M., & Wisker, G. (2009). Threshold concepts in research education and evidence of threshold crossing. Higher Education Research & Development, 28(4), 431-441. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360903067930
Kimani, E. N. (2014). Challenges in quality control for postgraduate supervision. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 1(9), 63-70.
Knapp, M. L., Hall, J. A., & Horgan, T. G. (2013). Nonverbal communication in human interaction. Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Laksana, M. O., & Nurhaliza. (2023). The impact of communication ethics on the communication quality in interpersonal relationships. Journal Eduvest, 3(5), 989-995. https://doi.org/10.59188/eduvest.v3i5.815
Lee, A., & Kam, V. (2015). Writing together apart: A cross-campus writing partnership between doctoral students. Studies in Continuing Education, 37(2), 232-247.
Lessing, A. C., & Schulze, S. (2003). Postgraduate supervision: students' and supervisors' perceptions. Acta Academica, 35(3), 161-184. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC15272
Letsie, H., Nkhi, S. E., & Mncina, T. C. (2023). An investigation of the impact of non-formal education on sustainable development in Mafeteng, Lesotho. Interdisciplinary Journal of Rural and Community Studies, 5, 36-48. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijrcs-2023.vol5.04
Mahlangu, V. P. (2021). Exploring Challenges of Supervising Postgraduate Students in Open Distance Learning in Higher Education Settings. New Challenges to Education: Lessons from Around the World BCES Conference Books, 19. Sofia: Bulgarian Comparative Education Society. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED614073.pdf
Malik, A., & Girdhar, A.P. (2018). Essence of Effective Communication. Roadmap for success in career planning and advancement. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326534323_Essence_of_Effective_Communication
Manathunga, C. (2007). Supervision as mentoring: The role of power and boundary crossing. Studies in Continuing Education 29(2), 207–221. https://doi.org/10.1080/01580370701424650
Mantai, L., & Marrone, M. (2022). Identifying skills, qualifications, and attributes expected to do a PhD. Studies in Higher Education, 47(11), 2273–2286. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2022.2061444
Mezirow, J. (1994). Understanding transformation theory. Adult Education Quarterly, 44(4), 222–232. https://doi.org/10.1177/074171369404400403
Mezirow, J. (1997). Transformation theory out of context. Adult Education Quarterly, 48(1), 60–62. https://doi.org/10.1177/074171369704800105
Mikkelsen, E., & Einarsen, S. (2018). Relationships between exposure to bullying at work and psychological and psychosomatic health complaints: The role of state negative affectivity and generalised self-efficacy. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 59(2), 160-168. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9450.00307
Muñoz, W., & Ramírez, O. (2018). Transactional communication strategies to influence pre-service teachers’ speaking skill. Education and Learning Research Journal. 33-55.
Nair, S. S., & Prem, S. S. (2020). A Framework for Mixed-method Research. International Journal of Management, 8(2), 45–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.34293/management.v8i2.3220
Nkhi, S.E. (2022). Exploring the challenges encountered by English as second language (ESL) undergraduate students in the development of communicative competence skills: a case of three tertiary institutions in Lesotho [Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation]. University of South Africa.
Omodan, B. I. (2022). A Model for selecting theoretical framework through epistemology of research paradigms. African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies, 4(1), 275–285. https://doi.org/10.51415/ajims.v4i1.1022
Pathak, V., Jena, B., & Kalra, S. (2013). Qualitative research. Perspectives in clinical research, 4(3), 192-194. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-3485.115389
Pervin, N., & Mokhtar, M. (2022). The interpretivist research paradigm: A subjective notion of a social context. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 11(2), 419–428. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v11-i2/12938
Quecano, L. I. V., Rincón, A. G., & Moreno, S. B. (2024) Dropout in postgraduate programs: a underexplored phenomenon – a scoping review. Cogent Education, 11(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2326705
Ramrathan, L., Cassim, T., & Pather, I. (2026). A Supervisor-led cohort model of supervising postgraduate students: A reflective account. In M.A. Samuel and H. Mariaye (Eds.), Transforming Postgraduate in Africa. CSSALL. https://doi.org/10.29086/978-0-9869937-3-2/2023/AASBS14
Rauf, A. (2016). Challenges of thesis work: Towards minimising the non-completion rate in the postgraduate degree programme. European Journal of Business and Management, 8(7), 113-124.
Robinson, L. Segal, J., & Smith, M. (2023, August 15). What is effective communication? HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/effective-communication.htm
Rutledge, P., & Hogg, J. (2020). In-Depth Interviews. Wiley Online Library. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119011071.iemp0019
Sharma, S., & Sharma, R. (2015). Effective communication. Scholarly Research Journal for Interdisciplinary Studies, III(XVII), 3151–3156.
Singh, S. (2011). An intervention to assist students with writing their dissertations and theses. South African Journal of Higher Education, 25(5), 1020–1030. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC37716
Stake, R. (2006). Multiple case study analysis. The Guildford Press.
Strauss, P. (2012). ‘The English is not the same’: challenges in thesis writing for second language speakers of English. Teaching in Higher Education, 17(3), 283-293. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2011.611871
Tariq, A. (2023). Implementing the Transactional Model of Communication for Better Collaboration. https://www.chanty.com/blog/transactional-model-of-communication/
Thompson, D. R., Kirkman, S., Watson, R., & Stewart, S. (2005). Improving research supervision in nursing. Nurse Education Today, 25(4), 283-290. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2005.01.011
Tsotetsi, C. T., & Omodan, B. I. (2020). Deconstructing power differentials in the postgraduate supervision process: mentoring in Ubuntu praxis. Ubuntu: Journal of Conflict and Social Transformation, 9(1), 105-126. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1d58bd11c1
Van Laren, L., Pithouse-Morgan, K., Chisanga, T., Harrison, L., Meyiwa, T., Muthukrishna, N. & Naicker, I. (2014). 'Walking our talk': Exploring supervision of postgraduate self-study research through methaphor drawing. South African Journal of Higher Education, 28(2), 639-659. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC153536
Van Rensburg, G. H., Mayers P., & Roets,L. (2016). Supervision of post-graduate students in higher education. Trends in Nursing, 3(1), 1-14. http://dx.doi.org/10.14804/3-1-55
Westein, M.P.D., Koster, A.S., Daelmans, H.E.M., Bouvy, L. M., & Kusurkar, R.A. (2023). How progress evaluations are used in postgraduate education with longitudinal supervisor-trainee relationships: a mixed method study. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 28, 205–222. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-022-10153-3
Yousefi, A., Bazrafkan, L., & Yamani, N. (2015). A qualitative inquiry into the challenges and complexities of research supervision: viewpoints of postgraduate students and faculty members. Journal of advance Medicine Education, 3(3), 91–98.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2024 Tsepiso Claurina Mncina, Hlompho Letsie, Sekoai Elliot Nkhi, Mongali Mofana
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
