An exploration of postgraduate student-supervisor relationships at the School of Education, University of Namibia

Abstract

This study explored postgraduate supervisory relationships at the University of Namibia and was aimed at describing the relationship challenges that were experienced by postgraduate supervisors and students. The study adopted a case study design with an exploratory qualitative approach. The study used a convenient sample of 5 supervisors and 17 postgraduate students. The sample was conveniently picked as the authors selected the participants that were known to be enrolled as postgraduate students as well as lecturers who were engaged in postgraduate student supervision. Individual telephonic interviews were conducted with the academic supervisors, while the postgraduate students received questionnaires via a link to Google forms. The findings revealed that supervisory relationships often broke down due to different expectations from the parties involved mostly leading to power struggles. This study concludes that supervisory relationships at postgraduate level are crucial for successful and timely research outputs. It is thus important that both supervisors and students nurture good relationships to enhance success. The study recommends that communication guidelines be established to enhance the quality of supervision.