Navigating the Personal Challenges and Sociopolitics of Doctoral Supervision: A Self-Study

• In Event: 15.060 - MTCC Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: 15.060-11 - Investigating Personal and Professional Growth Through Self-Study

Abstract

Faculty members are important agents in the socialization of doctoral students into academia, however, few faculty members experience formal preparation to supervise doctoral students, instead relying on their own doctoral education experiences. In this collaborative self-study, we consider the personal and sociopolitical challenges Tom faced as an early career physical education teacher education faculty member supervising doctoral students. Data included Tom’s reflective journal and regular written and audio discussions between Tom and his critical friend, Sam. Data were analyzed with a focus on identifying turning points in Tom’s practice. These analyses resulted in the construction of three themes related to (a) subjective theories drive doctoral supervision, (b) working through insecurities and imposter syndrome, and (c) the sociopolitics of higher education.

Authors

• K. Andrew R. Richards, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Tim Fletcher, Brock University