IERIS-UEW Hosts Seminar on Excellence in Graduate Research and Supervision
The Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies (IERIS) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), hosted its third seminar series for the 2024 academic year, focusing on the critical art and science of supervising graduate theses.
The seminar, held on Tuesday, 27th August 2024, at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room, drew a diverse audience, including faculty members, postgraduate students, and academic administrators from across the university.
Mr. Cosmos Dzikunu, Head of the Centre for Educational Policy Studies (CEPS) at IERIS-UEW, opened the seminar highlighting its aim to foster research activities and academic discourse within the UEW community.
"Universities are renowned for being spaces where graduate students and faculty engage in meaningful dialogue, learn from one another, and push the boundaries of knowledge. Today, we gather to unlearn, relearn, and advance our research endeavours," Mr. Dzikunu stated.
He underscored IERIS’ ongoing commitment to promoting research excellence, citing previous seminars focused on building research profiles for grant activities and enhancing UEW’s status as a research-intensive university.
Presiding over the seminar, Prof. Edison Pajibo, emphasised the unique role that research plays in distinguishing universities and departments. He noted the concerning statistic that Africa’s contribution to global research is less than 10%, urging both faculty and students to participate actively in such programmes to remain current with global developments. "Research is the defining feature that sets one university apart from another and elevates universities above lower-level institutions," Prof. Pajibo asserted.
Prof. Pajibo also addressed the mutual expectations between students and supervisors. He outlined the key qualities that students seek from their supervisors, including timely feedback, availability, support, constructive criticism, and expertise in their subject areas. Conversely, he highlighted the responsibilities of supervisors, such as serving as role models, providing institutional support, offering effective orientation, and ensuring access to departmental facilities and graduate handbooks.
The keynote address was delivered by renowned scholar Prof. George Nana Sefa Dei, a visiting professor from the University of Toronto, Canada. With an impressive body of research and contributions to education, Prof. Dei provided invaluable insights into the nuances of effective thesis supervision. He accentuated the importance of fostering strong, supportive relationships between supervisors and supervisees, advocating for mentorship that extends beyond academic guidance.
Prof. Dei urged supervisors to also act as career facilitators for their students, leveraging their networks to help students secure educational scholarships abroad, thereby enhancing their global exposure and academic credentials.
Prof. Dei also explored pathways for graduates to transition into academia, stressing the importance of preparing them for careers as lecturers and researchers. He encouraged supervisors to play a proactive role in guiding students towards teaching and research opportunities that align with their interests and strengths, thereby ensuring a smooth transition into academic careers.
The seminar was met with enthusiastic participation, with attendees expressing their appreciation for the practical insights and the opportunity to engage directly with a scholar of Prof. Dei’s stature. The event also featured a teaser presentation on thesis completion at the graduate level at UEW by Dr. Martin Wiredu Agyekum, which sparked lively discussions and a robust question-and-answer session. Professors and students alike sought further advice on navigating the complex landscape of academic supervision.
This seminar is part of UEW’s broader efforts to elevate academic standards and enhance the global competitiveness of its graduates. In prioritising educational gatherings that focus on effective mentorship and international collaboration, UEW reaffirms its commitment to advancing academic excellence and equipping its faculty and students with the tools necessary to succeed in an increasingly interconnected academic world.
