HOW TO
Improve PhD Supervision

“As a new PhD supervisor, I found it extremely valuable to learn about challenges that I had not even considered before. The practical techniques, solutions, and experiences shared throughout the course have given me useful tools for building a strong supervisor–candidate relationship and creating and monitoring effective project plans. I also appreciated that the course was delivered in English, making it easier to apply what I learned with international PhD candidates.”

“I greatly enjoyed the structure of the course, the hands-on practical sessions, and the opportunity to learn from both the instructor and the discussions with colleagues. The course provided valuable, practical approaches for strengthening the PhD supervisor–candidate relationship, adapting different supervisory styles, monitoring progress effectively, and addressing common challenges such as communication and motivation. I will certainly apply these techniques to improve my PhD supervision.”

“The presentation was top notch, the host being obviously an expert in the field, very clear in her explanation, extremely patient with participants, ready to explain again if a participant asked for it. The delivery, slides, exercise, and the entire concept were masterful.”

“The course provides a very good hands-on guidance to improve supervision. Very structured introduction into the topic/problem and detailed presentation of tools.”

“The structured discussion with colleagues was very beneficial. The realisation by most participants that they don’t only face their own issues or concerns, but that their colleagues have similar issues with their PhD candidates.”

“This course has helped me with many tools (charts, tables) and how to be closer to my PhD students. I will definitely take advantage of the information from the course to supervise my students better from now on.”

“As a leader of a research group I have handed out the supervision assessment forms Bärbel gave us to everyone. Here’s the feedback I received from one PhD candidate: ‘This is such a thoughtful and kind initiative to ask your students for an assessment of their supervision, I have never heard of someone doing that. Thank you so much for being such a great supervisor!’ :D”

“Very helpful advice! Lots of practical suggestions that I can try out with my PhD students.”

“I was really surprised with all the information given in one day and a half. It was very helpful. The group exercises were also very good to immediately practise some of the suggestions that we received.”

“Great course – we discussed many tools which one can use to improve supervision. No one says you have to do this or that – it’s all your choice. In the end, it’s our PhD students who will benefit and for us it’ll make supervision more manageable and structured.”

“I liked the breadth of topics covered. The different types of exercises. Diversity in the tools used for teaching meant we were all engaged all of the time! Well done!”

“I found it great that we transferred each tool to our own PhD students. We even practised supervisory sessions and collegial feedback, which I may not have tried otherwise, but found it very helpful.”

“I enjoyed learning how to develop individual supervision styles, and to hear about other supervisors’ experiences, which in turn influenced me to think about how to develop my own style in such a way it could most benefit my students.”