Preparing for doctoral supervision at a distance: lessons from experience

Abstract

An aging academic workforce and increasing demand for tertiary education are combining to create an acute shortage of university teachers across almost every discipline in Australian universities. Distance education at the doctoral level has an increasing role to play in preparing a new generation of university teachers but brings new challenges for existing academics responsible for that preparation. This study collected data from doctoral students and associated staff in two faculties at a regional Australian university with a growing number of doctoral students studying at a distance. Analysis of the data has produced insights into what currently works well for students and academics and what changes might be desirable. The paper presents selected data and lessons that can be applied to improve distance doctoral education.