Transcript Kenyatta University

GRADUATE STUDIES: STUDENTS’
OBLIGATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS
By
Dr. Michael Wainaina
Associate Dean,
Graduate School
GRADUATE SCHOOL

Coordinates the Research Part of your
Course. The coursework part should be fully
taken care of by the Department and your
School
Graduate Student Responsibilities



When you register as a graduate student you are making a
commitment to devote the time and energy needed to engage
in research and write a dissertation. Completion of the
Degree programme is your obligation
A supervisor has a right to expect substantial effort, initiative,
respect and receptiveness to suggestions and criticisms.
You must accept the rules, procedures and standards in place
in the program and at the university and should check the
University Calendar for regulations regarding academic and
non-academic matters…Gathering information on
procedures and policies is your obligation
Responsibilities Cont’d




Be thoughtful and reasonably frugal in using resources provided by the
supervisor and the University, and assist in obtaining additional
resources for their research or for other group members where
applicable.
Conform to University, Department and Graduate School program
requirements, including those related to deadlines, dissertation or
thesis style, conflict of interest.
Keeping supervisors informed on how you can be contacted and
informing them of any significant changes that may affect the progress
of the research.
When your degree program requirements have been met, terminate
your work and surrender all materials, equipment and resources that
belong to the Supervisor or the University
Responsibilities Cont’d
Produce
and present a Thesis/project for examination and award
of Degree
What
is a Thesis/Project?
A thesis/project is a substantial piece of scholarly writing that
reflects the your ability to:
–conduct
research
–communicate the research
–critically analyze the literature
–present a detailed methodology and accurate results
–verify knowledge claims and sources meticulously
–Link the topic of the thesis with the broader field
What does a thesis/Project do?

A master's thesis/Project must demonstrate that the
student knows the background and principal works
of the research area, and can produce significant
scholarly work. It should contain some original
contribution.
When should you commence work
on your Project?


The Project work is preceded by the proposal
Immediately you are registered you should
engage in the process of conceptualising a
research problem.
Conceptualizing a Research
Problem
FLOW OF IDEAS
Topic
Subject
Area
Educational
Issue
Evidence for
the
Issue
Deficiencies
in the
Evidence
•A Concern
•A Problem
•Something
that needs a
Solution:
•Evidence from
the literature
•Evidence from
practical
experiences
•In this body of
evidence, what is
missing?
•What do we
need to know
more about?
Educational Research
2e: Creswell
What
Remedying
the Deficiencies
will do for
Select
Audiences
How will
addressing
what we need to
know help:
– researchers
– educators
– policy makers
– individuals like
those in the study
Role of the Supervisor

An important part of the role of the supervisor
is to guide the transformation of the student
from a consumer of knowledge to a
creator of knowledge
How does the University Allocate
Supervisors

Several factors influence the decision:
–
–
–
–
–
The main one is area of specialization
Availability of Supervisors in your area of
specialization in relation to their workload
Need to guide the student in both matters of
Content and Methodology
It is the responsibility of the University to allocate
you supervisors
It is your responsibility to work with the
Supervisors allocated
Establishing a Student Supervisor
working relationship
For effective supervision, have an initial meeting with your
supervisor and discuss and clarify expectations on the
following:
 The extent and nature of direction from the supervisor
 The degree of independence of the student
 Written work – frequency of submission, drafts, progress
reports
 The role of the supervisor in editing work
 The manner in which ideological or opinion differences will
be handled
Issues Cont’d









Frequency of contact.
Preferred communication method (e.g., e-mail, voice mail, in
person).
Timelines for each stage of the work.
Frequency and manner of submission of work (in writing or
through presentation).
Type of feedback expected.
Whether students work in the department or at home/library.
Hours of work.
Nature of any directed reading program.
Responsibility for sourcing literature and materials for the
reading program
Other Key Stakeholders





Beyond the Supervisor, you will need to work
closely with:
Your colleagues.
Departmental Post-Graduate Studies Board/
Know the Chairman
School Post-Graduate Studies Board/Know
the Chairman
Graduate School
Thank you