The Synergistic Thesis: Student and supervisor perspectives

The quality of the student-supervisor relationship is paramount in achieving many of the goals of postgraduate study. A self-regulatory, synergistic model of supervision is described briefly and a supervisor and student whose experiences closely fitted such a model each reflect on aspects of their roles and the outcomes, and evaluate their experience in terms of personal and professional development. The model incorporates four major aspects of the postgraduate experience-Motivation, Beliefs, Management strategies and Affect. Motivation requires a shared commitment to the usefulness of, and interest in the topic as well as mutual respect and a willingness to learn. Conceptualising the thesis topic requires a shared language between supervisor and student. Managing the process involves organisation of self and task, and selection and use of strategies and relevant resources at optimal stages of the research. In addition, the fundamental importance of Affect needs to be acknowledged in the development of strategies to address inevitable fluctuations of positive and negative feelings. Suggestions for practice that could facilitate a self-regulatory, synergistic research process are made.