[Nkatha Muriira]

in reply to: Module 4, Session 3: Coaching and Mentoring #5807

As a supervisor I have the role of a mentor as well as a coach, though they are different they have a similar goal which is future focused. There is a time a supervisor needs to just listen and ask questions and based on the answers guide the student thus a coach other times you the supervisor will be showing the way to the student while making sure the student doesn’t become dependent, thus a mentor.
This was insightful and been reminded of the does and don’ts as a supervisor, coach and mentor.

[Nkatha Muriira]

in reply to: Module 4, Session 1: Ethics in Research #5804

Ethical consideration pertinent in biological sciences include ensuring integrity by checking plagiarism in reporting, storing research data for reference to incase clarification is required at a later date. During interpretation and reporting of data honesty is key, financial resources granted for the research work should also be declared openly. As a supervisor I have the role to enlighten my students on the ethical issues in their field of research.

[Nkatha Muriira]

in reply to: Module 3, Session 3: Research approach and design #5802

The presentation of research designs and methods is very informative. Its important for one to understand which of the design and methods would be best for particular research question to be solved. Incase of Effective measures for COVID-19 mixed method research strategy which would incorporate qualitative and quantitative data.

[Nkatha Muriira]

in reply to: Module 3, Session 3: Disciplinary differences #5801

Understanding knowledge structure provide a frame work that help us to understand Botany and guide the students effectively. In my field of research hierarchical tend to be more preferred knowledge structure where related concepts are grouped.
As a botanist its important to understand all the disciplinary approaches because the research question at hand will determine which approach to employ. However, I would prefer Monodisciplinary where one field of research is involved and transdisciplinary approach in the event that different fields of research are involved. Positivism world view would be my preferred world view since its philosophy is based on experiments.

[Nkatha Muriira]

in reply to: Module 2, Session 3: Zoom discussion of key readings #5690

I haven’t used a reading journal before and it will be interesting to keep one from now going forward.It is a great idea.

[Nkatha Muriira]

in reply to: Module 2, Session 2: Scholarly community of practice #5644

A scholar is a person who is up to date with the new knowledge in his/her area of specialisation and is always reading and researching to contribute new knowledge.
To be an active member of academic community in my view one has to attend conferences and often present their research work, attend seminars and disseminate new knowledge generated through publishing research articles. He/ she is also involved in writing research proposals to fund research projects. The research proposals can be collaborative with various field of research. As a supervisor I have the role to introduce my student to the academic community by ensuring that they join academic research groups such as research gate where they can be able to follow those doing research in similar which could give them more insights into their work. I would also encourage them to attend seminars and conferences as well as present their work in these forums. Other than that as they begin their studies I would make sure they are aware of the online libraries and physical library for reviewing literature. I would also enjoin them to proposal writing for research funding.
I haven’t experienced academic jealousy personally but this is very common in the universities, I have seen it happen. This is mainly brought about by promotions,research funding and supervision of students.The issue can be deep but may be very difficult to suggest a clear way of solving it.

[Nkatha Muriira]

in reply to: Module 1, Session 4: National Policies #5355

In Kenya at university level there are policies that guide enrolment
requirement and expected duration completion. This university graduate school also has specific rules and regulations on how postgraduate studies are carried out.
Nationally the Kenya National Qualification Authority defines expected knowledge,skills and understanding for labor market employment or further education within Kenya and beyond the country borders while the Commission for University Education (CUE) is mandated to regulate and assure quality university Education through standard setting and guidelines and monitoring compliance to achieve global competitiveness.

[Nkatha Muriira]

in reply to: Module 1, Session 2: Supervision with a humanizing pedagogy #5352

Thanks for the powerful, it got me thinking deeply about how to view my students.
Expecting too much from a postgraduate student they have learnt from undergraduate may not work.
For students to get to completion of there programs they undergo varied struggles. Which may range from resources, lack of proper supervision and time constraints for those who are already in job market, which is mostly the case for my students. Therefore looking at these students as humans is important.

[Author]

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