The training course covers six essential components of effective doctoral supervision:The training course covers six essential components of effective doctoral supervision:The training course covers six essential components of effective doctoral supervision:The training course covers six essential components of effective doctoral supervision:The training course covers six essential components of effective doctoral supervision:

The training course covers six essential components of effective doctoral supervision:

• Introduction and 'Supervisory Biography' - Reflect on your own supervisory style and experiences through guided exercises and group discussions
• Clarifying Mutual Expectations, Supervisory Roles, Relations and Conflicts - Develop strategies for establishing clear communication and expectations with doctoral candidates
• Defensive Routines and Productive Learning - Learn to identify and overcome barriers to productive supervision and support doctoral candidates' learning processes
• Recruiting and Selection - Explore best practices for identifying suitable doctoral candidates and establishing productive working relationships from the start
• Early Warning Signs and Supervisory Inquiry; Keeping Up and Rebuilding Candidates' Motivation - Develop skills to recognize when candidates are struggling and implement effective interventions
• Introduction to Supervisory 'Intervision' - Practice collaborative problem-solving approaches with peer supervisors to address challenging supervisory situations
  

Feedback from previous TalTech participants over the last five years reveals common challenges faced by our supervisors that this workshop directly addresses:

• Time Management and Balancing Responsibilities
  Many supervisors report struggling with balancing supervision duties with other academic responsibilities. One participant noted: "The main problem is time. But this means time management is probably something which can be improved. Also, how to organize supervision most effectively." The workshop provides concrete strategies for efficient and effective supervision practices.
• Motivating Doctoral Candidates
  Several supervisors expressed concern about maintaining candidate motivation, particularly when facing research setbacks. A common question by participants is: "How to motivate my PhD candidate so that the work progresses despite the fact that criticism comes from doctoral seminars, articles are rejected, etc.? There are more setbacks than progress." The workshop includes specific modules on motivation and productive learning.
• Clarifying Expectations
  Survey responses from the last five years revealed significant variation in how supervisors communicate expectations, ranging from: "I have a talk with each student when they start, and then regularly (every 1-2 months) remind and clarify expectations as needed" to more structured approaches like: "Semester work plan meeting at the start of each semester - to set goals and discuss expectations." The workshop provides frameworks for establishing clear expectations that support candidate success.
• Managing Diverse Supervisory Styles
  Current supervisors describe their styles in varied ways, including “supportive,” “demanding,” “flexible,” and “collegial.” The workshop helps participants understand their natural supervisory tendencies and adapt their approach to meet individual candidates' needs while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Handling Challenging Situations
  Many participants expressed anxiety about addressing conflicts or performance issues: "If the student is not performing well, it should be easier for supervisor to let them go. Not enough regulations/protocol that support supervisors from students that do not perform as expected." The conflict resolution and early warning signs modules directly address these concerns.
   

Workshop participants will gain:

• Practical tools for time-efficient supervision that support both supervisor and candidate success
• Enhanced communication skills for clarifying expectations and providing constructive feedback
• Strategies for supporting candidate motivation throughout the doctoral journey
• Techniques for early identification of potential problems and appropriate interventions
• A supportive peer network of fellow supervisors for continued professional development
• Greater confidence in your ability to guide doctoral candidates to successful completion