Between the office and the coffee shop: an examination of spaces used for research degree supervision

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi23.828

Keywords:

doctoral supervision, research degrees, power, pedagogy, location, space

Abstract

The last two decades have seen increased attention given to the role of space within the university campus, with numerous new learning spaces forming part of both the physical and the digital campus. Much of the focus of how these spaces work to create supportive learning environments has been on undergraduate teaching. However, these spaces offer a great opportunity to also enhance the doctoral researcher’s supervision process through the creation of new learning spaces that break away from the traditional office setting. In taking the coffee shop as the antithesis of the office, this paper examines theories around space-making in relation to doctoral research, adding in the experiences of UK doctoral researchers to provoke further thought and discussion about how new spaces within a university and outside the campus might be considered part of the pedagogical approach to supervision. Results suggest that although there is much to be considered, doctoral researchers spend the majority of their time in traditional spaces—where they feel the most comfortable—and become progressively less comfortable the further supervision moves towards public spaces.

Author Biography

Doug Specht, University of Westminster

Doug Specht is a senior lecturer and director of teaching and learning at the University of Westminster. His research examines how knowledge is constructed and codified through digital and cartographic artefacts. He is both a Chartered Geographer and a Chartered Teacher.

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Published

16-03-2022

How to Cite

Specht, D. (2022) “Between the office and the coffee shop: an examination of spaces used for research degree supervision”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (23). doi: 10.47408/jldhe.vi23.828.

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