{"id":88172,"date":"2026-04-23T16:18:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T14:18:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aktuelles.uni-frankfurt.de\/?p=88172"},"modified":"2026-04-24T09:35:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T07:35:16","slug":"supervisor-peer-coaching-a-collaborative-space-for-reflective-doctoral-supervision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aktuelles.uni-frankfurt.de\/en\/english\/supervisor-peer-coaching-a-collaborative-space-for-reflective-doctoral-supervision\/","title":{"rendered":"Supervisor Peer Coaching: A Collaborative Space for Reflective Doctoral Supervision"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo: Riswana Yaqoob<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Supervising doctoral researchers is a core responsibility in academia, and a particularly complex one. Beyond disciplinary expertise, it requires strong communication skills, role clarity, and the ability to navigate a wide range of individual and institutional expectations. Yet, opportunities for structured exchange about supervision practices remain limited in everyday academic life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the Supervisor Peer Coaching program, GRADE introduces a new format designed to address this gap. It offers professors and postdoctoral researchers a dedicated space to reflect on their supervisory practice, share experiences, and develop solutions to real challenges together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Reflect, exchange, and grow as a supervisor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The program is open to both professors and postdocs who are formally or informally involved in supervising doctoral candidates. Its aim is to support participants in refining their supervisory approach, articulating their own principles of supervision, and strengthening the overall quality of doctoral training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than focusing on abstract models, the program centers on participants\u2019 own experiences and day-to-day supervisory situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learning through structured peer coaching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of the program is a structured method of peer coaching. Participants bring along concrete situations or questions from their supervisory practice, which are then explored collaboratively within the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through a facilitated process, participants consider different perspectives, formulate hypotheses, and develop practical strategies. Roles within the group rotate regularly \u2013 ranging  from case presenter to moderator or observer \u2013 allowing everyone to engage from multiple viewpoints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An experienced coach provides guidance during the initial stages, after which the group gradually takes ownership of the process and continues working independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Program structure: guided and self-directed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Supervisor Peer Coaching program runs over approximately nine months and combines facilitated sessions with self-organized meetings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n