Reflections on Online Research supervision in selected Zambian HEIs

Abstract

In an all-pervasive digital world, Education continues to be impacted. This longitudinal and reflexive qualitative study aimed at assessing research supervision status by exploring online research supervision within Higher Education in Zambia. It exploited two connected approaches: longitudinal reflective and conventional standard research as its approaches. A snap shot qualitative assessment using open ended questions was conducted via interview guides in 12 responsive selected HEIs out of a total population of 63 HEA accredited tertiary institutions. To arrive at the initial sample of 14, an inclusive and exclusive criteria was used while purposive sampling was exploited to select 14 interview respondents. Two primary theories: Zone Proximal Development (ZPD) and Social Presence undergirded the enquiry. The study found that 57% timely completed research projects while a minority (21%) opined that research in Zambia was of good quality. The study also found that 71% had at least once supervised via online means. The research concludes that present research supervision practice and process requires urgent significant reform by all relevant stakeholders. It also concludes that impeding challenges need focused attention and due investment by HEIs and government. The study recommends that relevant enabling structures to support online research supervision be urgently installed by respective institutions. Also strongly recommended is the adoption of online research supervision as an alternative approach to traditional embodied approaches practiced by most HEIs. The enquiry further recommends that government facilitates ongoing stakeholder training, incentives, relevant policies and standards be launched. Future research should explore AI enabled auto-supervision for possible adoption in HEIs.

Key words: Research Supervision; Training; Pedagogy; Online; Embodied; Early Career (emerging) Researcher (ECR); Mentor; Intelligent Tutors; Artificial Intelligence; DeepSeek; ChatGPT

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/17-1-10

Publication date: January 30th 2026