Methods for Developing the Role of the Academic Supervisor in Colleges of Education at Saudi Universities from the Perspective of Educational Experts

The current research aims to discuss the assumed role of the academic supervisor in colleges of education at Saudi universities throughout all stages of the academic thesis preparation process, in addition to identifying methods for developing that role. Its population consisted of (87) educational experts from faculty members from seven Saudi universities: Umm Al-Qura University, the Islamic University, Taibah University, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, King Saud University, King Khalid University and Qassim University. The research has adopted the descriptive (survey) approach, with a questionnaire as its tool. The research revealed several Findings, the most prominent of which are: The most prominent roles of the academic supervisor in the research topic selection phase are: guiding the student to in-depth reading in the field of their selected research interests; providing the student with telephone and electronic means of communication with the academic supervisor; and guiding the student to adhere to academic integrity during the drafting of the research proposal and at all stages of the research. The most prominent roles of the academic supervisor during the research preparation phase are: guiding the student to adhere to scientific research ethics while applying research tools; guiding the student to review the final version of the research before submitting it to the academic department; and guiding the student to review the college's approved dissertation preparation guide. The most prominent roles of the academic supervisor during the defense phase and beyond are: submitting the student's findings to the department council promptly to avoid delays in the approval process for the student's academic degree; guiding the student to attend academic discussions to familiarize themselves with their procedures in preparation for this stage; and providing appropriate recommendations and strategies for the student regarding dealing with the defense session. The most prominent methods for developing academic supervision in colleges of education at Saudi universities are: providing faculty members with university regulations governing the academic supervision process; defining clear and specific roles for the academic supervisor and having them approved by the relevant academic councils; and reducing the teaching and administrative burdens of the faculty member so that they can better perform their role in academic supervision.