Associate Professor Vijay Kumar Mallan, Our people, Higher Education Development Centre, University of Otago, New Zealand

Cert in Edu(Mal), Dip ESL(UM), B.Ed. TESL(UPM), MA(UPM), PhD(Otago)

Email vijay.mallan@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 8489

About Vijay

Mallan-image

I am the first person outside the United Kingdom to become a UK Council of Graduate Education recognized doctoral supervisor. I am also a founding member of the International Doctoral Education Research Network.

The Otago Doctoral Supervision Programme, which I developed, has been acknowledged to be a highly interactive teaching form that stimulates personal and critical inquiry. It is highly regarded by peers. This is evidenced by the fact that I have been invited to advise institutional leaders and educational developers in 43 universities across 23 countries on how to develop and quality assure doctoral supervision practices.

My teaching and research focus is on enhancing the doctoral experiences both for the supervisors and their students. Over the last decade, I have developed, disseminated, and published on doctoral support, doctoral examination, and feedback practices. My research philosophy is to produce scholarship that has practical implications.

Prior to my 2011 appointment at the University of Otago, I was an Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia, where I taught courses in Speech Communication, Thesis Writing, and Psycholinguistics.

Teaching

Postgraduate workshops and consultations

Introduction to the Research Journey, Managing the Writing Process, Preparing for the Oral Examination, Expectations of Examiners, Presenting Research at Conferences, Publishing during Candidature, Doctoral Writing.

Staff workshops and consultations

Providing Feedback in Doctoral Supervision, Preparing Students for the Oral Examination, Assisting Students with the Writing, Providing Quality Doctoral Supervision.

Supervision

I welcome qualitative research proposals that are related to doctoral education, doctoral examination, feedback practices and use of humour in academic settings.

Current students

PhD

Anushika Kariyawasam. Application of Content and Language Integrated Learning in Teaching English as a Second language in the Context of Tertiary Education
Nick Baker. Writing and reading identities of experienced researchers

Past students

PhD

Farhana Abu Bakar (2018). The use of humour in teaching and learning in Higher Education
Hamidreza Mahroeian (2018). Big data and analytics in higher education
Tan Wee Chun (2018). Discourse of viva practices
Yassamin Pouriran (2014). Corrective feedback and learner uptake in selected Iranian EFL classrooms.
Mohammad Abdul Khaled (2014). Written and Oral feedback in PhD drafts.
Saiful Amin Jalun (2013). Discourse realizations of linguistic features in university parlimentary debate speeches
Foroogh Azari (2013). Effects of textual glosses on text comprehension, vocabulary gain and vocabulary retention among tertiary level persian-speaking ESL learners.
Kanthimathci Letchumanan(2012). Effects of Paper-based and Computer-based Games on the Vocabulary Learning of Young ESL Learners
Ali Ziyaeemehr (2009). Humour styles and types in postgraduate academic lectures

Master's

Rebecca Bird (2017). Exploring the merits of iPad App in HUBS 192 labs
Graham O Brien (2015). Reflective practice for post-ordination
Sue McKinnon (2014). Feedback for understanding
Melissa Higson (2012). Feedback to improve student learning outcome
Bathma Dewi (2009). Writer’s perception of the think aloud method
Balachandran (2009). Effects of scaffolding on the development of similes in descriptive writing
Annahita Irani (2009). Questioning strategies in conference presentations
Tan Wee Chun (2009). Academic interactions in journal blind reviews
Bharathy Viswanathan (2009). Pragmatic analysis of humour in the ESL classroom
Mohammad Abdulkhaleq (2008). Effects of word processing on revision strategies
Sharon Sharmini (2008). Insights from verbal protocols of ESL writers’ responses to written feedback
Kelly Tee (2008). Affective written feedback as a process of discovery
Logeswari Arumugam (2007). Pragmatic analysis of written feedback
Jeremy Ivan (2007). Analysis of lecturer’s written feedback
Umarani Muthusamy (2007). Concept mapping in composition writing among ESL students
Sahar Marwan (2007). Individual learning styles: Insights from vocabulary games
Suliana Wan Chik (2006). The acquisition of negation in English by L1 Malay speakers
Anne Shamala (2006). Effects of using graphic organizer amongst low proficiency students

Research interests

My research interests are in doctoral support, doctoral examination, feedback practices, humour in academic settings and academic well-being.

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Publications

Baker, N., Kumar, V., & Timmermans, J. A. (2023). Enabling writing behaviours of successful professors: Insights into optimising research writing practices. Innovations in Education & Teaching International. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/14703297.2023.2199022

Kumar, V., Taylor, S., & Sharmini, S. (2023). Conclusions. In V. Kumar, S. Taylor & S. Sharmini (Eds.), Doctoral examination: Exploring practice across the globe. (pp. 187-196). Abingdon, UK: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003197706-21

Kumar, V., & Spronken-Smith, R. (2023). New Zealand. In V. Kumar, S. Taylor & S. Sharmini (Eds.), Doctoral examination: Exploring practice across the globe. (pp. 108-118). Abingdon, UK: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003197706-13

Kumar, V., Taylor, S., & Sharmini, S. (2023). Introduction. In V. Kumar, S. Taylor & S. Sharmini (Eds.), Doctoral examination: Exploring practice across the globe. (pp. 1-3). Abingdon, UK: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003197706-1

Kumar, V., Taylor, S., & Sharmini, S. (Eds.). (2023). Doctoral examination: Exploring practice across the globe. Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 222p. doi: 10.4324/9781003197706

Edited Book - Research

Kumar, V., & Lee, A. (Eds.). (2011). Doctoral education in international context: Connecting local, regional and global perspectives. Serdang, Malaysia: Universiti Putra Malaysia Press, 233p.

Edited Book - Research

Mallan, V. K., & Huat, B. K. (Eds.). (2011). A handbook for postgraduate supervision. Serdang, Malaysia: Ministry of Higher Education, 96p.

Edited Book - Research

Govindasamy, S., Khemlani David, M., & Kumar, V. (Eds.). (2008). A quick guide to postgraduate supervision. Serdang, Malaysia: Universiti Putra Malaysia, 52p.

Edited Book - Research

Chapter in Book - Research

Kumar, V. (2022). Life lessons for aspiring international academics: What my experience suggests about how to thrive. In J. K. N. Singh (Ed.), Academic mobility and international academics: Challenges and opportunities. (pp. 49-62). Bradford, UK: Emerald. doi: 10.1108/978-1-80117-510-420221007

Chapter in Book - Research

Kumar, V., & Stracke, E. (2018). Settling students into a community of practice. In S. Carter & D. Laurs (Eds.), Developing research writing: A handbook for supervisors and advisors. (pp. 17-22). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

Chapter in Book - Research

Kumar, V., Eng, W. B., & Barnard, R. (2008). Constructing meaning in a bilingual learning environment: Two primary classrooms in Malaysia. In R. Barnard & M. E. Torres-Guzmán (Eds.), Creating classroom communities of learning: International case studies and perspectives. (pp. 127-145). Bristol, UK: Multilingual Matters.

Chapter in Book - Research

Mallan, V. K., & Rafik-Galea, S. (2008). Enhancing the quality of postgraduate supervision. In Z. Moris, H. A. Rahim & S. A. Manan (Eds.), Higher education in the Asia Pacific: Emerging trends in teaching and learning. (pp. 51-61). Pulau Pinang, Malaysia: Penerbit Universiti Sains.

Chapter in Book - Research

Torres-Guzmán, M. E., Kumar, V., & Eng, W. B. (2008). Negotiating appropriateness in the second language within a dual language education classroom setting. In R. Barnard & M. E. Terres-Guzmán (Eds.), Creating classroom communities of learning: International case studies and perspectives. (pp. 70-87). Bristol, UK: Multilingual Matters.

Chapter in Book - Research

Kumar, V. (2007). The outer circle native speaker of English in an ESL context: Insights from revision strategies. In T. B. Hoon, W. C. Dan, M. H. Abdullah, N. Omar, F. S. Abdullah & R. Talif (Eds.), Theoretical and practical orientations in language and literature studies. (pp. 74-99). Pearson Longman.

Chapter in Book - Research

Journal - Research Article

Bakar, F., & Kumar, V. (2022). How students perceive the teacher's use of humour and how it enhances learning in the classroom. European Journal of Humour Research, 10(4), 187-199. doi: 10.7592/EJHR2022.10.4.656

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., & Wald, N. (2022). Ambiguity and peripherality in doctoral co-supervision workload allocation. Higher Education Research & Development. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2022.2115984

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., Kaur, A., & Sanderson, L. J. (2022). PhD orals from the convenors’ perspective: Implications for academics and candidates. International Journal for Academic Development. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/1360144X.2022.2051516

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., Kaur, A., Sharmini, S., & Noman, M. (2022). 'Smile and nod' or more? Reassessing the role of the silent supervisor in the doctoral viva. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 17, 263-277. doi: 10.28945/5002

Journal - Research Article

Wald, N., Kumar, V., & Sanderson, L. J. (2022). Enhancing co-supervision practice by setting expectations in a structured discussion using a research-informed tool. Higher Education Research & Development. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2022.2082390

Journal - Research Article

Kaur, A., Kumar, V., & Noman, M. (2021). Partnering with doctoral students in research supervision: Opportunities and challenges. Higher Education Research & Development, 41(3), 789-803. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2020.1871326

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., Sanderson, L. J., & Kaur, A. (2021). Investigating the role of convenors in the PhD viva. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 46(7), 1080-1091. doi: 10.1080/02602938.2020.1841092

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., & Sanderson, L. J. (2020). The effects of acknowledgements in doctoral theses on examiners. Innovations in Education & Teaching International, 57(3), 285-295. doi: 10.1080/14703297.2019.1620625

Journal - Research Article

Stracke, E., & Kumar, V. (2020). Encouraging dialogue in doctoral supervision: The development of the feedback expectation tool. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 15, 265-284. doi: 10.28945/4568

Journal - Research Article

Bakar, F., & Kumar, V. (2019). The use of humour in teaching and learning in higher education classrooms: Lecturers’ perspectives. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 40, 15-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jeap.2019.04.006

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., & Kaur, A. (2019). Supervisory practices for instrinsic motivation of doctoral students: A self-determination theory perspective. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 14, 581-595. doi: 10.28945/4415

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., & Kaur, A. (2019). Supervisory practices for intrinsic motivation of doctoral students: A self-determination theory perspective. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 14, 581-595. doi: 10.28945/4415

Journal - Research Article

Daniel, B., Kumar, V., & Omar, N. (2018). Postgraduate conception of research methodology: Implications for learning and teaching. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 41(2), 220-236. doi: 10.1080/1743727X.2017.1283397

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., & Aitchison, C. (2018). Peer facilitated writing groups: A programmatic approach to doctoral student writing. Teaching in Higher Education, 23(3), 306-373. doi: 10.1080/13562517.2017.1391200

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., & Stracke, E. (2018). Reframing doctoral examination as teaching. Innovations in Education & Teaching International, 55(2), 219-227. doi: 10.1080/14703297.2017.1285715

Journal - Research Article

Sharmini, S., & Kumar, V. (2018). Examiners’ commentary on thesis with publications. Innovations in Education & Teaching International, 55(6), 672-682. doi: 10.1080/14703297.2017.1294491

Journal - Research Article

Carter, S., & Kumar, V. (2017). ‘Ignoring me is part of learning’: Supervisory feedback on doctoral writing. Innovations in Education & Teaching International, 54(1), 68-75. doi: 10.1080/14703297.2015.1123104

Journal - Research Article

McCulloch, A., Kumar, V., van Schalkwyk, S., & Wisker, G. (2016). Excellence in doctoral supervision: An examination of authoritative sources across four countries in search of performance higher than competence. Quality in Higher Education, 22(1), 64-77. doi: 10.1080/13538322.2016.1144904

Journal - Research Article

Stracke, E., & Kumar, V. (2016). Exploring doctoral students’ perceptions of language use in supervisory written feedback practices: Because “feedback is hard to have". Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, 39(2), 122-138. doi: 10.1075/aral.39.2.02str

Journal - Research Article

Golding, C., Adam, L., Scott, C., Acheson, C., Johnson, K., Brook, P., McLean, A., Smith, N., … Hunter, C., & Kumar, V. (2015). Fix, build, diagnose or guide? Evaluating the metaphors for learning advisors. ATLAANZ Journal, 1.

Journal - Research Article

Stracke, E., & Kumar, V. (2014). Realising graduate attributes in the research degree: The role of peer support groups. Teaching in Higher Education, 19(6), 616-629. doi: 10.1080/13562517.2014.901955

Journal - Research Article

Ziyaeemehr, A., & Kumar, V. (2014). The relationship between instructor humor orientation and students' report on second language learning. International Journal of Instruction, 7(1), 91-106.

Journal - Research Article

Leng, K. T. P., Kumar, V., & Abdullah, M. H. (2013). Written feedback on ESL student writers' academic essays. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 21(2), 477-501.

Journal - Research Article

Subramaniam, V., Kumar, V., & Mat, N. H. C. (2013). Multi-senses explication activities module for dyslexic children in Malaysia. Asian Social Science, 9(7), 241-267. doi: 10.5539/ass.v9n7p241

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, M., & Kumar, V. (2012). Interactions with feedback: A case study of protocol analysis. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 20(4), 1161-1174.

Journal - Research Article

Visvanathan, B., Kumar, M., & Kumar, V. (2012). A pragmatic analysis of humor in ESL classrooms: An exploratory study. International Journal of TESOL & Learning, 1(1). Retrieved from http://www.untestedideas.com/volumes.php?journal=ijtl&volume=1&issue=1

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., & Stracke, E. (2011). Examiners' reports on theses: Feedback or assessment? Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 10(4), 211-222. doi: 10.1016/j.jeap.2011.06.001

Journal - Research Article

Sharmini, S., & Kumar, V. (2011). Planning in feedback: Insights from concurrent verbal protocols. TESL-EJ, 14(4).

Journal - Research Article

Ziyaeemehr, A., Kumar, V., & Abdullah, M. S. F. (2011). Use and non-use of humor in academic ESL classrooms. English Language Teaching, 4(3), 111-119. doi: 10.5539/elt.v4n3p111

Journal - Research Article

Farhadian, M., Abdullah, R., Mansor, M., Redzuan, M., Gazanizadand, N., & Kumar, V. (2010). Theory of mind in bilingual and monolingual preschool children. Journal of Psychology, 1(1), 39-46.

Journal - Research Article

Stracke, E., & Kumar, V. (2010). Feedback and self-regulated learning: Insights from supervisors' and PhD examiners' reports. Reflective Practice, 11(1), 19-32. doi: 10.1080/14623940903525140

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, M., Kumar, V., & Feryok, A. (2009). Recursiveness in written feedback. New Zealand Studies in Applied Linguistics, 15(1), 26-37.

Journal - Research Article

Kumar, V., & Kumar, M. (2009). Recursion and noticing in written feedback. European Journal of Social Sciences, 12(1), 94-99.

Journal - Research Article

Naderi, H., Abdullah, R., Hamid, T. A., Sharir, J., & Kumar, V. (2009). Intelligence, creativity and gender as predictors of academic achievement among undergraduate students. Journal of American Science, 5(3), 8-19.

Journal - Research Article

Naderi, H., Abdullah, R., Tengku Aizan, H., Sharir, J., & Kumar, V. (2009). Self esteem, gender and academic achievement of undergraduate students. American Journal of Scientific Research, 3, 26-37.

Journal - Research Article

Naderi, H., Abdullah, R., Tengku Aizan, H., Sharir, J., & Mallan, V. K. (2009). Gender differences in creative perceptions of undergraduate students. Journal of Applied Sciences, 9(1), 167-172.

Journal - Research Article

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