Optimizing student and supervisor interaction during the SciPro thesis process – concepts and design

Abstract

In order for students to complete their bachelor, master and Ph.D. theses they need feedback, cues, guidance and supervision. Common problems perceived by students are too little instructions as well as infrequent and insufficient supervisor feedback. At Stockholm University, the SciPro (Supporting the Scientific Process) system has been developed to tackle these problems. This paper describes, analyze and discuss the interaction between students and supervisors using the SciPro system. The results show high level of interaction between students and supervisors in the thesis handling process. However, six special groups of needs were identified: support for (1) language(s), (2) research methods, (3) self-study, (4) creativity, (5) “How to write”, and (6) inspiration and motivation. The collaborative stage of group-supervision may be one possible way to deal with the different type of support for the process of managing student theses.