Exploring graduate student learning in applied science and student-supervisor relationships: views of supervisors and their students

This study presents the results of aquestionnaire about the learning thatoccurs at graduate level and how thesupervision of research contributes tothis learning. Graduate students (PhDand Masters) and academic staff whosupervise graduate students in appliedscience were surveyed. Graduate studentresponses exemplified how critical therelationship with their supervisor is inthe success of their research term. Thedescriptive answers given by supervisorsdemonstrated their genuine interest ingraduate school learning and showed theyare cognizant of many issues pertainingto culture and learning environmentsin graduate study. The questionnairesought to expand the trends and conceptsidentified by phenomenographic interviewswith graduate students and supervisors.Other important insights such as opinionsabout coursework, learning environmentsand barriers are highlighted. Addressingsuch issues can only encourage anoutcome that is beneficial to both studentsand supervisors through good researchand a life-long skill of deep learning for thestudent.