Students and Supervisors Interactions in Master’s Projects - Exploring Face-to-Face vs Mediated Communication

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel

Study examining how students and supervisors exchange information during master’s thesis projects, comparing face-to-face communication with mediated communication via email. The research uses autobiographical reflection to document information types exchanged across the two interaction modes, complemented by semi-structured interviews with thesis students from Kuwait University and other master’s programs. Qualitative analysis shows different discussion topics and that face-to-face is perceived as more effective and productive, while mediated communication is easier and faster.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Purpose of the Research

Research Questions

Literature Review

Asian Journal of Contemporary Education ISSN(e): 2617-1252 DOI: 10. 55493/5052 . v7i1 .4812 Vol. 7, No. 1, 25-42. © 2023 AESS Publications. All Rights Reserved. Students and supervisors interactions in master’s projects: Exploring faceto-face vs mediated communication Yousra El Khashab Kuwait University, Kuwait. Email: [elkhashabyousra@gmail.com](elkhashabyousra@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Article History Received: 4 April 2023 Revised: 29 May 2023 Accepted: 2 June 2023 Published: 6 June 2023 Keywords Autobiography Black hole phenomenon Capstone project Direct active supervision Direct passive supervision E-supervision system Mediated communication. This study aims at exploring communication practices between students and supervisors in thesis projects. The study conducted a comparison between face-to-face and mediated communication through the use of emails. The researcher used the autobiographical reflection to document examples of information communicated during the two interactions. Furthermore, it utilized semi-structured interviews with three students who were conducting their thesis in the Information Studies Department at Kuwait University. Then, the researcher conducted interviews with four students’ from other masters’ programs. The study used a qualitative method to analyze the results. The findings showed that students used face-to-face meetings and mediated communication to seek different types of information. The topics discussed varied between the face-to-face and mediated interaction. Face-to-face communication was perceived as more effective and productive, while mediated communication was easier and faster. Students used e-mails to set appointments with their supervisors, ask questions and get feedback on assignments. Students faced some communication barriers such as difficulty of sense-making and experiencing the “black-hole”phenomenon. The study suggested applying an electronic supervision system to facilitate students’ communication with their supervisors. This study has practical significance as it helps students and supervisors interact successfully during different thesis writing stages. Contribution/ Originality: This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing researchers with evidence from Kuwait about the types of information delivered in face-to-face and mediated communication between students and supervisors. Unlike other studies that only used interviews, this study also used autobiography in the research method. 1. INTRODUCTION Having relationships between people necessitates creating useful tools of communication. Throughout history, people have been searching for ways to deliver information and communicate with others. Different communication tools have emerged lately. These technologies revolutionized many communication concepts and took the attention of scholars to study their attributes (Drago, 2015) . People can easily use technological methods to interact with their family members or friends in an informal context. However, the use of technology is more sensitive in businesses and working contexts as the relationships between people become formal. The messages sent to others have to be specific, clear and direct. The way of communication can influence the quality of work. In educational institutions, the relationship between the instructor and students is also critical. Both parties are often involved in prolonged discussions. Students send messages to their instructors and vice versa. More specifically, graduate students in educational institutions need to interact with their supervisors in a back-and-forth process. From choosing the research topic to the final submission of the thesis or project, instructors and students communicate frequently. Students consult their supervisors or seek different types of information. The more the educational level is advanced, the more careful the students should be with their messages and deliver the

FAQs

What communication modes does the study compare between students and supervisors?

The study compares face-to-face communication with mediated communication through email.

What method does the study use to document the information exchanged?

It uses autobiographical reflection to document examples of information communicated during the two interaction types.

What challenges do students report during communication with supervisors?

Students report difficulties in sense-making and experiencing the “black-hole” phenomenon.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel