Saudi Mathematics Students’ Experiences and Challenges with Their Doctoral Supervisors in UK Universities

Author:

Mansour Saleh Alabdulaziz Dr.1

Affiliation:

1. imam abdulrahman bin faisal university

Abstract

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the challenges Saudi doctoral students studying in UK universities face with their supervisors, shed light on their experiences, and examine the extent to which these experiences impact their ability to complete their thesis. Furthermore, the aim is to examine the aspects of supervision the students found to be effective during their studies. Background: The overall intention of this article is to provide more information about the experiences and challenges Saudi mathematics students face with their doctoral supervisors in UK universities. Therefore, overcoming these difficulties will enhance the academic success rates of Saudi students, and will help them to complete their studies on time when studying at UK universities. Methodology: This was a multi method project resulting in the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. It started with a questionnaire, which was administered to 300 Saudi doctoral students, 32 of whom subsequently agreed to be interviewed. The sample was randomly selected from doctoral students who were specializing in curricula and methods of teaching mathematics and other related areas. Contribution: This study added information to the literature on Saudi mathematics students’ experiences and challenges with their doctoral supervisors in UK universities. This also represents the first study to be context on this subject within Saudi Arabia. Findings: There are some positive and negative challenges experienced between doctoral students and their supervisors, which are comprised of four main dimensions: team supervision, the supervisory relationship, the elements of effective supervision in their current supervisors, and supervisors’ written feedback. Additionally, based on their experiences, the students stated the specific elements of supervision that were effective, including general knowledge of the research area and research methods, receiving continued support from the supervisory team, and the establishment of regular and realistic deadlines, friendliness, approachability and flexibility, the provision of detailed feedback on students’ work, joint meetings with both first and second supervisors, constructive criticism, and sufficient interest in their research. Recommendations for Practitioners: The stakeholders in Saudi Arabia should take advantage of the answers given by the participants to help those and future students. Furthermore, this study invites doctoral students to solve the challenges they face with their supervisors immediately, in order to be able to complete their thesis on time. Additionally, it is important that university and departmental administrative bodies consider tracking their study paths to better assist students. Furthermore, universities should be clear regarding the different roles and responsibilities of the students and their supervisors before the candidates commence their studies. Recommendation for Researchers: Further research is needed to explore supervisors’ views and experiences, as well as staff supporting and coordinating doctoral programs who may have a more holistic view of the supervisory process. Impact on Society: The study participants’ experiences of their doctoral studies could be highly beneficial for comprehending the problems that confront them when studying, which will enable better assistance to be provided. Future Research: Future studies could be extended to other areas of the education field. Furthermore, particular measures can be implemented to enhance supervision, which could be associated with satisfaction levels and/or the performance of students.

Publisher

Informing Science Institute

Subject

Education

Cited by 4 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3