Lessons of Feedback in Higher Education in Sweden

An interview-based investigation

Abstract

Lessons learned in the feedback process are as a two-sided coin that ultimately guide the PhD candidate towards becoming an independent researcher as well as educating “reader/docents” in their role as a supervisor. Building on a brief literature review, observations from 14 interviewed PhD candidates were reflected upon and these are the suggested lessons learned. The study’s preliminary findings suggest that feedback is most productive when it is organized, systematic, and tends to offer guidance rather than direct
instruction. Perhaps of greatest significance is the need to have consistent dialogue about the feedback’s form and content between student and supervisor(s).