How should work-integrated learning supervisors support their students? A concurrent triangulated mixed-method study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21555626 |
|---|---|
| Authors | David Drewery (0000-0001-9211-4520, University of Waterloo, corresponding author), My Truong (0000-0003-1722-2964, University of Waterloo), Anne-Marie Fannon (0000-0001-9482-1659, University of Waterloo) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 1094-1110 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-04 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Higher Education Research & Development (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0729-4360 • E-ISSN: 1469-8366 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/07294360.2025.2486178 |
| OpenAlex | W4409320934 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 33 |
Supervisor support is essential to the success of work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences, yet previous research suggests supervisors need more practical guidance on supporting students. This paper aims to identify the areas of supervisor support that need the most improvement through a concurrent triangulated mixed-method research design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via an online cross-sectional survey of co-operative education students (N = 323). Quantitative data were analyzed through importance-performance (IP) analysis and qualitative data were thematically analyzed to confirm and elaborate on the quantitative findings. The study revealed gaps between the support students want to receive and the support that supervisors offer, the largest gap concerning constructive feedback. The findings coalesced into a conceptual model of supervisor support called the 4C Model, an acronym that represents four ways supervisors should support their students: create meaningful work, communicate regularly and effectively, connect students to the organization, and care about students. The model will help WIL practitioners educate supervisors about how best to support students
Higher education · Mathematics education · Medical education · Multimethodology · Pedagogy · Political science · Qualitative research · Sociology · Computer Science · Higher Education and Employability · Medicine · Organizational Learning and Leadership · Psychology · Reflective Practices in Education
A Review of the Empirical Literature on Meaningful Work
Importance-Performance Analysis
Perceived supervisor support
When supervisors feel supported
Interrater reliability
Employers as educators
Exploring university student engagement and sense of belonging during work-integrated learning
Managing One’s Career
Supervising the PhD
Importance-Performance Analysis of Health Perception among Korean Adolescents during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Organizations and supervisors as sources of support and targets of commitment
Revisiting importance–performance analysis
On a Wing and a Prayer! An Exploration of Students’ Experiences of External Supervision
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Impact of work-integrated learning and co-curricular activities on graduate labour force outcomes
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |