1. “Focus Group” Style Supervision for final year projects
Lawrence Hill
BSc. (hons) Paramedic Science

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A simple, efficient and relaxed model for dissertation supervision.
Students receive a bulk of their supervision time in facilitated groups on pre-defined topics
Increase quality and consistency of dissertation supervision for students
Reduce resourcing needed for supervision
Enhance the student experience

3. Logistics and Efficiency
Requires timetabling
Discussion needed between facilitators to establish boundaries of discussion for each “focus group”
Conventional Approach
40 students X 6 hours supervision = 240 hours staff time
Equivalent of 30 full working days(!)
Focus Group Approach
Two X two hour group supervision sessions
4 hours supervision for each student
16 hours staff time
Plus two hours “conventional” supervision per student
80 hours staff time
Total = 96 hours staff time
Efficiency saving of 144 hours = 18 full working days

4. Student Feedback What are the strengths and weaknesses of this approach to supervision compared to the regular supervision from allocated supervisors?
Strengths
Weaknesses
“Focus groups are more useful/informative”
“Viewpoints from other students, lecturers and other experts very beneficial!”
“More motivating, relaxed and open”
“Focus groups are very focussed on feeding back on how we were meeting the learning outcomes”
Can be harder to hear sometimes
Can be difficult for your own specific task in focus group
Less specific to you as an individual.

5. Student Feedback What are the most beneficial aspects of receiving supervision in this way?
Viewpoints from other students, encourages teamwork and finding solutions to common challenges
Timetabled so this does not have to be arranged independently
Helpful advice even if you haven’t made as much progress as others.
Less intimidating, less pressurised, less formal = more at ease
Consistency of information

6. Student Feedback How can this approach to supervision be improved?
More time and smaller groups
A break between stations to consolidate
Separate rooms/bigger rooms per station to retain focus and maintain privacy
More of them for other modules please.

7. Summary Simple concept -> consistency -> quality
Generally very well received by students
Less intimidating, less pressurised, less formal: more effective
Logistically challenging and resource intensive