IISES International Academic Conference, Prague

TEAM GUIDANCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE THESIS PROCESS AT HÄME UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, ELECTRICAL AND AUTOMATION ENGINEERING EDUCATION

LEA MUSTONEN, SUSAN HEIKKILÄ

Abstract:

The aim of this article is to describe the development of the thesis process in the degree programme in the Electrical and Automation Engineering at Häme University of Applied Sciences through teamwork. The aim of the development work has been a smooth and student-oriented thesis process, which improves the quality of the thesis process from both the student's and the education provider's point of view. In particular, the focus is on team-based thesis supervision, where two teachers in different roles (thesis coordinator and communications teacher) hold a remote quided session every two weeks. The tutoring is organized as much as possible from the student's point of view: it is scheduled after office hours, does not require prior registration, and allows for questions on the progress of the thesis and on writing. This method has proved to be a good way of developing the thesis. The low participation threshold and the regular, frequent tutoring times encourage students to take part in the guidance. The evaluation of the thesis is also done as a teamwork: the thesis is always assessed by the main supervisor teacher and another teacher who reviews the content. In addition, the communication teacher assessed the thesis from the perspective of scientific practice. Supervision and evaluation as a team supports the teachers’ work and helps to develop ways to enhance students’ learning and acts as a systematic way to improve the quality of the thesis.

Keywords: Thesis, Thesis process, Team supervision, Improving teaching quality