ABSTRACT
Feedback on research writing is an intriguing part of supervision. From long and wide experience, this chapter suggests that some kind of clarity about student and supervisor expectations of supervision be a central aim for the discussion that occurs as the supervision is established. Linlin Xu is researching written feedback from non-Chinese supervisors on draft proposals written by Chinese international doctoral students—her research expertise makes her an astute co-author. Linlin picks up the story with her thoughtful response: The supervision practice and feedback guidelines are very helpful in making clear what is expected of doctoral students and what they can expect from the supervisor. Such clarity is of especial importance to newly arrived international students who, like myself, come from countries with different academic and supervision cultures. However, further consideration of the students' cultural background may increase the document's effectiveness when students are not used to communicating and negotiating with their teachers, but to following and obeying.
