It is a sad experience I gathered on RG the more often than not research supervisors at universities and at other academic institutions do not give the necessary support to their BSc, MSc or PhD students. (Respect to the exceptions). I know that educational institutions are overloaded, students may be often lazy (I presume some professors too), but soemtimes I get questions which show that some students did not get even the basic background to their work, neither in theory, nor in specifics. If they are diligent and can learn by themselves, they may pass the difficuties but with much more wasted energy than it would be necessary. I have never been a professor but did supervise some MSc and PhD theses here and there both in Hungary and abroad - officially or on complimentary or friendly basis. My opinion is that it is a big responsbility, not simply a work duty. If I accept somone as a student, I am supposed to review the research plan, to help in searching proper literature (which, of course, should be processed by the student), and time to time to revise the results obtained and make corrections, if necessary. I wonder what is the experience of coleagues from the education and of students?
Students should be continuously supported and closely supervised by their academic and research mentors. Paying attention to students needs is a priority and a collective responsibility that all educators must honor. It is eventually all about quality learning outcomes.
Of course, the professor should be a teacher for the student, but this is not always realized. The main reason, in my opinion, is the economy. Professir and student in the vast majority of universities are just an university employee and his client. Within the frames of such relationship, it is simply ridiculous talking about creative interaction. The professor, as a rule, has more students than he can really control and guide (Personally, I can’t watch the works of more than 5 people, and I would prefer to work with no more than three, given that I myself want to do something ...). As a result, the professor and student meet only at official control events. In addition, only a small part of students understand that everyfhing depends on their initiative too. For the most part, working with a professor is perceived simply as the next stage in the process of achieving the desired status (degree), and not a real interaction that gives knowledge and skills.
To be fare, your summary is applicable on about more than 30% such mentors. However., during my studentship, I was fortunately very lucky with support and help of my peers & supervisors.
Yes that is sadly true in many of the cases. And one of the main reasons I find for this is that many of the professors are also principal investigators of projects funded by different agencies. So they tend to devote more time for their completion as they are answerable to the funding agencies regarding project outcomes and funding issues.
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