Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn)
Vol 20, No 3: August 2026

Supervisory mediation as an outcome alignment mechanism in cross-cultural postgraduate training: a case study in Chinese engineering education

Tongtong Lyu (Northwestern Polytechnical University)
Donghong Li (Northwestern Polytechnical University)
Chong Wei (Northwestern Polytechnical University)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study explores how outcome-based education (OBE) is enacted in cross-cultural postgraduate training at a Chinese engineering university, focusing on four Pakistani students. Using a qualitative case study design with semi-structured interviews, institutional training documents, weekly research reports, and student academic outputs, the study examines how institutional learning outcomes are translated into research practice through supervisory mediation. Findings show that supervisory mediation—through weekly reporting, iterative feedback, supervisor-led explanation, structured research participation, and laboratory-based engagement—aligns student activities with institutional outcomes. Students developed research autonomy, academic communication skills, and cross-cultural adaptation, though challenges remained in goal transparency, feedback consistency, and adjustment to academic norms. A four-layer outcome alignment mechanism (goal, process, outcome, feedback) is proposed to explain how institutional outcomes are interpreted, enacted, and internalized, and to enhance international postgraduate training under the OBE framework.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

EduLearn

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Library & Information Science Social Sciences Other

Description

Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn) ISSN: 2089-9823, e-ISSN 2302-9277 is a multi-disciplinary, peer-refereed open-access international journal which has been established for the dissemination of state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of education, teaching, development, instruction, ...