The Dynamics of Communication between Lecturers and Students in Final Guidance: A Study at UIN Palopo

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the dynamics of communication between supervisors and students in the context of final project guidance at the State Islamic University (UIN) Palopo. The focus of the research includes three main aspects, namely the ongoing interpersonal communication styles, the effectiveness of the communication media used, and the factors that hinder the smoothness of the guidance interaction. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and documentation. The research informants consisted of final-year students from the Islamic Communication and Broadcasting Study Program, Faculty of Ushuluddin, Adab, and Da'wah. The supervising lecturers were selected based on their involvement in the thesis supervision process, while the students were final-year students who are currently undergoing or have completed the thesis supervision process. The research results show that interpersonal communication between supervisors and students occurs through three dominant communication styles, namely supportive, directive, and collaborative. The collaborative style is considered the most effective because it can balance academic needs with positive interpersonal relationships. The use of communication media, both face-to-face and online such as WhatsApp and Sevima, contributes to time efficiency and flexibility in the mentoring process, although online communication has not yet fully replaced the richness of nonverbal messages in face-to-face communication. Factors hindering guidance interactions include psychological, communication, technical, as well as academic system and workload factors. This study concludes that the effectiveness of thesis supervision is greatly influenced by the ability of supervisors and students to build open, collaborative, responsive, and respectful communication.