Table 3.

Themes and subthemes with supporting quotes for student-level factors affecting the receipt of feedback (n=30)

Themes identified		Major subthemes		Participant ID		Supporting quotes
Student-level factors affecting receipt of feedback
Institutional ethics and culture		Learning environment		S15M S02M		“The environment at the college should facilitate seeking feedback for our exam performance but we are just shown the internal assessment marks and no further discussion takes place” “There is not much interest for explaining the reasons for our poor performance or a redressal portal if we think that our marks are not at par with our exam performance”
		Free communication		S28F S25F		“When we wish to discuss with our teachers, they are sometimes busy with their tasks and meetings so we are not able to discuss our difficulties with them” “We are afraid that they (teachers) may think that we are interrupting their important work”
		Channels for feedback		S21F S29M		“Our mentor in the Anubandh mentorship program guides us regarding the ways in which we can improve our studies” “The group sessions after our exams that explain the deficiencies in our exam performance are helpful for focussing on the weaker aspects”
Feedback model and processes		Positive FB		S09M		“If the teachers appreciate us for our work in a good manner, we are satisfied and want to do well every time”
		Friendly manner		S03F S28M		“We feel much better receiving inputs from ….sir as he says that in a very friendly way” “If things are explained in a good way, them it motivates us to take up their suggestions”
		Criticism		S11M S06F		“Criticising for improving our performance doesn’t serve the purpose as it dampens our enthusiasm rather than lifting our spirits” “We have been subjected to it so often that it ceases to motivate us to learn even from our mistakes”
		Negative FB		S16F		“Stating the facts harshly only deters us from doing what is being told to us”
Learner’s attitudes, beliefs, and motivation		Expectations related to their performance		S22F S07M		“We are never explained about what is expected out of us, so we do not have any set goals for ourselves” “We should be sensitized at the outset as to what we need to do during the course very precisely so that we conduct ourselves accordingly”
		Interest and motivations		S01M		“If I am interested in learning, I will make sure to go to my mentor and request for pointers in improving my performance”
		Learning objectives and learning needs		S12F		“….poor scorers need that additional help as compared to the brilliant ones”
		Value system		S17M S08M		“….it is easier for the confident ones to go to the teachers and get their feedback but for people like us it is a herculean task” “If the teachers care for our wellbeing, then they definitely tell us about our studies and exam performance”
		Perceived role of teacher		S21F		“….friendly ones (teachers) are best received by the students as their mentors and are very approachable even for matters other than studies”
Teacher attributes		Facilitator		S09M S11M		“Criticizing us versus helping our progress, we prefer the latter ones for taking feedback” “We never have the feeling that they will facilitate our journey as we are never taken into consideration”
		Non-judgmental		S25F S04F		“….if they start calling us names we cannot take in or act on their suggestions” “They just label us as irresponsible even before understanding our genuine problems”
		Approachable		S19F S07M S29M		“I am sure that I will never seek feedback from …. as a I am very afraid of their bad temper” “We always find some of the teachers to be very difficult to talk with and wish that we never have to have any conversations with them” “….if we are sent back often then we do not wish to seek help from them”
		Recognition		S21F S22F S18M		“….ma’am is so kind and soft spoken that we are not afraid to ask her about our difficulties” “Our sports committee chairperson is our goto mentor for our difficulties as he is always there for us” “we follow what our seniors tell us about the teachers and this helps us to choose our preferred mentors”
		Good listener		S01M S27F S08M		“Sometimes, we are not allowed to share our side of the story” “if they listen to our problems, then why will we not be willing to implement their suggestions” “The solutions are not based on our problems as no one tries to uncover them”
		Motivated		S16F S29M		“Some of them are very inspiring and always help us in learning new skills” “….the enthusiasm with which they teach helps us learn better”

*Participant ID format S=student; M=male; F=female