Xingshi Gao successfully defended her PhD thesis at Wageningen University and Research on 18 June 2025

I recently had the pleasure of defending my PhD thesis, which explored how and when students take up online peer feedback in higher education. The study maps current practices in online peer feedback, categorizes patterns of feedback uptake behaviors, and examines key predictive factors. A central finding is that students’ uptake of peer feedback is far more nuanced than a simple "implemented/not implemented " binary—it’s a dynamic process shaped by the interplay of individual characteristics, perceived situational factors, and situational factors.

The defense itself was a rewarding experience. I’m grateful to my committee for their insightful questions, which aligned closely with the considerations I’d explored during my research, allowing for a lively yet relaxed discussion.

I plan to accept the position as a postdoctoral researcher at the Education University of Hong Kong. Feel free to reach out at xingshigao25@gmail.com for further collaborations or discussions.