Thesis Writing Experiences of Post Graduate Students at the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature
Abstract
The study aimed at exploring the thesis writing experiences of graduate students in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, College of Humanities, Language Studies and Journalism and Communication, Addis Ababa University. Specifically, the research looked into research knowledge and skills graduate students brought with them to the theses writing task, the challenges they encountered in the process of writing the thesis, and the underlying reasons that accounted for the challenges. Following Tan (2007), the study employed a qualitative research approach, narrative inquiry, to explore the actual experiences of students. The participants of the study were graduate students enrolled in 2010-11 academic year and subsequently defended their theses successfully. Out of the 157, 43 students selected using random sampling filled in the questionnaire. Of the 43 students, 11 were randomly sampled for a focus group discussion. The quantitative data obtained from the questionnaire was analyzed in conjunction with the qualitative data. The findings showed prominent problems that ranged from selecting topics to organizing contents and expressing these in acceptable language. Stating research problems in clearer terms and drawing research objectives and questions from them; producing a well-documented literature review; linking up coherently the different components of a research work and building a coherent and cohesive text were challenges students faced. The qualitative data obtained from the FGD and the questionnaire also revealed that students experienced frustrations, dissatisfaction, uncertainties and moments of satisfaction and achievements. The underlying causes included the knowledge, skills and attitude the students brought with them for the task, the inadequate support system they were provided with, and the time frame within which they had to work. Recommendations that would help in addressing the problems are forwarded.
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References
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