“Unfolding the Lived Experiences of Students in Thesis Writing”

Abstract

Writing the research document in the form of thesis is considered as the most challenging among the students. Keeping this view of mind, the present study was conducted to explore the struggles and coping mechanisms by the students in thesis writing. There were 15 conveniently and purposely selected participants in this study from the 8 colleges in Quirino State University, Cabarroguis Campus, Philippines. The researcher used interview as a tool to collect data which included open ended questions. The result revealed that the participants have different experiences in thesis writing. The struggles that they have encountered in their thesis writing include lack of knowledge in research writing, lack of guidance from instructors, emotional and psychological problems, financial problems, and slow internet connectivity. Despite the struggles they encountered, they employed coping strategies to succeed in their thesis writing. These include self-motivation, seeking support from others, and proper time management. Proper dissemination of the result of the study and presentation of the proposed intervention program could be done to address the struggles of students in thesis writing.