Students’ Challenges and Barriers in the Completion of an Undergraduate Thesis in the Case of A Premier Local College in the Philippines

Year 2023, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 38 - 52, 28.02.2023

Joseph Lobo

https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1230630

Abstract

Writing a thesis has always been considered one of the most challenging aspects of being an undergraduate student. However, no research on the difficulties of undergraduate students in the setting of Local Colleges and Universities (LCUs) in the Philippines has been identified. The purpose of this sequential explanatory research was to evaluate the challenges and obstacles experienced by undergraduate students while finishing their theses. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Physical Education at City College of Angeles in the Philippines who have completed writing and defending their theses comprise the study's participants. After gathering data from 116 students via an online survey (Nmale = 59, Nfemale = 57) for the quantitative phase, it was determined that infrastructure, communication, and time management presented a moderate amount of difficulty for students. Additionally, after the thematic analysis, three major themes and six sub-themes emerged: (1) Internet connectivity challenges and communication (connectivity issues and inadequate scientific resources, as well as communication with thesis groupmates), (2) Data gathering impediments (participant recruitment and rejection), and (3) Time Management issues (drawbacks of working students and thesis writing contrasted with other academic course works). Based on the findings, this report offers recommendations for tackling these obstacles and issues. Finally, the study's limitations and proposals for further research are presented.

Keywords

Bachelor of Physical Education, Physical Education, Research excellence, Thesis Writing, Undergraduate Thesis

Thanks

The author would like to reach his sincerest gratitude to all the students voluntarily participated in this research project. Also, the author would like to thank the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Quality Assurance, Dr. Jean Paolo G. Lacap; Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Carolina A. Sarmiento; lastly, Dean of the Institute of Education, Arts, and Sciences, Mrs. Levita P. De Guzman.

References

• Adams, R. V., & Blair, E. (2019). Impact of Time Management Behaviors on Undergraduate Engineering Students’ Performance. SAGE Open, 9(1), 215824401882450. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244018824506
• Ahmad, S., Batool, A., & Hussain Ch, A. (2019). Path Relationship of Time Management and Academic Achievement of Students in Distance Learning Institutions. Pakistan Journal of Distance and Online Learning, 5(2), 191–208.
• AlMarwani, M. (2020). Academic Writing: Challenges and Potential Solutions. Arab World English Journal, 6(6), 114–121. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/call6.8
• Alsied, S. M., & Ibrahim, N. W. (2018). Exploring Challenges Encountered by EFL Libyan Learners in Research Teaching and Writing. IAFOR Journal of Language Learning, 3(2), 143–158. https://doi.org/10.22492/ijll.3.2.06
• Alyami, A., Abdulwahed, A., Azhar, A., Binsaddik, A., & Bafaraj, S. M. (2021). Impact of Time-Management on the Student’s Academic Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study. Creative Education, 12(03), 471–485. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2021.123033
• Appleby, J. A., King, N., Saunders, K. E., Bast, A., Rivera, D., Byun, J., Cunningham, S., Khera, C., & Duffy, A. C. (2022). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experience and mental health of university students studying in Canada and the UK: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 12(1), e050187. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050187
• Apuke, O. D., & Iyendo, T. O. (2018). University students’ usage of the internet resources for research and learning: forms of access and perceptions of utility. Heliyon, 4(12), e01052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e01052
• Arfken, C. L., & Balon, R. (2011). Declining Participation in Research Studies. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 80(6), 325–328. https://doi.org/10.1159/000324795
• Attewell, P., & Monaghan, D. (2016). How Many Credits Should an Undergraduate Take? Research in Higher Education, 57(6), 682–713. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-015-9401-z
• Azmat, M., & Ahmad, A. (2022). Students Experience in Completing Thesis at Undergraduate Level. Journal of Materials and Environmental Science, 13(3), 291–300. https://www.jmaterenvironsci.com/Document/vol13/vol13_N3/JMES-2022-13024-Azmat.pdf
• Badampudi, D., Fotrousi, F., Cartaxo, B., & Usman, M. (2022). Reporting Consent, Anonymity and Confidentiality Procedures Adopted in Empirical Studies Using Human Participants. E-Informatica Software Engineering Journal, 16(1), 220109. https://doi.org/10.37190/e-Inf220109
• Barrow, J. M., Brannan, G. D., & Khandhar, P. B. (2022). Research Ethics. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459281/
• Bernhard, J. (2018). What matters for students’ learning in the laboratory? Do not neglect the role of experimental equipment! Instructional Science, 46(6), 819–846. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-018-9469-x
• Boufeldja, B., & Bouhania, B. (2020). A Qualitative Inquiry into the Difficulties Experienced by Algerian EFL Master Students in Thesis Writing: ‘Language is not the Only Problem.’ Arab World English Journal, 11(2), 243–257. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol11no2.17
• Davis, K., Tan, L., Miller, J., & Israel, M. (2022). Seeking Approval: International Higher Education Students’ Experiences of Applying for Human Research Ethics Clearance in Australia. Journal of Academic Ethics, 20(3), 421–436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10805-021-09425-1
• Djatmika, D., Prihandoko, L. A., & Nurkamto, J. (2022). Lecturer Supervisors’ Perspectives on Challenges in Online Thesis Supervision. Proceedings of the 67th TEFLIN International Virtual Conference & the 9th ICOELT 2021 (TEFLIN ICOELT 2021), 624, 270–276. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.220201.048
• Draucker, C. B., Rawl, S. M., Vode, E., & Carter-Harris, L. (2020). Integration Through Connecting in Explanatory Sequential Mixed Method Studies. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 42(12), 1137–1147. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945920914647
• Eastgate, L., Hood, M., Creed, P. A., & Bialocerkowski, A. (2022). Managing work and study with an eye on the future. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 3(February), 100142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2022.100142
• Emmerson, M. (2019). Communicating “Success” with Research Students: Institutional Responsibilities in Encouraging a Culture of Research Higher Degree Completions. In Traversing the Doctorate (pp. 57–73). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23731-8_4
• Ermiati, E., Widiasih, R., Suryati, Y., & Murtianingsih, M. (2021). Student Experience in Completing Thesis and its Implications for International Students in Indonesia. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 9(T6), 45–51. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021.7367
• Eyal, N. (2020). Is There an Ethical Upper Limit on Risks to Study Participants? Public Health Ethics, 13(2), 143–156. https://doi.org/10.1093/phe/phaa028
• Fedyuk, O., & Zentai, V. (2018). The Interview in Migration Studies: A Step towards a Dialogue and Knowledge Co-production? In IMISCOE Research Series (pp. 171–188). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-76861-8_10
• Fleming, J., & Zegwaard, K. E. (2018). Methodologies, methods and ethical considerations for conducting research in work-integrated learning. International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 19(3), 205–213.
• Gelling, L. (2016). Applying for ethical approval for research: the main issues. Nursing Standard, 30(20), 40–44. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.30.20.40.s46
• Gericke, N., Högström, P., & Wallin, J. (2022). A systematic review of research on laboratory work in secondary school. Studies in Science Education, 00(00), 1–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2022.2090125
• Gordon, B. G. (2020). Vulnerability in Research: Basic Ethical Concepts and General Approach to Review. Ochsner Journal, 20(1), 34–38. https://doi.org/10.31486/toj.19.0079
• Harris, J. L., Al-Bataineh, M. T., & Al-Bataineh, A. (2016). One to One Technology and its Effect on Student Academic Achievement and Motivation. Contemporary Educational Technology, 7(4), 368–381. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/6182
• Holden, R. J., McDougald Scott, A. M., Hoonakker, P. L. T., Hundt, A. S., & Carayon, P. (2015). Data collection challenges in community settings: insights from two field studies of patients with chronic disease. Quality of Life Research : An International Journal of Quality of Life Aspects of Treatment, Care and Rehabilitation, 24(5), 1043–1055. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0780-y
• Huntington-Klein, N., & Gill, A. (2021). Semester Course Load and Student Performance. Research in Higher Education, 62(5), 623–650. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-020-09614-8
• Kennett, D. J., Reed, M. J., & VandenBerg, T. R. (2019). The Importance of Perceived University Life Balance, Hours per Week Engaged in Academic Activities, and Academic Resourcefulness. Teaching & Learning Inquiry: The ISSOTL Journal, 7(1), 136–153. https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.7.1.9
• Lestari, D. M. (2020). An Analysis of the Students’ Difficulties in Writing Undergraduate Thesis at English Education Study Program of Muhammadiyah University of Bengkulu. Premise: Journal of English Education, 9(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.24127/pj.v9i1.2588
• Li, B., Shamsuddin, A., & Braga, L. H. (2021). A guide to evaluating survey research methodology in pediatric urology. Journal of Pediatric Urology, 17(2), 263–268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.01.009
• Lobo, J., Bautista, C., Dimalanta, G., & Manuel, S. (2022). Coaching commitment and physical development of student-athletes from various public schools in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S6), 5735–5758. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS6.10874
• Matin, M. A., & Khan, M. A. (2017). Common problems faced by postgraduate students during their thesis works in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education, 8(1), 22–27. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjme.v8i1.32245
• McMullin, C. (2021). Transcription and Qualitative Methods: Implications for Third Sector Research. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-021-00400-3
• Medaille, A., Beisler, M., Tokarz, R., & Bucy, R. (2021). Honors Students and Thesis Research: A Study of Information Literacy Practices and Self-Efficacy at the End of Students’ Undergraduate Careers. College & Research Libraries, 82(1), 92. https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.82.1.92
• Merç, A. (2016). Research anxiety among Turkish graduate ELT students. Current Issues in Education, 19(1), 1–15. https://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/view/1539
• Mfutso-Bengo, J., Masiye, F., Molyneux, M., Ndebele, P., & Chilungo, A. (2008). Why do people refuse to take part in biomedical research studies? Evidence from a resource-poor area. Malawi Medical Journal, 20(2), 57–63. https://doi.org/10.4314/mmj.v20i2.10958
• Mohammad El-Freihat, S. (2021). Challenges facing students in writing theses at the Jordanian universities. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 16(6), 3266–3277. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v16i6.6321
• Mohammadi, M., & Zolqadr, S. (2022). Survey on the Obstacles of Thesis Writing for the Postgraduate Students, Case Study: Postgraduate students of Zanjan University. Management of Information Resources and Services, 9(1), 53–70. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.30473/mrs.2022.65457.1536
• Musmade, P., Nijhawan, L., Udupa, N., Bairy, K., Bhat, K., Janodia, M., & Muddukrishna, B. (2013). Informed consent: Issues and challenges. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 4(3), 134. https://doi.org/10.4103/2231-4040.116779
• Mutya, R. C., Geverola, I. J. R., Cano Jr., A. C., & Friolo, R. V. (2022). Coping with uncertainties: Unveiling the lived experiences of working students in the new normal. Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal of Science - Social Science, 12(1), 112–129. https://doi.org/10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.12.1.2264.2022
• Natividad-Franco, V. (2021). Difficulties and Challenges of Library and Information Science Students in Thesis Writing during the Pandemic. SSRN Electronic Journal, 3, 353–365. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3919528
• Nouri, A., Zandi, T., & Etemadizade, H. (2022). A canonical correlation analysis of the influence of access to and use of ICT on secondary school students’ academic performance. Research in Learning Technology, 30(1063519), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.25304/rlt.v30.2679
• Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic Analysis. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 160940691773384. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847
• Nurkamto, J., Djatmika, D., & Prihandoko, L. A. (2022). Students’ Problems of Academic Writing Competencies, Challenges in Online Thesis Supervision, and the Solutions: Thesis Supervisors’ Perspectives. TEFLIN Journal - A Publication on the Teaching and Learning of English, 33(1), 123. https://doi.org/10.15639/teflinjournal.v33i1/123-147
• Pareek, R. B. (2019). An assessment of Availability and Utilization of Laboratory facilities for Teaching Science at Secondary Level. Science Education International, 30(1), 75–81. https://doi.org/10.33828/sei.v30.i1.9
• Qasem, F. A. A., & Zayid, E. I. M. (2019). The challenges and problems faced by students in the early stage of writing research projects in L2. European Journal of Special Education Research, 4(1), 32–46. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2557036
• Rajabzadeh, R., Janani, L., & Motevalian, S. A. (2021). Effects of different invitation strategies on participation in a cohort study of Iranian public sector employees: a cluster randomized trial. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 21(1), 206. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-021-01405-8
• Rimando, M., Brace, A., Namageyo-Funa, A., Parr, T., Sealy, D.-A., Davis, T., Martinez, L., & Christiana, R. (2015). Data Collection Challenges and Recommendations for Early Career Researchers. The Qualitative Report, 20(12), 2025–2036. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2428
• Salac, R. A., & Kim, Y. S. (2016). A Study on The Internet Connectivity in The Philippines. Asia Pacific Journal of Business Review, 1(1), 67–88. https://doi.org/10.20522/APJBR.2016.1.1.67
• Shahsavar, Z., & Kourepaz, H. (2020). Postgraduate students’ difficulties in writing their theses literature review. Cogent Education, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2020.1784620
• Silinda, F. T., & Brubacher, M. R. (2016). Distance Learning Postgraduate Student Stress while Writing a Dissertation or Thesis Résumé. International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education, 32(1), 1–21.
• Simões, S., Oliveira, T., & Nunes, C. (2022). Influence of computers in students’ academic achievement. Heliyon, 8(3), e09004. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09004
• Soulen, R. R., & Tedrow, L. (2022). Students’ frequency of access to school library materials in transformative times. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 54(4), 622–639. https://doi.org/10.1177/09610006211037721
• Stuckey, H. (2015). The second step in data analysis: Coding qualitative research data. Journal of Social Health and Diabetes, 03(01), 007–010. https://doi.org/10.4103/2321-0656.140875
• Subia, G. S., Gaston, C. O., Gaspar, J. F. A., Padilla, D. A. S., & Valenzuela, M. D. A. (2022). Thesis Writing amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Hospitality and Tourism Management Students of Wesleyan University Philippines. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 10(02), 191–198. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2022.102013
• Sükan, S., & Mohammadzadeh, B. (2022). Challenges of Writing Theses and Dissertations in an EFL Context: Genre and Move Analysis of Abstracts Written by Turkish M.A. and Ph.D. Students. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(June). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.925420
• Surmiak, A. (2018). Confidentiality in qualitative research involving vulnerable participants: Researchers’ perspectives. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung, 19(3). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-19.3.3099
• Swain, J., & King, B. (2022). Using Informal Conversations in Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21, 160940692210850. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221085056
• Toyon, M. A. S. (2021). Explanatory sequential design of mixed methods research: Phases and challenges. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, 10(5), 253–260. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v10i5.1262
• Tsurugano, S., Nishikitani, M., Inoue, M., & Yano, E. (2021). Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on working students: Results from the Labour Force Survey and the student lifestyle survey. Journal of Occupational Health, 63(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1002/1348-9585.12209
• Tumin, T., Faizuddin, A., Mansir, F., Purnomo, H., & Aisyah, N. (2020). Working Students in Higher Education: Challenges and Solutions. Al-Hayat: Journal of Islamic Education, 4(1), 79. https://doi.org/10.35723/ajie.v4i1.108
• Ulriksen, L., & Nejrup, C. (2021). Balancing Time – University Students’ Study Practices and Policy Perceptions of Time. Sociological Research Online, 26(1), 166–184. https://doi.org/10.1177/1360780420957036
• Watts, J., Crippen, K. J., Payne, C., Imperial, L., & Veige, M. (2022). The varied experience of undergraduate students during the transition to mandatory online chem lab during the initial lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 4(1), 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-022-00055-0
• Wilson, R., Joiner, K., & Abbasi, A. (2021). Improving students’ performance with time management skills. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 18(4), 230–250. https://doi.org/10.53761/1.18.4.16
• Xu, A., Baysari, M. T., Stocker, S. L., Leow, L. J., Day, R. O., & Carland, J. E. (2020). Researchers’ views on, and experiences with, the requirement to obtain informed consent in research involving human participants: a qualitative study. BMC Medical Ethics, 21(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-020-00538-7