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A qualitative investigation of strategies and experiences of non-native students writing master’s theses

Zahra Khozaei Ravari (Department of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran)
Kok Eng Tan (School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia)

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education

ISSN: 2050-7003

Article publication date: 18 February 2019

Issue publication date: 5 April 2019

496

Abstract

Purpose

Research on academic writing development at graduate level has received wide attention. However, less has been documented on positive academic writing literacy experiences and strategies of non-native students while completing their master’s theses. The purpose of this paper is to examine facilitating strategies that non-native students develop in the writing-up stage.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 50 MA English majors from 11 higher education institutions in Tehran participated in this qualitative study. Data were gathered using interviews and journal entries and analyzed thematically with the help of the NVivo10 software.

Findings

The analysis resulted in three major themes: self-support strategies of an academic writer; enhancing personal development; and supervisors’ support and feedback. Findings showed that Iranian students developed strategies that involved interactions not only with supervisors but also members of various academic communities that could be reached via online professional networking. There was also a need to address organizational skills and mood management to meet deadlines. Regardless of the self-support strategies, the supervisors’ role and supervisor–supervisee relationships remained crucial.

Originality/value

Available studies in academic literacy and English for academic purposes have mainly focused on thesis challenges. This study highlights strategies and positive experiences that facilitate the progress of MA students in the thesis writing journey, while at the same time emphasizing the critical role of supervisors in expediting this process.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the participants for their time and cooperation.

Citation

Khozaei Ravari, Z. and Tan, K.E. (2019), "A qualitative investigation of strategies and experiences of non-native students writing master’s theses", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 310-324. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-07-2018-0120

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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