IMPROVING STUDENTS UNDERSTANDING OF THE THESIS FLOW BY USING THESIS MAP TECHNIQUES

An understanding of the flow of thesis writing is very important to ensure good and quality research results. This situation always waves graduate students so that many lose during the presentation of the proposal (defense proposal) or during the oral examination (viva). The Thesis Map technique is an innovation in the teaching of research methods that uses the arrangement of thesis flow in a visual box. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the improvement of students understanding of the mastery of thesis writing flow (thesis flow) by using the Thesis Map technique. The action research design was used to look at changes in student achievement in mastering the flow of thesis writing. A total of 4 PhD students from the subject of Research Methods (PPPY6283) were involved in this study. Students are taught the Thesis Map technique for 1 semester from April to July 2021. Effectiveness analysis is evaluated using three instruments namely Test-Before Action and Test-After Action, observation and presentation of research proposals. Findings show that there is an increase in students understanding of the flow of thesis writing through the comparison of the results of the Pre-Action Test and Post-Action Test. Findings from the observation also found that students showed interest, enthusiasm and mastery of the subjects taught. The effectiveness of this technique is also evidenced by the acquisition of excellent proposal presenter marks between 36-39 out of a total of 40 marks. Therefore, the Thesis Map technique approach is an effective alternative medium for the subject of Research Methods. The implication is that UKM will be more distinguished with quality and impactful graduate research results.