Keeping the Research Thesis on Course: Case of Kenyatta University Doctoral Students Experiences during the COVID 19 Pandemic
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Date
2024
Authors
Kariuki, Damaris
Muthima, Purity
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UNESCO
Abstract
Completion of doctoral studies is the apex of academic accomplishment. Postgraduate studies, particularly
in Africa have been dogged with a myriad of issues that derail the process, thus hampering completion
rates. However, among the many issues that affect the doctoral students’ completion, it’s not yet largely
evidenced the extent to which the COVID 19 pandemic affected the doctoral student’s thesis writing, despite
the fact that the pandemic had other far reaching ramifications on higher education with many universities
having to shut down albeit temporarily. The objective of the study was to establish doctoral students’
research thesis progress and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The study utilized
descriptive survey design with an online survey being used to collect data. The sample comprised ninetyone PhD students from the Department of Education Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, School
of Education, Kenyatta University. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while
thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study established that the majority of the
students 57% had made some progress in their doctoral studies thesis writing during the pandemic period
through online engagement with faculty and from insights gained in the interactive research-related
webinars organized by the department. Additionally, students indicated that they experienced work related
(36.2%) and institutional (29.8%) challenges. However, the majority indicated that their greatest need of
support to enhance progress in their thesis work is improvement in receipt of prompt feedback from
supervisors and capacity building on research methodology. The study recommends adoption of blended
supervision, tutorial doctoral sessions for guidance and psychosocial support structures to enhance
progress in doctoral studies.
Description
Article
Keywords
Completion, Doctoral Studies, Experiences, Pandemic, Supervision, Tutorials, Research progress
Citation
Kariuki, D., & Muthima, P. (2024). Keeping the Research Thesis on Course: Case of Kenyatta University Doctoral Students Experiences during the COVID 19 Pandemic. Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO.