CHALLENGES OF DISSERTATION WRITING: A LEARNING JOURNEY

Writing a doctoral dissertation is the pinnacle and the finale culminating requirement to be a worthy candidate earning his/her degree. Its ominous to imagine writing an original work of two hundred pages or more and submitting it to distinguished scholars whose opinion of your intelligence will depend on what you have accomplished. In this action research, the researcher explored the different challenges and experiences of the six doctoral students writing their dissertation in the field of narrative studies. The inquiry concentrates on the problematic tensions that are unique to the students writing the academic paper.

The study specifically sought answers on the following questions:
(1) In your own opinion, what is dissertation writing?
(2) What are your experiences that you find challenging in the journey of writing your dissertation paper?
(3) What suggestions can you share to help future Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students in writing their dissertation paper.

The research has yielded some thought- provoking results. Dissertation was defined according to how one has experienced it. The discussions reflected on how they view a dissertation paper which to them needed a substantial amount of determination, hard work, strength of character and intelligence. Furthermore, everybody was undivided in sharing that it is a rigourous but fulfilling journey. All their works are valuable which contributed to their field of study. In the journey, problems and challenges were encoutered mainly in writing the manuscript technically and those encountered while validating the paper. The validation was viewed as a great obstacle as the researcher needs to adapt to the inputs and criticisms of the panel of examiners. Holistic preparations are imperative for a person to endure the rigor of dissertation writing successfully.