Working independently on the dissertation proposal: experiences of international Master’s students

PRINGLE BARNES, Gayle and CHENG, Ming (2019). Working independently on the dissertation proposal: experiences of international Master’s students. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 43 (8), 1120-1132.

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Abstract

This article explores the experiences of international students as they engage in independent learning through formulating dissertation proposals. It contributes new insights by focusing on the ‘pre-supervision’ stage, where students formulate a research project and write a proposal independently. The analysis draws on questionnaire and focus group data from a large cohort of international taught postgraduates in business disciplines at a UK university. Two types of experience become apparent: one in which students work through the challenges presented by more independent learning, and the other where difficulties in ‘getting started’ present a barrier to progress. The article concludes by proposing a scaffolding approach, through which students can practise and complete key independent learning tasks involved in writing a dissertation proposal.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1301 Education Systems
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877x.2018.1450965
Page Range:	1120-1132
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Elements
Depositing User:	Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited:	01 Nov 2022 16:23
Last Modified:	02 Nov 2022 10:38
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/30823

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