Challenges in research report writing among english-majored students: A quantitative study

In Vietnam, research report writing is a popular and mandatory activity for English-majorized students at universities. Students are typically required to complete a research report after finishing a course and as part of their graduation requirements. Research report writing is a critical skill that not only influences academic performance but also prepares students for professional careers that demand analytical and writing proficiency. However, the outcomes are underwhelming, as the scores students receive for their papers tend to be relatively low. The current study was conducted with the purpose of investigating problems English-majored students at Thu Dau Mot University (TDMU) face when writing a research report paper and proposing several solutions to address these challenges. Using a quantitative approach, a survey questionnaire was administered to 225 English-majored juniors and seniors to assess their difficulties in various aspects of research report writing. The results indicated that students’ problems in their research report writing were related not only to language factors, such as vocabulary, grammar, and academic style but also to research methodology factors, including formulating research questions, structuring reports, and appropriately citing sources. Furthermore, issues related to time management, intrinsic motivation, and academic writing conventions were also identified as barriers to effective research writing. The results indicated that students’ problems in their research report writing were related not only to language factors but also to research methodology factors. By presenting strategies and recommendations, this study contributes significantly to enhancing the teaching and learning of research report writing in the context of TDMU specifically and in Vietnamese academic contexts more broadly.