Research Methodology Teaching and Learning Approaches, Thesis Writing Skills, with Effective Completion of Academic Thesis among Postgraduate Students in Nigerian Universities

AbstractPurpose of the Study: This paper examined the nexus between research methodology teaching and learning approaches, students’ thesis writing skills, thesis writing intention, and self-efficacy with effective postgraduate completion of academic thesis in Nigerian Universities.Methodology: Based on a sample of 250 students drawn from Environmental Sciences Faculties at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Southeast Nigeria and the University of Lagos in Southwest Nigeria, descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out. Descriptive analytical tools were used to profile teachers’ research methodology teaching and the students’ research methodology learning styles. In contrast, inferential analyses were employed to test the formulated hypotheses.Findings: This study revealed that research methodology teaching and learning approaches, students’ thesis writing skills, students’ Perceived Importance of Thesis Writing, Students’ Thesis Writing Intention, and Self-efficacy are positively correlated and do have a significant impact on effective postgraduate completion of thesis writing. Consequently, the study recommends a paradigm shift in research methodology teaching in which the distinct skill sets required for writing each of the sections in the various chapters of a thesis are to be inculcated into students in a practical technical writing laboratory environment.Recommendations/Conclusion: This paper fills a gap in knowledge as it draws the attention ofresearch methodology teachers and students to the need to adopt a practical hands-on approach to teaching and learning research methodology. Therefore, the findings of this study could provide useful input for research methodology curriculum development that will adequately equip students with appropriate thesis writing skills for the timely completion of thesis writing in postgraduate programmes.Study Type: Research Paper