UNS — The rapid changes occurred in the higher education field. Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Program, with its internship scheme, equipped students to find their first job faster after graduating. However, students still encounter difficulties, especially in completing their final assignment or thesis. Even though students have the freedom to select any topic they are interested in, research topic remains the standard issue for students, especially those who start their thesis writing journey.
Responding to this issue, the Career Development Center (CDC) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held a Workshop on Speed Up Final Assignment Completion on Tuesday (29/6/2021). Discussing the “Practice to Find Thesis Topic), the workshop invited Psychology Program Faculty Member Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) M. Zulfa Alfaruqy, S.Psi., M.A., and UNS Pharmacy Program Faculty Member, Apt. Syaiful Chori, M.Pharm.Sci.
Finding Topic from Phenomenon
Students can find a thesis topic from the phenomenon around them, especially amid the pandemic. M. Zulfa Alfaruqy, S.Psi., M.A., stated that to capture and understand the phenomenon around them, students need to empty their ‘knowledge’ for a while and observe, read news, and check passion or reading the existing studies. After finding an exciting topic, students can conduct a feasibility test and ensure that their topic has benefits, access, and similarity with their research subjects.
“Give a room for ourselves to be open to the phenomenon around us,” M. Zulfa said.
M. Zulfa also shared the dos and don’ts for students in preparing their thesis. Students are expected to have a favorable view of their supervisor, write consistently, and stay honest. Students must avoid overthinking that creates anxiety, procrastination, and a long window period between thesis writing.
Finding Topic from Research
The key to success is not finding ideas from journals but finding appropriate journals for idea generators. This key was shared by Apt. Syaiful Chori, M.Pharm.Sci., in the 2ns workshop session. Syaiful Choiri explained that students have different levels in formulating their topic, starting with the simplest Copy, Tambah, Modifikasi (CTM) (copy, add, modify). The next level is Analisis, Koleksi, Komparasi (AKK) (analyze, collect, compare) for students who want to add novelty into their work. At this level, it is easier for students to find journals according to their research topic. From these journals, they will conclude a rational and scientific idea.
A small number of students usually takes the hardest level. Their plan to graduate quickly, apply for a scholarship, and continue their study encourages students to prepare a scientific paper. Thus, students could generate ideas by understanding the pattern of the paper formulation. “This idea is not just an idea, but also a novelty of the paper,” Syaiful Choiri concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Rangga Pangestu Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti