Elaborating a thesis: Challenges and difficulties of teaching college students

Abstract

The following work includes the report of an investigation carried out in a teacher’s college, where the students from the 2012-2016 generation, corresponding to the 2012 Curriculum, future Graduates in Primary or Preschool Education, who chose to elaborate a thesis to obtain the degree. As part of the central investigation, the challenges and difficulties experienced during the process were explored, since this is the first institutional experience with this type of degree. The research was qualitative and used as a technique the realization of a focus group, which included 9 students. The results suggest that the greatest areas of opportunity are found in the aspects of academic training received, that is, the student shows weaknesses in redacting ideas, creating scientific texts, constructing a theoretical framework, delimiting the object of study, among other aspects. Highlighting the importance of the role of the thesis advisor and the role played in the preparation of documents, without a doubt, is a key factor to be considered from the institutional level.