Exploring the Experience of Undergraduate Students’ Research Writing Process: Action Research

Abstract

Writing a research article as an undergraduate student is an important yet challenging academic task. This study aimed to explore undergraduate students’ experiences in research writing and identify the key challenges they face, as well as the influence of feedback, motivation, and time management on the writing process. A mixed-method approach was used, including a quantitative survey conducted with 53 second-year students at Kimyo International University in Tashkent and semi-structured interviews with 10 students. Data were collected through a Google Forms questionnaire consisting of closed- and open-ended questions, alongside qualitative interview responses. The findings revealed that students mainly struggle with organising ideas, writing literature reviews, and formulating research questions rather than basic grammar and vocabulary. Feedback was found to play a significant role in improving students’ writing, while motivation increased when research topics were personally meaningful. However, many students reported uncertainty in understanding research structure and managing their time effectively. Overall, the study concludes that despite increased institutional support, undergraduate students continue to face interconnected challenges, highlighting the need for more structured guidance, improved feedback practices, and effective time management strategies to enhance research writing skills.