DINAMIKA ILMU - Vol. 17 No. 1 - Research Trends of EFL Students in English Education Program, 2005-2015 Survey

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dhado

The article examines research trends among EFL students in an English Education Program at State Islamic Institute of Tulungagung, Indonesia, over a 2005–2015 period. A questionnaire survey covering 450 of 849 students’ theses indicates TEFL as the most popular research topic for the last eleven years, alongside descriptive (qualitative) studies and a growing use of quantitative, classroom action research, and research & development methods. It also highlights needs for improving writing of research gaps, literature review, and the quality of conclusions and suggestions to reduce plagiarism and strengthen contribution.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

A. Introduction

DINAMIKA ILMU Vol. 17 No. 1, 2017 P-ISSN: 1411-3031; E-ISSN: 2442-9651 doi: [http://dx.doi.org/10.21093/di.v17i1.636](http://dx.doi.org/10.21093/di.v17i1.636) Research Trends of EFL Students in English Education Program: A 2005-2015 Survey Erna Iftanti ¹ State Islamic Institute of Tulungagung, Indonesia e-mail: [ernataufic72@gmail.com](ernataufic72@gmail.com) Arina Shofiya ² State Islamic Institute of Tulungagung, Indonesia e-mail: [arina.shofiya@gmail.com](arina.shofiya@gmail.com) Abstract One of the purposes of English Education Program of State Islamic Institute of Tulungagung, Indonesia, is to lead the graduates to do research on linguistics and language teaching and to write a thesis accordingly. However, the preliminary study shows that there is some repeatedly research on the same topics, because the students commonly spend their time copying and pasting or modifying their seniors’ previous studies during writing the research proposals. If the advisors are not punctual in advising their advisees, it is possible to do some unintentional plagiarism which furthers block the contribution toward the body of knowledge in English language and education. Therefore, this article is intended to describe research trends of EFL students in English education. This descriptive study done through a questionnaire survey to 450 out of 849 students’ theses reveals that during the last eleven years, TEFL is the most popular research topic, because it is their mainstream topic. Still, they include other topics than TEFL which are mostly researched by using Descriptive (Qualitative) . However, the students’ theses also indicate the development of implementing various research methods i.e. Quantitative, Classroom Action Research, and Research & Development. Moreover, although it is revealed that the research has already indicated the appropriateness of research objective with its title and research background, the EFL students’ theses need some improvement on writing research gap, reviewing related literature and previous studies, and on drawing conclusion and stating suggestion and research contribution as well. This study is then useful as the basis to make a research road map and important to avoid plagiarism and set a thorough research contribution to the body of knowledge on TEFL in Indonesia. Keywords: research trends, theses, students of English education program A. Introduction To be involved in the development of technology and science and to contribute to its advancement, people must be engaged in scientific activities such as doing research and reporting the research result and publishing it as well. English Department of State Institute of Tulungagung as one of the educational institutions also takes part in the development of science and technology. This can be seen from one of its mission which is to conduct a higher education in English education that is up to date and updated toward the development of English science and education. “Jurusan Tadris Bahasa Inggris menyelenggarakan pendidikan tinggi dalam bidang pendidikan bahasa Inggris yang update dan up to date terhadap perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi dalam bidang bahasa Inggris” (Pedoman Penyelenggaran Pendidikan, 2015). To achieve the above mentioned mission, one of the objectives of the English Program concerning with the teaching and learning English is to equip the EFL learners with knowledge and competence in doing research on linguistics and English instruction (“menghasilkan lulusan yang memiliki pengetahuan dan kemampuan melakukan penelitian bidang linguistik dan pemelajaran Bahasa Inggris”(Pedoman Penyelenggaran Pendidikan, 2015). This means that EFL learners should be able to conduct research concerning with their own field of study so that they can contribute to the development of English instruction. The efforts of the Program to chase this target is by providing some courses leading the EFL learners to be able

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the article about EFL students’ theses?

The article describes EFL students’ research trends in English education and explains how those trends relate to avoiding plagiarism and strengthening contributions to TEFL knowledge in Indonesia.

Which research topic is most popular in the last eleven years according to the survey?

TEFL is identified as the most popular research topic during the last eleven years because it is the students’ mainstream topic.

What improvements do the theses still need, based on the study’s findings?

The theses need improvement in writing research gaps, reviewing related literature and previous studies, and in drawing conclusions, stating suggestions, and clarifying research contributions.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dhado