Problems in Writing Scholarly Articles in English among Indonesian EFL Post-Graduate Students

Abstract

The directive from the Indonesian Directorate General of Institutional Science, Technology, and Higher Education that graduates from the universities in Indonesia must publish at least one scholarly article in English as a prerequisite to complete their study is seen as a move towards upgrading the quality and the credential of graduates in the country. However, for EFL students, this is not an easy task. This study aimed at examining the problems faced by the post-graduate students in Indonesia in writing scholarly articles in English and to identify the support needed by these students to enhance their writing skills. Using survey questionnaire and interview as methods of data collection, the findings indicate that the participants faced challenges from the cognitive, linguistic, psychological, and external factors aspects. The participants also informed of the institutional, pedagogical and social support needed to assist them in producing quality scholarly writings.