The Research Skills of Graduate Students in the Master Degree of Education at Kuwait University

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify theresearch skills of graduate studentsin the College of Education at Kuwait University.The study sample comprised of 68 graduate students. For the purpose of the study, the researcher developed a questionnaire that consisted of 48 items covering two domains: required research skills, and research difficulties. The validity of the questionnaire was checked by agroup of professors in the College of Education. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficientwas found to be adequate. Results revealed that MA students have certain needs which should be fulfilled to be able to conduct research properly. In addition, they encounter certain difficulties which hinder the research process and inhibit achieving the purpose of research which is graduating competent researchers as well as knowledgeable teachers. The study concludes with some recommendations based on the findings such as: Providing MA students with a solid background on research methodology and familiarizing MA students with the importance of research in the educational process.