Enhancing scientific writing skills among postgraduate students: Evaluating the impact of academic writing training at the institute of Accountancy Arusha, Tanzania

Abstract

Academic writing plays a vital role in postgraduate education, particularly in the realm of scientific research. This study examined the effectiveness of an academic writing training programme designed for newly enrolled master's students at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha. The primary objective of the training was to strengthen postgraduate students' proficiency in scientific writing. Conducted at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha in Tanzania, the study involved 115 master's students who participated by completing questionnaires. Employing a quantitative research method within a descriptive framework, the research evaluated changes in academic writing skills and overall academic performance before and after the training. Analysis using correlation techniques and descriptive statistics demonstrated notable improvements in writing abilities, particularly in enhancing students' confidence in composing scientific papers, essays, dissertations, and citations. Additionally, the training positively impacted time management skills, indicating that targeted academic writing instruction can significantly enhance the scientific writing capabilities of postgraduate students.