November 19th, 2018
By Professor Dr. Rozainun Haji Abdul Aziz
Introduction
This paper collates simple insights from input given by university lecturers towards developing an interest in writing articles and increasing the number of publications. The main problem identified is a lack of interest in writing articles by the university lecturers. The methodology used in this study is qualitative in nature whereby a physical 'free and easy' observation was made followed by casual interviews with a group of lecturers in Malaysia. Factors influencing writing motivation and deterrents against writing are delineated. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide some direction towards establishing interest and motivating lecturers to develop a passion for writing, thereafter contributing to the University's aspiration towards active academicians with publications.
Definitions
There are three basic definitions that are necessary to know. First, we view a 'Professional writer' as an expert who writes or co-authors in quality publications based upon their expertise and philosophy. The foundation is their in-depth reading and their experience, and their writing is in a style that is readable and understandable by readers. Needlessly to say, the contents and the quality of contribution provide impactful applications, good theory, methodology, and practical frontiers.
The second definition is 'Writing'. In this context, we see this as referring to a collection of oriented words documented in a formal template for the public domain, external use, or for an internal closed-communication purpose within an organization. The third definition is 'Publication', which we view as something that serves as the platform on which the writings are published, for example, in a Scopus-indexed journal. Other platforms are books, conference proceedings, non-indexed, and refereed journals.
Setting the scene
Universities’ expectations today have developed far from the old school of just teaching; advancing into writing and publication in high-indexed journals, among other activities such as research, innovation, corporate social responsibility, and industry networking. The original colleges have progressed into university-colleges, if not universities. To date, the number of higher education institutions has increased tremendously. Whilst the production of graduates is necessary for a university, the demands for lecturers are also re-directed to increasing the number of publications in order to bring up the image of the University.
The level of perceived participation seems to be evidence of the fear of writing. However, it might not be the 'fear of writing', but rather 'less attention' or 'less priority' to write. Compared to the total number of lecturers in the denominator, the ratio of writers who manage to penetrate the indexed and impact journals is still relatively low. How do we improve the record? In addition, despite calls for writing and facilities to support writing and being given opportunities for funding, there are still quite a number of lecturers who are not writing. Why?
This paper is based on research that probes and shares the views of the potential writers and actual writers themselves. These provide pointers that have been pooled and re-categorized to set the focus on what is actually needed to come up to the professional status.
Influencing factors and writing
Ten factors that have been identified that might influence the formation of professional writers are given in the next section. These are a summary of the insights gathered from the group of lecturers described above. It should be noted that these factors are explained briefly in relation to the writing perspective.
1) Motivation and momentum
Motivation, in our view, relates to the energy and desire from the inner-self to drive and perform a certain task with full commitment. In so doing, the hope is that the returns will give benefits to both the writer and the university. In order to achieve such a level, he/she should develop momentum and keep motivated to continue writing, even though there might be obstacles along the way.
2) Mindset and attitude
We define mindset as referring to the process that frames one’s thinking towards the particular instruction or desire, directed by rules and regulations. A positive mindset will move the thinking to achievable goals. Attitude is the way we think as a result of ancestry and personal development. A positive attitude will keep our mind stable and straight to fit the mindset required by our leader. A person needs to believe that he or she can write so they will build confidence to write. The change might not be overnight but the gradual process of persevering when writing, will provide a positive outcome.
3) Want vs Need
There is always a conflict between distinguishing need and want in a particular task. For example, is it merely something we desire or is it something that is necessary. A want is an option or something 'nice to have' but a need is a 'must have' with no other option. If we look at writing as a want, we will comfort ourselves that we have a choice of refusal. If we believe that writing is a need, we will push ourselves to ensure delivery of the papers and publications.
4) Be the change and the future you want to see
If we are complacent in our current positions, and we have been in that position for many years, not changing our way of even teaching, or meeting up to the expectations of current changes, then we need to do health-check. If we idolize a figure such as a renowned researcher or an authority in our fraternity, that should pull us to that triumphant light. When we compare the differences between us and a renowned person, the renowned person got there through hard work and envisioning where they wanted to be. We must make the same journey to reach that same level of competence. We can always find reasons and excuses not to try, but we all have the ability to reach the highest levels of our fields if we strongly desire it and put forth the effort.
5) Passion
Once we habitually practice, persevere and continue to write, no matter what, we will develop a love for writing. Afterwards, passion will set in and keep up our interest in contributing to the body of knowledge. As the saying goes, 'practice makes perfect'.
6) Responsibility
As we enter the University as an academician, the offer and acceptance are like a contract of responsibility. Over time, as changes come, many accomplishments are expected. Being the adults that we are, we are expected to contribute and prove things with evidence, then write about it. Though some might see this is a burden, this is our responsibility. It is not far-fetched that we have the responsibility to write and if we are committed, we will be successful.
7) Getting published
It is usually the case that once we know the process for successful submission and publication, will we be more motivated in our writing. When we know the process so well because we have learned the skills we end up getting our papers published. Writing for a journal is different from writing a thesis or writing a textbook. The skills are: i] to observe what is required, for example in submitting a journal, ii] follow closely the author guidelines, iii] read other articles in the journal in which you have chosen to publish, iv] align everything according to the template and the expected flow of the contents. v] More importantly, the topic must be current and interesting. vi] The contents must be of good quality, and references must current publications and on topic. vii] Last but not least, we need to ask whether or not our abstract is concise enough to attract the readers. Once we acquire the skills and follow the guidelines of publishing, there will be great reward and satisfaction.
8) Be current with development
Changes in knowledge and how things are done are inevitable in all areas of expertise and business. Development in the corporate world and within an industry will have an impact on the curriculum. As such, there will be spillover from these developments that will need to be incorporated into the teaching and learning, and the research, too. Afterwards, in order to spread discoveries to the world, writing and publication is the vehicle to deliver the new knowledge to the public domain.
9) No knowledge, know nothing
IQRA', or “Read”, is the first word sent down to Our Prophet Muhammad SAW. Read, as called by ALLAH SWT, will bring knowledge to the Ummah in conversation, debate, and sharing of experiences and expertise, including performance. IQRA' will provide us with the basis on how to write and to share with others.
10) Appreciate what you have around you
The support and facilities around us need to be optimally utilized. In fact, there are many resources available, in terms of material and human sustenance. The support has always been there to provide assistance in our writing. What we probably need to do is to take the initiative and make time for writing. For that matter, time should be allocated to writing as part of the weekly equivalent working hours.
Recommendation and Conclusion
The whole idea of this paper is to encourage everyone to write and eventually to publish in indexed journals. It is never too late to write on any topics in our fields of teaching. In fact, you can write on something as simple as the profile and performance of your students. You can specialize and focus on a particular subject and be able to produce something to publish. Another suggestion regarding what to write about and publish is on your experience with teaching and learning. Whether in non-indexed journals, publications, or social-media columns, we can find mediums that offer wide opportunities to start publishing our work. As we move along with our career in the journey to excel with our developing expertise, we should be able to become professional writers. Becoming a professional writer means we reflect the changes we want to see and find a brighter future for ourselves.
Further work on a descriptive analysis of the demographic profile of the respondents, response data, and a study into the relationship of the factors influencing creating professional writers and the culture among University lecturers is needed.
It is hoped that writers will realize their potential. With the appropriate motivation and skill set, as set out in the listing of ten (10) influential factors above, anyone who is dedicated and persistent in their writing practice will definitely succeed in their writing and publication endeavor.