UNAIR NEWS – ESGI Dataset, part of the Center for Environmental, Social, and Governance Studies (CESGS) at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), hosted EdTalk: ESGI Dataset Talk titled Understanding Thesis Writing with Dr. Ira. The online event was held via Zoom on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
During the session, Dr. Ira Mirawati Msi, discussed the common difficulties students face when developing thesis ideas on their own. According to her, overcoming these challenges largely depends on how students approach the thesis-writing process.
“For those who may already be in their final semester but have not yet held their proposal seminar or started the thesis process, that is completely fine. There is no need to feel left behind or compare progress with others. What matters is changing the way you think about the process,” Dr Mirawati said.
Changing mindset to improve thesis writing
Dr. Mirawati further explained that writing a thesis should not be treated as a competition. One effective way to complete a thesis, she says, is by continuing to write without becoming overly concerned with producing a perfect draft from the beginning. “Students should not expect their first attempt to be perfect. That mindset often becomes what I call the perfectionist trap,” Dr. Mirawati said.
She added that the thesis-writing journey should be viewed as an opportunity for growth. Dr. Mirawati encouraged students to imagine the final stage of the process as the long-awaited moment of graduation. Supportive friendships, she noted, also play an important role in maintaining motivation during the writing process.
“In many cases, students who graduate on time usually work on their thesis alongside friends. That kind of environment can be motivating because they can exchange ideas and feedback,” Dr. Mirawati explained.
Dr. Mirawati also stressed the importance of building a strong, systematic, and logical foundation in the first chapter of a thesis. According to Dr. Mirawati, the opening section determines the direction and focus of the research throughout the writing process.
Using AI responsibly in thesis writing
In her presentation, Dr. Mirawati also addressed the growing use of artificial intelligence in academic writing. She explained that AI can function as a helpful tool to support ideas rather than a source for copying information directly.
“I support the use of AI in the thesis-writing process, but it must be used responsibly. Students should not simply copy information from AI without verifying its accuracy,” she concluded.
She emphasized that critical thinking remains essential even when AI tools are available. Dr. Mirawati recommended using data from at least the past five years to strengthen research arguments. Reliable sources may include academic journals, research reports, official data platforms, government documents, and credible news publications.
Dr. Mirawati also explained that the logical structure of a thesis must be clear and coherent. It includes identifying a clear research problem, presenting accurate supporting data, explaining the impact of the issue, and outlining the urgency that justifies the research. “AI can be used to help build a thesis framework, but students must still conduct a thorough literature review,” she concluded.
Author: Amelia Farah Putri Iswara
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
