The Problems of Turnitin Screening in Undergraduate Theses at UIN Ambon: Between Technical and Academic Challenges

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the challenges faced by students at UIN Ambonn in undertaking Turnitin screening for their undergraduate theses, focusing on both technical and academic aspects. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis involving students who had completed the Turnitin screening process and their thesis supervisors. The data were analyzed using the interactive model developed by Miles and Huberman. The findings indicate that students continue to encounter various technical challenges, including limited access to institutional Turnitin accounts, unstable internet connectivity, and difficulties in uploading documents. From an academic perspective, the main challenges include inadequate understanding of similarity report interpretation, limited paraphrasing skills, and inconsistencies in plagiarism tolerance standards across study programs. In addition, high similarity scores often lead to anxiety, emotional stress, and reduced self-confidence among students. Nevertheless, the implementation of Turnitin has also produced positive outcomes by enhancing students' awareness of academic ethics and improving their academic writing skills. Therefore, this study recommends regular training, clear technical guidelines, and continuous academic mentoring to ensure that Turnitin screening serves not only as an administrative control mechanism but also as a means of strengthening academic integrity within Islamic higher education institutions.