An Assessment of Network Learning in Higher Education: The Case of Mekelle University Undergraduate Students

Nuru Seid Abidu

doi:10.7176/jep/11-7-02

Abstract

The vision for higher education institutions described by the Ministry of Education (MoE) suggests a need for innovative instructional approaches consistent with current recommendations and reforms. This study explored the perceptions and understanding of department heads (n=9), quality assurance officers (n=2) and teachers (n=9) who have been offered support/guidance for networks, undergraduate students (n=80) who have been organized in Network learning and network leaders (n=16). These participants were from two colleges in Mekelle University (MU): College of Natural and Computational Sciences(CNCS) as well as College of Dry Land Agriculture and Natural Resources (CDLANR).The Network Learning is realized as a means to utilize the fundamentals of small group learning and that contribute to successful student learning as opposed to a more traditional small group learning approaches. To do this effect, a questionnaire having three parts was administered to student networks (network leaders) and Focused Group Discussion (FGD) carried out with faculty members of the two colleges in order to elicit in depth their beliefs and understandings about Network Learning, such as, what constitutes effective Network Learning, and how it works. While SPSS was inter alia be utilized to analyze quantitative data, descriptive approach under predetermined thematic topics was used to analyze qualitative data. The key findings were the following: (1) most teachers seemed to have positive attitude toward Networking Learning, yet their understanding of the basic components of small group learning such as student networks, was problematic; (2) Student Network leaders reported networks are not functioning well, and (3) The students expressed trust in teacher role during small group learning and have the confidence that network members comply with basic principle of small group learning. Keywords: Student Network: A network consist of a team of five students that are linked in classroom setting to help each other for furthering learning. Learning: Refers to multi-dimensional and multi-phase activity of students to acquire knowledge and skill. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-7-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

Highlights

Small group learning dates back to the times of Jean Piaget (1971) and Lev Vygotsky (1962); it is not a new concept
Though network members rated relatively good in the items: teacher listened without interruption (m=3.8), teacher entertained expressed views with respect (m=3.9), teacher encouraged interchanging of roles among network members (m=3.8), teacher demonstrated tolerance or did not irritate with particular views (m=3.6), and teacher did not impose or think his view as superior (m=4.0), there appears to offer some space to improve on these items
Network members felt that networks are functioning well whereby individual members are taking turns during discussion, actively listen to others during discussion, obtain support from competent members, probe peers in order to foster communication, practice leadership roles, and engaged in decision making and conflict management

Summary

Introduction

Small group learning dates back to the times of Jean Piaget (1971) and Lev Vygotsky (1962); it is not a new concept Both Piaget and Vygotsky believed that students learn best when organized in small groups in way that trigger cognitive conflicts. With this basic assumption, small group learning has prominently been used for improving academic performance and achievement with little or no emphasis given to nonacademic matters that considerably affect student learning. Currently referred as Student Network Learning, has been introduced without exception to any public Higher Education Institution (HEI) in the nation. Students who have been organized in network learning are engaged in goal setting, individual and network evaluation, treatment of student disciplinary issues, resource management, documentation of minutes and discussion activities, and competition as a subsequent result of cooperation and collaboration

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