Education Quality and Learning Outcomes in Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan

Abstract

This is a causal and cross-sectional research in the area of education quality in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. The study explored the dimensions of education quality and examined the effects of education quality and students’ engagement in achieving the desirable learning outcomes in HEIs. A sample of 385 university students responded to a structured questionnaire based on variables of teaching excellence, quality of academic programmes, institutional support facilities, students’ participation, faculty involvement, institutional environment, students’ engagement and the learning outcomes. The hypothesized relationships were examined between education quality and learning outcomes, with students’ engagement affecting as moderator between education quality and learning outcomes. Statistical tests of correlation and regression were used to analyse the data. Results showed that education quality had a significant positive relationship with the learning outcomes. Further, students’ engagement moderated the relationship between education quality and learning outcomes. The study provided useful insights to administrators and regulators to initiate appropriate interventions to enhance education quality and students’ engagement for desirable learning outcomes in HEIs.