Perceptions Of Academic Staff Research Articles

Academic Staff Perceptions on Graduate Students’ Attitudes towards Academic Writing and Research in Selected Public Universities in Uganda

The study aimed to find out academic staff perceptions of graduate students’ attitudes towards academic writing and research skills in selected Public Universities in Uganda. It employed a phenomenological design and a qualitative approach. Graduate students, academic staff, and academic administrative staff as the study population. Study participants depended on the saturation of the findings collected. These participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data from academic administrative staff and academic staff were collected using an interview guide. A focus group discussion guide for graduate students was the second data collection tool. Data were analysed using the thematic data analysis technique. Results showed that academic staff perceptions of graduate students’ attitudes on academic writing and research skills were negative. Negative perceptions were recorded on the generation of research ideas, enthusiasm, text structure, formal academic language, paraphrasing, plagiarism, and making citations. The study concluded that the perceptions of academic staff on graduate students’ attitudes towards academic writing and research were generally negative on the generation of research ideas, enthusiasm, use of formal academic research language, paraphrasing, plagiarism, and making citations. Thus, it was recommended that supervisors/mentors should be retooled in active research-based instructional supervision where they can be encouraged to work in groups, and initiate professional activities, such as mentoring and coaching, to assist them in supervising and evaluating graduate students’ research projects

Exploring perceptions of what increased gender diversity might bring to the nursing profession.

To explore university nursing students and academic staff's perceptions of what increased gender diversity might bring to the nursing profession. An exploratory study with students and academic staff from two university nursing schools. Students and staff in two university nursing schools were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey (October-November 2022). The survey focused on gender diversity within nursing and patient care, asking respondents about existing barriers to gender diversity and inviting ideas on increasing gender diversity within nursing. The survey findings helped inform questions, which were used to further explore views and thoughts of gender diversity within nursing through semi-structured one-to-one interviews (January-February 2023). Nearly, two-thirds (64%, n = 69) of survey respondents strongly agreed/agreed that the lack of gender diversity in nursing negatively impacted delivering care to a gender-diverse society. Most (84%, n = 90) strongly agreed/agreed that increased gender diversity within the nursing workforce would positively contribute to nursing. Three-quarters (75%, n = 74) strongly agreed/agreed that working with a more gender-diverse nursing workforce would enrich their experience as a nurse. Three themes emerged from the interview data: shared stereotypes; improved care through knowledge, better relations and the presence of a gender-diverse workforce; a culture of welcome: suggested changes for the future. Most of those who participated in the study believe there are benefits to be gained from greater gender diversity within nursing. This study provides insight into the lack of gender diversity in the nursing environment, highlights how this might impact patient care and suggests actions to make nursing a more inclusive profession. Practical solutions were suggested, including the greater visibility of trans and non-binary persons in advertisement and recruitment campaigns to ensure nursing is viewed as a career choice for "all". Including a space for considered pronouns on university application forms, hospital documentation and name badges. Gender-neutral titles and uniforms should be considered for all nursing staff, and more gender-neutral toilets should be made available for staff and patients in university and hospital settings. This study addressed the lack of gender diversity in nursing and explored what an increase in gender diversity might bring to the nursing profession. The main findings were: (i) Less than a tenth (9%, n = 12) of respondents described their team of colleagues as being "extremely gender diverse". (ii) Most (84%, n = 90) strongly agreed/agreed that increased gender diversity within the nursing workforce would be a positive attribute to nursing. (iii) Three-quarters 75% (n = 74) strongly agreed/agreed that working with a more gender-diverse nursing workforce would enrich their experience as a nurse. (iv) Many stereotypes still exist in nursing and tackling them is important to make the profession more inclusive. (v) A nurse's gender can impact the care they provide. (vi) A more gender-diverse workforce would better reflect the population it serves. (vii) This research will have an impact on the nursing profession globally. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) was used as a guide throughout data collection and analysis. Every step of the study, including the survey and interview schedule, was co-constructed using an iterative approach with service users, students and staff who had personal experience of gender diversity and were a core part of the study team.

Exploring the Impact of Experience, Department, and Course on the Perception of the Internationalization of Curriculum (IoC) Among Staff at UTAS-Salalah

The internationalization of Curriculum (IoC) is a significant aspect of higher education to prepare graduates for a globalized world. This study explores academic staff perceptions of IoC at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah (UTAS) in Sultanate of Oman, addressing a gap in the literature on IoC in non-Western contexts. Furthermore, the study explores the perspectives of academic staff regarding the implementation of IoC at different levels within the institution, department, and courses. Not only this, it also explores how these perspectives may vary based on the number of years of experience, as well as the differences in perceptions among different departments. Additionally, the study explores the perceptions of academic staff regarding the three fundamental levels of IoC, namely awareness, competence, and expertise. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among all academic staff at UTAS. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVAs, and paired t-tests. Results revealed that perceptions of IoC did not vary significantly based on years of experience or across departments. However, perceptions varied significantly across the three core levels, with expertise rated highest and awareness lowest. Strengths and weaknesses were identified within each level. This study contributes to the understanding of IoC in non-Western settings and informs institutional policies and practices. A holistic and contextually sensitive approach is needed, involving staff development, institutional support, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Finally, the findings represent a significant step towards a more inclusive understanding of IoC in the Omani context and beyond.

Mental health content in the physiotherapy undergraduate curriculum in South Africa.

Knowledge about mental health in physiotherapy practice is essential as mental health can impact physical health. Little is known about the mental health content in the South African physiotherapy undergraduate programme. Our study explored the mental health content in the undergraduate physiotherapy programme at eight universities and the perceptions of academic staff at an identified training institution in South Africa and stakeholders about the relevance of mental health in the undergraduate physiotherapy programme. Our study employed a concurrent-mixed method design, which consisted of: (1) the administration of a survey to academic leaders or lecturers undertaking mental health teaching at universities and (2) an online interview that included stakeholders and a focus group to gauge perceptions of academic staff at an identified institution in South Africa. Seven of eight universities participated in our study. All the universities had a psychology module and agreed that it is crucial to have mental health content in the curriculum. There is diversity in the mental health content between the universities. There is a need for consistency in the mental health content at all universities to ensure that all students receive the same skill set to have an impact on the quality of care. There is a need to include mental health content at universities offering theoretical and practical undergraduate programmes.

The exploration of academic staff’s perceptions of the concept of curriculum decolonization in the selected Eastern Cape TVET college

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of academic staff on the concept of curriculum decolonization in a selected technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college in Eastern Cape Province. South Africa has been confronted with calls for curriculum decolonization and at some point, students all over the country decided to embark on a nationwide protest asking for the decolonization of the curriculum in the institutions of higher learning between 2015 and 2016 through the #feesmustfall movement. The study focused on one Eastern Cape TVET college as an institution of higher learning as a case study. A qualitative approach was adopted, and an interpretive paradigm was employed. There are about eight TVET colleges in Eastern Cape Province offering different courses. The researcher purposively selected two lecturers from each of the five campuses, one assistant director academic and one deputy principal academic to get to a sample size of 12. Critical theory guided this investigation. Data was analysed thematically. The study revealed that some academics do not know what decolonization all is about. There is no formal involvement of lecturers, when it comes to the process of curriculum decolonization at the said TVET college, however, there are engagements on general perspectives about transformation in TVET college sector. The study recommends that TVET colleges should develop a policy on curriculum decolonization. TVET colleges should form a committee that will look at matters of curriculum transformation, which should be inclusive of lecturers, students, managers, and relevant external expects of curriculum transformation.

Isolated, individualised, and immobilised: information behaviour in the context of academic casualisation

Introduction. Universities rely increasingly on contract academic staff for teaching and research activities; yet, working in precarious conditions, these staff face significant challenges in finding relevant workplace information, in engaging with colleagues, and in building their careers. This study examines contract academic staff perceptions of precarity and workplace marginalisation, focusing on the implications of situational and environmental influences on their information practices. Method. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 34 contract academic staff, working in various disciplines across Canadian universities, were conducted to examine their information practices. Analysis. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, drawing on everyday life information seeking and information marginalisation theories. Results. Results of the study show that 1) contract academic staff conduct their work within isolated information environments; 2) this isolation leads these staff to develop highly individualised information practices; and 3) the information activities of contract academic staff are often immobilised, due to the precarious contexts that shape their work and personal lives. Conclusion. Precarious employment and information marginalisation are deeply entwined for contract academic staff. This results in frustration, disappointment, and uncertainty with their work and personal circumstances. Institutional challenges can seem intractable, particularly where task-related information provision (when available) cannot address systemic concerns.

Staff perception on including students with physical disabilities at a South African university.

International and local policy frameworks on disability promote inclusive higher education practices for students with disabilities (SWD). However, the actual application of these frameworks concerning students with physical disabilities (SWPD) in any School of Health Care Sciences (SHCS) is uncertain in South African universities. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of academic and admission staff on the inclusion of SWPD in SHCS at a South African university. The study was carried out at a University of Health Sciences in South Africa. A qualitative study in which respondents (n = 12) were interviewed in depth about their perceptions on the inclusion of SWPD in the SHCS. Thematic analysis was used in the data assessment. The results revealed three main themes: policy discourse, environmental effects on inclusion and SWPD enrolment. Respondents reported the lack of a disability inclusion policy and disability unit to support SWD in general. The respondents also noted that there were environmental challenges that could potentially affect the inclusion of SWPD in SHCS study programmes. Respondents also indicated that there was no SWPD enrolment as the university's current inclusion and/or quota system does not include SWD. The findings of the study showed a lack of disability inclusion policy, environmental challenges and lack of SWPD enrolment. Based on the study findings, it can be concluded that inclusion of SWPD at this university may be negatively influenced. The study findings contribute to the field of disability and the inclusion of SWPD in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Perceptions of academic staff toward the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in clinical nursing: Assessment method.

Clinical competence is critical to evaluating nursing students' capacity to undertake professional nursing practice in a safe and professional environment without any bias of examiners. Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is used as an assessment method of students' clinical practice skills. The aim of this study is to assess the nursing faculty members' perception toward OSCE to be used as an assessment method of nursing students in their performing of nursing procedures, as well as explore the advantages and disadvantages of OSCE as perceived by study participants. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used among nursing faculty members (N = 73) who participated on a workshop that were conducted by Jordanian Nursing Council (JNC) between January 2022 and March 2023. The mean perception toward OSCE was 105.87 ± 22.02 (p value = 0.001). The majority of faculty members reported a positive perception toward the OSCE (82.2%). The negative perception was significant in gender, age group, level of education, and academic experience (p < 0.05). The majority of faculty members were agree on the advantages of OSCE. OSCE is a vital assessment and an objective method in assessing the student's clinical competence. More studies exploring the differences of OSCE perceptions and participant's characteristics are required.

Patient video cases in large-group medical student teaching: A qualitative study of learner and educator perspectives.

Patient video cases (PVCs) are short video recordings of real patients during clinical encounters or instructed activities. Although widely used in healthcare professionals' education, their use in large group teaching (LGT) remains relatively unexplored. This study aims to explore the perceptions of medical students and academic staff regarding the use of PVCs to support LGT. A purposive sample of medical students and academic staff from Leicester Medical School was obtained. Data were collected through focus groups (students) and semi-structured interviews (staff) in which two sensitising PVCs were used as a stimulus to discussion. Data analysis was undertaken using grounded theory through a process of open, axial, and selective coding, leading to core categories and themes. Sixteen medical students and four academic staff members participated. Four overarching themes were identified covering the benefits of using PVCs, ways in which they are used in LGT, the challenges faced by and how to optimise PVCs for LGT. This final theme covered design, choice of clip and how it is then used by the educator within the teaching session. Key considerations were the need to align the PVC with other content and to consider the student experience. Our findings support the use of well-chosen and well-designed PVCs within LGT and offer practical insights to use them effectively. PVCs are a potentially powerful tool within medical undergraduate LGT (a widely used instructional method) and further research into its use is needed.

Exploration of the Perceptions of Academic Staff on Performance Appraisals. A Case of Some Selected Private Universities in Lusaka District

Today, universities around the world are largely concerned with the reputation and quality of their universities regardless of location. They have also become competitive within the present turbulent environment. As such, they have a huge responsibility to transfer knowledge to society through highly skilled academic staff. One way universities ensure they have skilled staff is by managing the performance of their academic staff through accurate appraisals which can help determine training needs and increase motivation through the feedback process. This study therefore explored the perceptions of academic staff on performance appraisals in selected private universities in Lusaka district. The study utilized a qualitative approach and data was sourced using open-ended questionnaires from 30 respondents including academic staff and supervisors from five private universities and it was analyzed thematically. Findings showed the prevalence of participatory appraisals but noted varied perceptions among academic staff. While some perceived the appraisals positively and reported improvements in their performance, others expressed dissatisfaction due to infrequent feedback resulting mainly from lack of associated rewards. It was also revealed that academic staff are more likely to perceive appraisals positively if they have desired outcomes. Interestingly, supervisor qualifications did not significantly influence academic staff perceptions. The study suggests aligning appraisal processes with motivational components to enhance academic staff motivation, performance, and job satisfaction.

Examining Perceptions of Academic And Support Staff on Quality Assurance ‎Accreditation in Higher Education ‎in ‎Developing Nations

Education accreditation is the formal evaluation ‎process conducted by specialized ‎institutes ‎or ‎agencies to assess educational programs for ‎compliance with established ‎quality ‎standards. ‎Accreditation publicly recognizes programs that ‎meet these standards. ‎Beyond ‎this recognition, ‎accreditation also engenders increased public ‎confidence, ‎fostering mutual ‎acceptance of ‎academic credentials and encouraging active ‎participation ‎by academic staff. ‎The ‎present study is dedicated to evaluating the quality assurance (QA) ‎accreditation in higher ‎education, with particular emphasis on Third-World and ‎unstable ‎nations. The study ‎draws ‎insights from the experience of the University of Sabratha, ‎Faculty ‎of Engineering, which ‎serves as a ‎compelling case study. To gain a ‎comprehensive ‎understanding of the status ‎quo, ‎the perspectives of faculty staff using a ‎SWOT ‎analysis were solicited. This approach ‎allows us to identify the ‎most significant ‎opportunities and threats ‎inherent in the current ‎scenario.‎‎ The findings underscore the ‎importance of quality assurance ‎accreditation not only ‎for enhancing academic ‎profiles ‎but also for improving all facets of higher ‎education ‎systems. Furthermore, it serves as ‎a ‎mechanism to address inconsistencies in ‎regulations ‎within the Ministry of ‎Higher ‎Education and tackle managerial and financial ‎challenges ‎prevalent in ‎university ‎administrations. In sum, QA accreditation ‎emerges as a preferred ‎avenue ‎for ‎organizational enhancement and overall ‎development within the ‎higher ‎education ‎sector.‎

Perceptions of academic staff and students of senior high school in implementing game-based exercises in physical education classes—a research protocol for a qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on both physical activity and fitness as several pursuits and activities have been restricted. Coupled with this, increased food intake and sedentary lifestyles...

Assessing Perceptions of Academic Staff in Using SmartUMS for Teaching and Learning

The use of educational technologies for teaching and learning has been implemented in many institutions of higher learning. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) uses Moodle on SmartUMS e-learning platform to deliver academic courses. Every lecturer needs to register their respective courses on SmartUMS to complement face-to-face teaching and learning routine. The purpose of the study was to investigate academic staff’s acceptance and perceptions towards SmartUMS usage in UMS. The findings will contribute to the development of the UMS’s e-learning strategy, providing information on active participations from the lecturers which will enable the most effective use of education technology. Data was collected from all participants of SmartUMS training sessions. A questionnaire was distributed to 86 respondents and statistically analyzed using SPSS statistical package. The findings revealed that lecturers developed positive acceptance and perception towards using SmartUMS. It also concludes that SmartUMS provide value tools for effective interaction between lecturers and students in their teaching and learning activities.

Comparing the perceptions of students, academic and support staff when reflecting on person and online lectures in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The COVID pandemic forced higher educational institutions to transition from in-person lectures to online lectures. In Bangladesh, this transition was steep, with no prior experience of this mode of delivery. This study aimed to understand and compare the experiences of students, academic staff and support staff within the area of veterinary science in Bangladesh, when comparing in-person and online lectures. We conducted a mixed methods survey to learn about the perceived experiences, strengths and limitations of each mode of teaching from students and staff. Our findings highlighted that students, academic staff and support staff all preferred in-person lectures when compared to online lectures. However, the extent of preference varied, with support staff strongly favouring the in-person mode of delivery, followed by academic staff and then students. Overall, these findings are essential to aid policymakers and university authorities on some of the strengths and barriers of in-person and online lectures.

Challenges Hindering Academic Staff in Nigerian Tertiary Education from Securing Local and International Grants: A Descriptive Study

This descriptive research aims to evaluate the perceptions of academic staff regarding the factors impeding their success in obtaining both local and international grants within Nigerian tertiary education. Employing a sample size of 240 participants from six federal universities spanning diverse geopolitical zones, a multistage sampling technique was applied. A bespoke questionnaire, "Perception of Academic on Reasons Why Academic Staff of Nigerian Tertiary Education are not Wining Local and International Grants (PASRWNWLGQ)," was utilized for data collection. The instrument demonstrated high reliability with a coefficient of 0.86. Analysis involved descriptive statistics, yielding insights into various barriers including inadequate research proposal planning, limited awareness of grant opportunities, and challenges associated with online application procedures. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced research funding in Nigerian tertiary institutions to address these impediments. Furthermore, findings illuminate the broader consequences, encompassing diminished research development, brain-drain, and weakened international rankings, alongside dwindling morale among academic staff. This study provides critical insights for policy makers and stakeholders seeking to bolster the research landscape in Nigerian tertiary education. Highlight: The study encompasses 240 participants from six federal universities in Nigeria, offering a comprehensive perspective on the challenges faced by academic staff in securing both local and international grants. The research instrument, "Perception of Academic on Reasons Why Academic Staff of Nigerian Tertiary Education are not Wining Local and International Grants (PASRWNWLGQ)," demonstrates a high level of reliability (coefficient of 0.86), ensuring robust data collection and analysis. The findings shed light on critical barriers, such as deficient research proposal planning, limited awareness of grant opportunities, and online application challenges, underscoring the pressing need for increased research funding in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The study also unveils far-reaching repercussions, including stunted research development, brain-drain, and a decline in international rankings, emphasizing the urgency of policy interventions to fortify the research landscape. Keyword: Perception, Academic Staff, Grants, Nigerian Tertiary Education, Research Funding

Artificial Intelligence for Education and Research: Pilot Study on Perception of Academic Staff

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have been used across various sectors of the global economy. The use of AI has been associated with both benefits and drawbacks, which is why the goal of this research was to identify the attitudes of academic staff of higher education institutions (HEIs) towards using AI for both academic and research purposes. To attain the goal, there was designed a questionnaire, which was distributed to members of academic staff of different biological genders and ages from 10 European countries. Irrespective of biological gender, age, or country, responses were similar. First, academic staff emphasized the importance of having AI-related regulations at HEIs. Second, academic staff were positive about using AI for information searchers and preparation of teaching materials. Third, academic staff were concerned about AI-related plagiarism issues, which is why they were reluctant to approve the AI use for research and thesis writing. Fourth, slightly more than 40% of the respondents indicated the use of AI. This points to the lack of AI skills among academic staff, which was further supported by a set of basic purposes for which AI was claimed to have been used. One implication of this research relates to the organization of the study process. Managers of HEIs should introduce institutionalized training in AI for academic and research purposes for academic staff to promote digital equality. Another implication of the study relates to the areas of AI training for academic staff. It should cover the topics of AI for the design of teaching materials, formative and summative assessment, and plagiarism check.

Perceptions of academic staff on pharmacist preceptor roles, skills, attributes and training requirements: A qualitative report

Objective: To investigate the perceptions of academic staff at a regional Australian university of the role and ideal skills and attributes of pharmacist preceptors and the requirements for their training. Methods: Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted using a purposive sample of academic staff. Opinions on preceptor roles, skills and attributes, and training requirements were sought. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results: Academic staff perceived the need for training to be based on preceptor core competencies and individual preceptor needs and to be delivered online in a flexible format. Training content was recommended to include an overview of the pharmacy curriculum and university expectations, clinical teaching strategies, managing students, and providing feedback. Mandatory training was recommended to facilitate communication and promote consistency in the placement experience. Conclusion: Academic staff have highlighted that flexible, competency-based preceptor training tailored to the individual preceptor will deliver on the university’s expectations to optimise the experiential learning of pharmacy students.

Perception of Academic Staff and the Adoption of ICT in Teaching Process at the College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University

Perception of Academic Staff and the Adoption of ICT in Teaching Process at the College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University

The relationship and factors affecting perceptions and applications of the deliberative and dynamic curriculum renewal model

This study examines academic staff’s perceptions and applications of the deliberative and dynamic curriculum renewal model (DDCRM) in terms of developing curriculum renewal strategies, identifying graduate attributes, mapping learning pathways, auditing learning outcomes, developing and updating curricula and implementing programmes. The study was conducted at 21 faculties of education of the public universities across Saudi Arabia. The data included a total of 218 academic staff responded to a 5-point Likert scale and multiple-choice questions. A descriptive analysis, t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe test were used to analyse the data. The results indicate inconsistencies between academic staff perceptions and the application of DDCRM. The factors, both university-and system-related, included a lack of graduate attributes in the current accreditation requirements, heavy focus on short-termism in higher education and a lack of competencies seem to account for this inconsistency.

Mobbing Perceptions of Academic Staff

Mobbing is defined as psychological attack to the individuals. In this sense, mobbing behaviour is especially applied to employees in both public and private organizations and generally inferiors are exposed to these kind of attacks by their superiors/supervisors. In addition, mobbing is also a growing problem in educational organizations, especially in universities. In this sense the academicians who are exposed to emotional attacks, cannot proceed in their scholarly activities; because of the fact that mobbing creates a number of physical and psychological problems on them. Furthermore, mobbing behavior not only affects their academic success but also their private life; in the sense that they are affected psychologically and they lose their psychological and mental health, as mentioned. In this frame, the purpose of this study is to reveal the perceptions and attitudes of academic staff in universities towards mobbing. In the scope of the research, academicians that work in foundation universities in the city of Istanbul, Türkiye are defined as the sample. A total of 166 academicians have participated in the research. The gathered data is analyzed via SPSS 22.0 package programme. According to the results, there is statistically significant difference between the socio-demographic (gender, age, marital status, monthly income, academic department, academic experience) characteristics of academicians and their attitudes towards mobbing.