Faculty Attitudes Research Articles

A Love-Hate Relationship: Exploring Faculty Attitudes Towards GenAI and Its Integration into Teaching

A Love-Hate Relationship: Exploring Faculty Attitudes Towards GenAI and Its Integration into Teaching

Faculty’s attitudes towards inclusive education for university students with special educational needs (SENs) in Singapore

ABSTRACT This study seeks to examine faculty’s attitudes towards inclusive education for university students with special educational needs (SENs). A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 147 faculty (79 male, 53.7%) from six publicly funded universities in Singapore completed the survey, which consists of the researcher-developed Faculty Attitude toward Inclusive Education for Students with Special Educational Needs (FAISEN) scale. Results showed that faculty generally had positive attitudes towards inclusive education for university students with SENs. Faculty’s attitudes did not differ on major demographic variables, except their academic disciplines (i.e., STEM vs. non-STEM). Faculty also expressed a high level of training needs, especially on how to provide inclusive education for students with more invisible disabilities or difficulties. Faculty’s attitudes on the behavioral domain significantly and positively predicted their overall training needs. Implications for inclusive higher education, limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.

The Many Dimensions of Academic Ableism: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Faculty Attitudes in Engaging with Disabled Community College Students

Career and technical education (CTE) faculty play significant roles in supporting their students down viable professional pathways. Yet existent work has not explored their attitudes of or engagement with disabled learners, who remain greatly unemployed. This hermeneutic phenomenological study draws on 20 interviews to uncover community college CTE faculty attitudes that shape their engagement with disabled learners. Findings illuminate how frustration, uncertainty, admiration, and confidence manifest and influence academic ableism. Implications prompt colleges to make sweeping and systematic changes in providing consistent programming (e.g., lunch-and-learn events) and shifting mindsets around disability (e.g., anti-ableism trainings, naming disability as diversity in institutional policies).

Harmonizing perspectives to understand attitudes: A mixed methods approach to crafting an assessment literacy attitude scale

Assessment literacy's vital role in faculty effectiveness within higher education lacks sufficient tools for measuring faculty attitudes on this matter. Employing a sequential mixed-methods approach, this study utilized the theory of planned behavior to develop the Assessment Literacy Attitude Scale (ALAS) and evaluate its psychometric properties within the U.S. higher education context. The qualitative phase involved a literature review of relevant studies and existing self-report measures, interviews with stakeholders, and panel reviews to shape initial item development. Following the establishment of a conceptual foundation and a comprehensive overview of the scale's construction, our study advanced to the quantitative stage that involves factor analytical and item response theory approaches using data from 260 faculty across three public universities in the U.S. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed initially to obtain preliminary insights into the scale's factorial structure and dimensionality. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was subsequently applied with separate data and the findings largely supported the conclusions from the EFA. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in 15 items loading across two factors in a good model fit range. Finally, we used nonparametric item response theory (IRT) techniques based on Mokken Scale Analysis (MSA) to evaluate individual items for evidence of effective psychometric properties to support the interpretation of ALAS scores, including monotonicity, scalability, and invariant item ordering. The newly-developed scale shows promise in assessing faculty attitudes toward enhancing their assessment literacy.

Identifying factors influencing faculty attitude towards digital technology in higher education and its impact on faculty engagement and work performance: a mediating analysis

Background This study investigated the influence of various factors on Faculty Attitude, Faculty Engagement, and Work Performance in higher education. The study specifically examined the impact of faculty attitudes towards digital technology on their level of involvement and effectiveness in the classroom. Furthermore, it investigated how the utilization of digital technology by faculty members influences the connection between their attitudes and job performance. Methods The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies to collect thorough data to explore the factors influencing faculty attitude. A survey was performed among 438 faculty members from higher educational institutions in the Delhi and NCR region. Results The results indicated a strong positive relationship of perceived usefulness, mutual learning, institutional support, collaborativeness, creativity, critical thinking, and faculty attitude towards digital technology adoption in academic setting. Nevertheless, External Pressure did not exhibit a significant relationship. The study revealed that the attitude of faculty members has a significant impact on both their work performance and engagement. Additionally, faculty engagement was found to have a positive impact on work performance. The mediation Analysis revealed that Faculty Engagement served as a partial mediator in the association between Faculty Attitude and Work Performance. Conclusions The study’s implications underscore the urgent need of fostering positive attitudes and engagement among faculty members for enhancing their performance in academic settings. Some of the limitations and implication of the study and future direction of the research directions are suggested.

Nurse practitioner faculty attitudes about interprofessional education.

Nurse practitioner (NP) faculty attitudes toward interprofessional education (IPE) can be barriers to the shift in culture and successful implementation of IPE into nursing curricula. A paucity of studies exist comparing faculty attitudes of IPE with different educational modalities. The purpose of this research is to compare NP faculty attitudes toward IPE between IPE experiences and educational modalities in NP academic programs. A quantitative cross-sectional comparative design was used. An electronic survey was advertised to approximately 3,000 members of the National Organization of NP Faculties by email blasts to assess their attitudes toward IPE in the academic setting. Participating NP faculty (n = 208) completed the survey, with a response rate of 6.9%. The results showed that NP faculty reported positive attitudes toward IPE (M = 4.33). Nurse practitioner faculty attitudes toward IPE and participation in IPE experiences were not statistically significant (p = .126). Nurse practitioner faculty attitudes toward IPE did not differ with the educational modality. The main effect of the NP degree program educational modality was not statistically significant, F(2, 172) = 0.74, p = .479. Nurse practitioner faculty are optimistic about IPE in multiple educational modalities but still have some reservations about how to implement IPE activities successfully. The NP faculty attitudes and barriers to IPE curricular development in all educational modalities must be addressed to prepare NP students to be competent collaborative practice-ready providers on graduation.

Faculty Attitudes and Response to Online Learning in Transnational Higher Education in Qatar: A Promising Future

This paper presents preliminary results from a doctoral thesis investigating faculty attitudes, preparedness, and response to adopting technology-enhanced learning during the 2020-2021 pandemic. The current events that affected teaching and learning worldwide necessitated a re-evaluation of the traditional higher education system and imposed an immediate adjustment to teaching approaches. Using a survey and semi-structured interviews with faculty members teaching at transnational higher education institutions in the state of Qatar, this paper presents the recent pedagogical shift experienced during the pandemic. Using a case study approach, this paper examines the impacts of this shift on student learning from faculty perspective and discusses the implications of this shift on networked learning research and practice. Findings suggest that faculty found online teaching more difficult than previously perceived which encouraged them to be creative and innovative in their teaching approaches. However, there does not seem to be an agreement as to whether online learning is the future of higher education as some faculty still see more value in face-to-face teaching. Furthermore, student assessment is an issue for some faculty. Overall, faculty members seem to appreciate the online teaching experience as it allowed them to try new teaching approaches, use new technologies, and integrate new assessment techniques that they would not consider in their pre-pandemic classes.

Development and Assessment of a Sustainable PhD Internship Program Supporting Diverse Biomedical Career Outcomes.

A doctoral-level internship program was developed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with the intent to create customizable experiential learning opportunities for biomedical trainees to support career exploration, preparation, and transition into their post-graduate professional roles. We report the outcomes of this program over a five-year period. During that 5-year period, 123 internships took place at over 70 partner sites, representing at least 20 academic, for-profit, and non-profit career paths in the life sciences. A major goal of the program was to enhance trainees' skill development and expertise in careers of interest. The benefits of the internship program for interns, host/employer, and supervisor/principal investigator were assessed using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys with closed- and open-ended responses as well as focus group interviews. Balancing stakeholder interests is key to creating a sustainable program with widespread support; hence, the level of support from internship hosts and faculty members were key metrics analyzed throughout. We hypothesized that once a successful internship program was implemented, faculty culture might shift to be more accepting of internships; indeed, the data quantifying faculty attitudes support this. Furthermore, host motivation and performance expectations of interns were compared with results achieved, and this data revealed both expected and surprising benefits to hosts. Data suggests a myriad of benefits for each stakeholder group, and themes are cataloged and discussed. Program outcomes, evaluation data, policies, resources, and best practices developed through the implementation of this program are shared to provide resources that facilitate the creation of similar internship programs at other institutions. Program development was initially spurred by National Institutes of Health pilot funding, thereafter, successfully transitioning from a grant-supported model, to an institutionally supported funding model to achieve long-term programmatic sustainability.

Evaluation of Internal Quality Assurance System in Defence Services Medical Academy: Moving Toward Quality Culture

The escalating number of higher education institutions globally has heightened the demand for credible education policies and quality assurance mechanisms. The establishment of organizations for quality assurance providers and accreditors has become widespread to meet this demand. The Myanmar Medical Council Accreditation Committee (MMCAC) was established in 2016 to ensure the quality and standard of medical practice in Myanmar. Defence Services Medical Academy (DSMA), one of Myanmar’s medical universities, transitioned to an outcome-based integrated program in line with the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) Basic Medical Education Standards. To evaluate the effectiveness of DSMA’s internal quality assurance system and its progression towards a quality culture, this study explores faculty perceptions and practices regarding the internal quality assurance process. An explanatory sequential mixed method design was adopted, comprising quantitative surveys followed by qualitative in-depth interviews. Pre- and post-test surveys were administered to DSMA faculty members before and after an IQA training workshop. The surveys assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the internal quality assurance system. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with selected faculty members to delve deeper into their experiences and perceptions regarding the IQA process. Quantitative analysis revealed an improvement in faculty awareness and attitudes towards the IQA system post-training. However, challenges such as confusion about the functional place of the QA unit and concerns about disturbing academic freedom persisted. Qualitative findings highlighted varying levels of experience and awareness among faculty members, with unanimous recognition of the need to strengthen the IQA framework by adhering to international guidelines and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Faculty attitudes towards the IQA process varied, with some viewing it as an extra burden and others recognizing its necessity for document organization and quality control. Faculty involvement in the IQA process varied, with departmental leadership playing a crucial role in promoting participation. While progress has been made in raising awareness and improving attitudes towards the IQA system at DSMA, challenges remain, indicating the need for ongoing efforts in awareness-building and perception management. Structural improvements, regular training programs, and ongoing evaluation are essential to strengthening the IQA framework and fostering a quality culture at DSMA. The successful implementation of quality assurance program depends on teamwork amongst leadership, academics, and all stakeholders.

Implementation of sustainability principles in landscape architecture education: an examination of faculty attitudes and course syllabi

Purpose This study aims to investigate the integration of education for sustainable development (ESD) into landscape architecture (LA) programs in North American universities to understand its benefits and challenges and provide insights into the implementation of sustainability principles, pedagogies and teaching methods. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzed survey data from 128 LA faculty members from 85 Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture member schools. The survey assessed the implementation of sustainability principles, pedagogies, teaching benefits and challenges to integrating sustainability into their courses. To complement the survey data, 62 LA course syllabi were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify the topics covered, learning objectives and learning activities. Findings The study revealed that LA programs incorporate sustainability topics in various courses using project-based and interdisciplinary learning approaches. Integrating ESD into LA curricula promotes sustainability literacy, improved understanding of sustainability concepts and the development of sustainability skills. The study also found positive correlations between teaching methods, the enhancement of sustainability literacy and the development of design and planning skills. Originality/value This research examined the effects of teaching methods on student learning outcomes and the challenges instructors faced, providing practical insights into the integration of ESD in LA education. It offers recommendations to enhance the ESD knowledge of future LA practitioners, considering the inclusion of ESD as a core value of the standard by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board.

Facilitating inclusive education: Assessing faculty awareness and attitudes towards students with special educational needs at Qatar university

IntroductionAn increasing number of students with special educational needs (SEN) are attending higher education institutions. Faculty members are key players in the implementation of inclusive policies, the success of which depends on their attitudes and awareness to help students with SEN. PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess faculty attitudes toward SEN students and awareness of the support provided by the university for SEN students. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of Qatar University (QU) faculty conducted via an online survey. Demographic data such as gender, years of experience, and academic discipline were collected and associated with previous exposure to SEN students and survey responses using SPSS. ResultsThree hundred and thirty-one QU faculty responded out of 1107 registered faculty in 2022, a 30 % response rate. About a third of respondents did not know about available support services for SEN students, and only half of those with awareness of the services attended. After controlling for sociodemographic variables, previous contact with SEN students had a significant effect on attitudes, such that faculty with no previous contact with SEN students (M = 1.47, SD = 0.62) had higher positive attitudes towards SEN students relative to faculty with previous contact with SEN students (M = 1.31, SD = 0.47). However, faculty with contact with SEN students were more likely to report awareness of the availability of workshops and were more likely to be aware of assistive technology compared to being unsure, while those with no previous contact with SEN students were more uncertain about the availability of workshops and assistive technology. ConclusionThe findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to improve faculty awareness of support services and attitudes towards students with SEN in higher education, highlighting the importance of professional development and training initiatives to promote inclusivity in the classroom. Faculty members need to be aware of existing support services for SEN students.

Political Context and Faculty Attitudes Towards High Maintenance Students in Kurdistan, Iraq

This research explores the resilience and stress levels of university students in Kurdistan, Iraq. Focusing on the educational impact within this context, the study examines the relationship between student stress and faculty engagement. Employing both Pearson correlation analysis and two-way ANOVA, the investigation provides insights into how faculty availability correlates with student stress in a politically tense environment. Key findings indicate concerns for what is known as the Pygmalion effect and underscore the need for support services that address the unique socio-political challenges. Thus, an impetus for an examination of student engagement practices, emphasizing the importance of faculty interaction in crisis-affected zones. The exegesis underscores the role of institutional support, urging educational authorities to enhance faculty management tailored to the multicultural and politically sensitive context of international education. From which, it advocates for empathy and a broader understanding of how postcolonial and post-dictatorial dynamics affect higher education. Conclusively, this article calls for ongoing research into the dynamic between political tension, student well-being, and academic success, suggesting that addressing these interconnected facets is essential for fostering an effective learning environment. It posits that understanding and improving the faculty-student engagement within can significantly enhance academic outcomes.

Medical Student and Faculty Attitudes Toward Translanguaging with Spanish-Speaking Patients

Background: Spanish is the second most common US language, and Spanish speakers commonly translanguage—spontaneously integrate multiple languages. Medical language courses have proliferated, yet learner and faculty attitudes about translanguaging with patients remain unexplored. Also, it is unclear whether medical Spanish courses address real-world patient linguistic practices, such as translanguaging. Methods: We applied a community cultural wealth framework to identify translanguaging practices relevant to patient-physician communication: regionalisms, Spanglish, and non-standard language usage. From January 2020 to May 2021, we surveyed students (n=355) and faculty (n=14) in a standardized medical Spanish course at 14 sites on their attitudes toward translanguaging practices. Results: Regionalisms were the most widely accepted translanguaging practice by both students and faculty, and this opinion was reinforced by the course (94% pre vs. 95% post-course agreement; p=0.045). Student agreement with Spanglish was moderate and declined post-course (58% vs. 55%; p<0.001). Faculty were likelier than students to be accepting of non-standard language usage (57% faculty vs. 5% students; p<0.001). Conclusion: Medical students and faculty reported mixed attitudes about translanguaging practices in healthcare, and taking a medical Spanish course had variable effects on student responses. Future work should focus on developing and evaluating medical Spanish educational pedagogies that explicitly incorporate real-world patient perspectives and promote flexible language use that prioritizes mutual respect and understanding.

Examining student and faculty attitudes in developing a social justice studies minor

Social justice in education is becoming a more prominent and necessary area of study in higher education. Facets of social justice align directly with values of liberal arts education, and students who are exposed to social justice pedagogy develop the knowledge and skills necessary to meet critical learning outcomes associated with the liberal arts. Given such demands to incorporate social justice pedagogy and practice into curriculum, the purpose of this study was to understand student and faculty attitudes and values regarding social justice education in order to guide the creation of this academic program at our college, as well as other institutions, particularly liberal arts colleges and/or predominately white institutions, that are interested in creating or enhancing their social justice education programs. Themes from focus groups with students and faculty revealed needs, desires, and concerns from the campus community regarding social justice education. Additionally, we created a social justice studies program for our institution using a strategic review of existing curriculum, resulting in a new academic minor built on existing courses that required no new faculty lines and little additional work on behalf of the faculty. Insights from this process are shared.

Higher Education Faculty Perceptions of ChatGPT and the Influencing Factors: A Sentiment Analysis of X

ChatGPT, an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, was released in November 2022, sparking a significant surge in global awareness and utilization of generative AI across various domains. Although recent studies have acknowledged the significance of ChatGPT in the education sector, they have yet to focus on exploring faculty attitudes toward ChatGPT. We gathered a comprehensive corpus of tweets containing “#ChatGPT” and “#highered” between November 30th, 2022, and April 30th, 2023. We analyzed data by triangulating VADER, NRC lexicon, and ground coding. Findings suggest that 40% of the expressed sentiments were positive, 51% were neutral, and 9% were negative. The study also revealed the diverse range of emotions held by higher education faculty regarding ChatGPT, with trust and joy being the most prevalent positive sentiments and fear and anger being the most prevalent negative sentiments. This study shed light on faculty members’ perceptions of ChatGPT, contributing to a better understanding of the impact, emotions, and incorporation of ChatGPT in the higher education sector.

Fear and Loathing: ChatGPT in the Political Science Classroom

ABSTRACT ChatGPT has captured the attention of the academic world with its remarkable ability to write, summarize, and even pass rigorous exams. This article summarizes the primary concerns that political science faculty have about ChatGPT and similar AI software with regard to academia. We discuss results of a national survey of political scientists that we conducted in March 2023 to assess faculty attitudes toward ChatGPT and their strategies for effectively engaging with it in the classroom. We present several assignment ideas that limit the potential for cheating with ChatGPT—a primary concern of faculty—and describe ways to incorporate ChatGPT into faculty teaching. Several suggestions for syllabi that address political science students’ use of ChatGPT also are provided.

Health sciences faculty publication patterns and related information-seeking behavior.

This study aims to explore how health science faculty publication patterns at a large public research university have changed over time and examine how productivity relates to their information-seeking behavior and perception of the academic library. Two datasets were utilized: one consisted of publication records of health sciences faculty spanning a 15-year period, while the other was from a faculty survey exploring faculty's perception of and satisfaction with library resources and services related to their research. Health sciences faculty publication patterns have changed over time, characterized by greater productivity, collaboration, and use of literature in their publications. Faculty's literature use correlates with productivity, as evidenced by both datasets. The survey revealed that faculty with more publications tend to rely more on online journals and Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Similarly, the publication data indicated that less productive faculty tended to use fewer references in their publications. The publication data and survey results offer valuable insights into the health sciences faculty's information-seeking behavior and productivity. Online access to information has been effective in facilitating use of information, as indicated by the greater incorporation of references in publications. The study highlights the changing publication patterns and productivity of health sciences faculty, as well as the role academic libraries play in supporting their research and publishing activities. Although multiple variables influence faculty access to and use of information, faculty attitudes towards the library and use of the library are related to faculty research and productivity.

Attitudes, beliefs, and recommendations for persistent low back pain patients: cross-sectional surveys of students and faculty at a chiropractic college

BackgroundWhile the use of chiropractic care for persistent low back pain (PLBP) is prevalent, chiropractors’ attitudes and beliefs related to PLBP patients are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes, beliefs and activity/work recommendations of students and faculty at a chiropractic college regarding PLBP patients.MethodsThe Health Care Providers Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) and clinical vignettes were requested to be completed by chiropractic students and faculty at Parker University in April 2018. Higher HC-PAIRS scores indicate stronger beliefs that PLBP justifies disability and limitation of activities. Activity and work recommendations from clinical vignettes were rated as “adequate”, “neutral”, or “inadequate”, as defined in previous literature. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and logistic regression were used to analyze results.ResultsStudent and faculty response rates were 63.6% and 25.9%, respectively. Faculty mean HC-PAIRS scores (3.66 [SD:0.88]) were significantly lower than students’ (4.41 [SD:0.71]). The percentage of faculty providing “adequate” activity (62.1%) and work (41.0%) recommendations was significantly greater than the percentage of students (activity: 33.9%, work: 21.2%) (p < 0.05). Higher HC-PAIRS scores in students were associated with decreased odds of providing “adequate” activity and work recommendations.ConclusionsStudent and faculty attitudes and beliefs, and students’ activity/work recommendations were found to be dissimilar to those from similar studies and less congruent with CPG recommendations. Lower HC-PAIRS scores increased the odds of students providing “adequate” activity and work recommendations to patients with PLBP. Results from this study may help guide future research and training opportunities.

Sustainability teaching in higher education: assessing arts and design faculty perceptions and attitudes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions and attitudes of arts and design faculty on teaching sustainability in higher education institutions in the USA. Design/methodology/approach Arts and design faculty from nine universities in the USA were approached for the study, using both closed and open-ended questions in a survey instrument. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze the collected data. Findings Results related to arts and design faculty’s perception of sustainability showed high confidence in teaching sustainability but lower confidence in inspiring students to take action on sustainability issues. Faculty also perceived time, resources, knowledge and support as barriers to the integration of the topic into the curriculum. This study revealed that the faculty’s attitude toward sustainability demonstrated their recognition that sustainability should be at the core of their discipline and that they support its integration into courses. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to arts and design faculty in higher education institutions in the USA. The results may not be generalizable to other fields or locations. In addition, the use of self-reported data may be subject to bias. Practical implications The findings of this study can inform the development of curriculum and pedagogy in arts and design sustainability education. It can also guide institutions in addressing the challenges and barriers related to incorporating sustainability into their curriculum. Social implications Prioritizing sustainability education is crucial in addressing global climate change and related issues. Art and design educators’ perspectives on teaching sustainability can contribute to constructing a sustainable future for everyone. Originality/value This study provides insight into the perception and attitude of sustainability among arts and design faculty in higher education in the USA and highlights areas for improvement such as training and resources to better integrate sustainability into the curriculum.

Academic Half Day Improves Resident Perception of Education Without Compromising Patient Safety

BackgroundResidency programs are required to offer a didactic curriculum and protect resident time for education. Our institution implemented an academic half day (AHD) in the 2021–2022 academic year to address issues related to the standard noon conference series. ObjectiveDetermine the impact of AHD implementation on education, patient safety, and workflow. MethodsThis was a prospective, single-site educational intervention study. Pre- and post-implementation surveys and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) surveys assessed changes in trainee and faculty attitudes and behaviors. Patient safety and workflow were evaluated by comparing the number of safety event reports, rapid response team activations, time to admission from the ED, and time of discharge on AHD days compared to other weekdays. ResultsSurvey response rates were: residents 68%/48%, fellows 42%/35%, and faculty 59%/29%. AHD was associated with a significant, positive change in resident attitudes and experiences and on ACGME survey items. On AHDs compared with other weekdays, there were no significant differences in safety event report rates (P = .98), nor in rapid response team activation rates (P = .99). There was not a clinically meaningful difference in median admission time from the ED on AHD weekdays (125 minutes) compared to other weekdays (130 minutes, P = .04). There was no significant difference in median discharge time on AHD vs other weekdays (P = .13). ConclusionsThis study suggests that there is no significant difference in patient safety or workflow with the implementation of AHD. This study supports prior studies that residents strongly prefer AHD. AHD may be a useful framework for resident education without compromising patient care.