Higher Education Context Research Articles

EXPLORING 50 YEARS OF RESEARCH ON STUDENTS’ IDENTITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION CONTEXT: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Background and Purpose: Higher education serves not merely as a means of imparting knowledge, skills, and societal values to students; it also offers individuals the chance to explore the world, discover their identity and position, gain a deeper understanding of others, and develop appropriate responses to diverse perspectives. Hence, it is vital to acknowledge and understand the significance of students’ identities as it is not an inherent or fixed concept; instead, it emerges and transforms through diverse academic experiences encountered by students from all around the world. The objective of this study is to examine various methods to identify the global research trends related to students’ identities in higher education. This bibliometric study examines various methods to identify the global research trends related to students’ identities in higher education, including annual publication output, leading countries, prolific authors, and co-occurring author keywords.
 
 Methodology: A bibliometric study was conducted by utilising VOSviewer software (version 1.6.18) in comprehending the worldwide studies on students’ identities in higher education. The study analysed publication trends from as far back as 1974 up to 2022, using data from the Scopus database. Data collection took place between July 1 and July 5, 2023, using the Scopus database. Data collection occurred between July 1 and July 5, 2023. The study examined publication trends, including time, author, and institution mapping, keyword clustering, and identifying emerging terms.
 Findings: The findings revealed a notable increase in researchers' attention towards studying students' identities in higher education, reflected in a rise in related articles. Various theoretical frameworks, including Community of Practice, Acculturation, Self-Concept, Habitus, and Situated Learning, have been extensively examined to provide insights into understanding these identities. These frameworks underscore the impact of social, cultural, and psychological factors on how students perceive themselves and engage within academic settings.
 
 Contributions: This bibliometric analysis enhances our understanding of students' identities in higher education, guiding future research and providing useful advice for professionals, researchers, and policymakers in the educational sector. Exploring students' identities offers valuable insights into collaborative networks and potential partners, facilitating further advancements in the field.
 
 Keywords: Students’ identities, higher education, bibliometrics analysis.
 
 Cite as: Tun, N., & Khairuddin, Z. (2024). Exploring 50 years of research on students’ identities in higher education context: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(1), 368-394. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss1pp368-394

Navigating Language Proficiency Challenges: Enhancing Business Presentations in Indonesian Vocational Higher Education

This article explores the intricate landscape of language proficiency challenges faced by students in Indonesian Vocational Higher Education, with a specific focus on refining their skills for effective business presentations. As English proficiency emerges as a critical asset in the globalized business arena, understanding the nuanced obstacles encountered by students becomes paramount. Through a mixed-methods research approach employing questionnaires and interviews, the study aims to identify specific language challenges and explore tailored strategies for improvement. The research delves into students' experiences, addressing vocabulary proficiency, pronunciation concerns, and the impact of language proficiency on the overall effectiveness of business presentations. By shedding light on these challenges and seeking insights from students, this article aims to contribute practical recommendations for enhancing language proficiency, bridging the gap between academic preparation and the demands of professional business communication in the Indonesian Vocational Higher Education context

Investigating the Interplay Between Authentic Leadership Skills and Second Language Proficiency in a Higher Education Institution

This research investigates the interplay between authentic leadership skills and second language proficiency, specifically English, among academic leaders in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Bulacan, Philippines. In a globalized educational landscape, leadership in HEIs is crucial for institutional success. The study focuses on Authentic Leadership, emphasizing its developmental perspective and four key components: self-awareness, internalized moral perspective, balanced processing, and relational transparency. Concurrently, it explores the impact of English language proficiency on leadership within the context of higher education. Using a descriptive correlational research design, the study sampled supervisory staff at NU Baliwag, employing the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) for language proficiency and the Authentic Leadership Self-Assessment Questionnaire for leadership skills. Results indicate a moderate to high level of English proficiency, with a positive correlation between language proficiency and authentic leadership dimensions. The study contributes insights for NU Baliwag, suggesting that enhancing language skills may positively influence leadership development. However, caution is advised in generalizing findings, and the study highlights the need for future research to replicate the study in diverse contexts and consider additional variables for a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between language proficiency and leadership development in higher education.

Integrated Framework for Experiential Learning: Approaches & Impacts

Purpose: The paper aims to provide a robust foundation for understanding the significance and application of experiential learning as an attractive alternative for classroom learning. Through the identification and evaluation of various types of experiential learning, the research seeks to elucidate the diverse approaches and their impacts on student learning outcomes, skill development, and career readiness. Furthermore, by focusing on the integration of curriculum and faculty training to foster an innovation culture, it aims to delineate strategies for enhancing educational practices to align the objectives of higher education with real-world applications. By predicting future trends in experiential learning, considering the influence of technological advancements, global collaboration, and integration with emerging learning models, thereby providing insights that can inform educators, administrators, and policymakers in enhancing the effectiveness and inclusivity of experiential learning in higher education. Methodology: This paper presents the multifaceted landscape of experiential learning within the context of higher education. The primary objectives of the paper include gaining a comprehensive understanding of the concept and principles of experiential learning, identifying and evaluating various methods of experiential learning and their impacts in higher education, and exploring the integration of curriculum and faculty training to foster an innovation culture based on exploratory research methods. Results/Analysis: The paper aims to assess the impact of experiential learning adoption on student learning, skill development, and career readiness, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational practices with real-world applications. Furthermore, the paper seeks to address critical issues related to equity and inclusivity in experiential learning, along with identifying faculty training needs. By examining challenges and proposing solutions, the chapter contributes to creating an inclusive environment that benefits a diverse student body. The analysis takes a forward-looking approach by predicting future trends in experiential learning, considering the influence of technological advancements, global collaboration, and integration with emerging learning models. Originality/Value: This holistic exploration serves as a valuable resource for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of experiential learning in higher education. Type of paper: Exploratory Research.

COLLABORATION OF ESP AND CONTENT LECTURERS AS A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY

English as a medium of instruction (EMI) has been popularly applied in higher education contexts in Vietnam. EMI lecturers have to face many challenges in terms of language proficiency and content knowledge. This qualitative study aims to examine how much the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and content lecturers collaborate to help each other overcome such difficulties in the EMI context. Interviews were conducted with seven EMI lecturers at a university in Central Vietnam. The findings showed that there was a lack of collaboration between ESP and EMI lecturers although the participants were aware of its necessity as one of the best solutions for enhancing both English competence and content knowledge. The study also suggests some ways to practice continuous collaboration as a professional development activity.

Transition into distance education: A scoping review protocol.

The number of students choosing to complete their studies online rather than in-person is on the rise. The transition to university is crucial for subsequent success, regardless of whether the learning is done face-to-face or remotely. If students can effectively handle the critical requirements associated with the transition to distance learning, their likelihood of success increases. However, thus far, little information is available on this topic. To gather existing sources, we will conduct a scoping review according to the guidelines of the research organization JBI. The review aims to systematically record, evaluate, and subsequently present the existing body of literature regarding the subject "transition into distance education". By answering the research question, "What is known about transition into distance education in higher education?" we hope to shed light on individual experiences, challenges, adaptation strategies, life situations, etc. of distance learners in a higher education context. The review will identify and categorize relevant concepts and terminologies in the research field, as well as outline the content-related boundaries. The findings derived from the scoping review will provide conceptual clarification, summarize the given theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field and offer practical implications for designing the initial phase in distance education. This article presents the a-priori study protocol that provides a detailed outline of the planned methodology for conducting the Scoping Review.

Crafting Inclusive Playful Learning Environments: Exploring Affective Strategies and Atmospheres

This article contributes new critical perspectives to Playful Learning, an emerging educational field rooted in inclusivity, democratic principles, and adaptability. It seeks to bridge the gap between playful learning and affective thinking, exploring how atmospheres can enhance inclusivity within higher educational contexts. Specifically, it investigates artful teaching practices in the Social Education Study Program at a University College in Denmark to uncover affective strategies that foster inclusivity within playful approaches. The article establishes the potential of integrating affect-based thinking in playful learning. It navigates the complexities of the magic circle of play and contextualizes the study within the broader landscape of art education and atmospheres. Drawing from a situated relational approach to affect, it introduces the concept of affective arrangements and atmospheres, showcasing their influence on agency and inclusion. The empirical analysis presents two ethnographic vignettes demonstrating how intentional design choices create atmospheres of inclusion. By shedding light on the interplay between affect, atmospheres, and inclusivity, this article contributes to the emerging field of Playful Learning. It offers critical insights for educators striving to create inclusive playful learning environments.

Cross-cultural adaptation of educational design patterns at scale

PurposeEducational design patterns offer practical strategies that can be shared and adapted to address problems in teaching and learning. This article explores how educational design patterns for connected learning at scale at an Australian university may be adapted to a Vietnamese higher education context.Design/methodology/approach12 educational design patterns that address the challenges of active learning and large teaching team management are discussed. The authors then critically reflect on their cross-cultural adaptation for the higher education context, from an Australian to a Vietnamese university.FindingsTransitioning from passive to active learning strategies and effectively leading large teaching teams present similar challenges across our contexts. Educational design patterns, when dynamically adapted, may assist educators to teach skills that are critical for work and the future. Higher education institutions globally could enhance their practices by incorporating international best practice approaches to educational design.Practical implicationsThe Connected Learning at Scale (CLaS) educational design patterns explored in this article offer solution-oriented strategies that promote a more active learning experience. This paper identifies adaptations for educators, especially those in Vietnamese higher education that respect traditional structures, cultural nuances and resource limitations in implementation.Originality/valueWhilst educational design patterns are well-researched in the Western contexts, few studies analyse design patterns in an Asian, and in particular the Vietnamese context. More research is needed in the cross-cultural adaptation of educational design patterns that joins practice and theory.

Returning or not returning: desire, becoming and decisions following PhD completion

ABSTRACT This paper aims to uncover the meanings of the decisions of a group of Vietnamese women doctoral students and academics following the completion of their doctoral studies in Australia. Drawing on interview data with the women and the Deleuzian concept of desire, this paper highlights that their decisions are generated within multiple power relations related to unequal educational resources, contemporary practices of competition across higher education contexts and individual backgrounds of the women. The women navigated through their experiences, challenging and disrupting such power relations while aspiring to become otherwise. The paper suggests how to gear returning mechanism to facilitate the movement of academic knowledge across spaces.

Digital, Self-Regulated Vocabulary Learning and Device Control In Out-Of-Class, Higher Education Settings

Self-regulation of learning behaviour is particularly important when it comes to vocabulary learning for academic purposes in a second language because it often needs to be done on a regular and consistent basis and mostly in out-of-class, self-directed settings to be successful. Self-regulation is also vital when this learning takes place using digital activities on smartphones because these are now ubiquitous devices and deeply embedded in both daily life and higher education settings. Features such as notifications from social media applications can end up distracting students from their academic tasks unless they have the capacity to manage and control their behaviour. This naturalistic, mixed methods study conducted with students on an academic English foundation course in a higher education context aimed to measure their capacity for self-regulated vocabulary learning through technology before and after 10 weeks of intentional digital vocabulary learning in out-of-class settings and to see if there was any difference between learning on a laptop and a smartphone. The purpose of this study was to find out if device control was a relevant dimension of self-regulation, which is an under-researched area. The study collected quantitative data through a recently developed self-report survey tool, and differences in scores were measured using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Qualitative data was also collected from students through paired-depth interviews, and this was analysed using typological analysis. The results revealed that the students’ self-reported capacity for self-regulated vocabulary learning through laptops was significantly higher than their capacity for self-regulated vocabulary learning through smartphones. In addition, commitment regulation when using a smartphone decreased significantly over the 10-week period primarily due to distractions from social media notifications. At the same time, students were aware of when to use each device for different types of learning activities and under different temporal and spatial conditions. Overall, this study showed that device control should be considered an additional dimension of a model of digital, self-regulated vocabulary learning and should also be incorporated into future research in the field of e-learning. In addition, students in higher education need to be given more guidance about the benefits and drawbacks of different devices and how to develop their capacity and strategies for greater device self-regulation.

TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INTEGRATED PRACTICES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Purpose: This study aims to develop an integrated framework for Total Quality Management (TQM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices in higher education, bridging the gap in previous research that treated them separately. Theoretical Framework: The study acknowledges the philosophical foundations and substantial overlap between TQM and CSR. However, it highlights that previous research has not adequately integrated these two practices in the context of higher education. Therefore, the theoretical framework of this research seeks to integrate TQM and CSR within the higher education context. Methodology: Employing a comparative approach, the study reviews the literature and develops a theoretical framework. The proposed integrated TQM-CSR practices are compared with the only one TQM-CSR framework generated by prior study. Findings: The significant TQM-CSR practices that are expected to enhance organizational performance were identified. The proposed mediating variable was selected to be Employees’ Performance emphasizing its importance for overall organizational success. Research Implications: This research provides practical guidance for implementing TQM-CSR practices in higher education institutions and highlights the significance of employees' performance for organizational success. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing the ambiguity surrounding the integration of TQM and CSR in higher education. By developing an integrated framework and examining the mediating role of employees' performance, this research adds originality to the discourse on TQM-CSR practices in the higher education domain. The study's findings provide valuable insights for HEIs seeking to enhance their total quality and engagement with stakeholders.

A Systematic Review on the Effects of Blended Learning in EFL Higher Education Contexts

A Systematic Review on the Effects of Blended Learning in EFL Higher Education Contexts

How can a task-based project enhance students’ transferable skills? An investigation

ABSTRACT Background In a time of rapid technological change, there is a need to provide students with relevant learning opportunities to support the development of their transferable skills. Purpose Set in a higher education context in Taiwan, this study sought to investigate how students perceived their engagement with a task-based, multimedia project within an English as a foreign language (EFL) course. Method Participants were 73 third-year undergraduate university students who were engaged in an 18-week task-based video-making project as part of the EFL course. Data, which were analysed qualitatively, included students’ reflective essays and post-course transcribed interviews with 15 of the students. Findings Overall, the students felt that participating in the task-based project had enhanced their literacy competencies through the process of gathering relevant information; supported their learning motivation and engagement as they sought to discover the necessary resources to generate their videos; and fostered their awareness of how they could apply the knowledge and skills they developed in the course to new contexts. Conclusions Task-based, digital projects can provide one way of helping students to develop transferable skills. As technology continues to evolve, this study highlights the need to consider more fully, in the context of tertiary education, how best to support students to acquire and hone the competencies that they will require in employment.

Role of middle managers in dealing with hierarchy and network logics: exploration in the context of Sino-Foreign Cooperative University.

While organizations tend to introduce network mechanism to activate the potential of members in the hierarchical dominated context, it is not clear how individual members deal with the complexity caused by two logics of hierarchy and network. To address this gap, this study focuses on the role of middle managers in collaborating with others in the multiple-logic complexity. We identify three types of collaboration scenarios, top-down, bottom-up, and horizontal, through 27 semi-structured interviews within a Sino-Foreign Cooperative University from 2021 to 2023. Guided by the grounded theory approach, we conceptualize the composite role of middle managers as the translucent hand of explicit and implicit connections, which help us to interpret middle managers' tangibly and intangibly impact under a hybrid organization context. The empirical results also reveal that the boundary perception of authority and responsibility as an important factor determines middle managers' awareness of power involvement in cooperation. The findings extend the understanding of middle managers in network organizations in the higher education context and provide suggestions for the dynamic role of middle managers and hybrid university management in the information age.

Evaluating generative AI integration in Saudi Arabian education: a mixed-methods study.

Incorporating generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in education has become crucial in contemporary educational environments. This research article thoroughly investigates the ramifications of implementing GAI in the higher education context of Saudi Arabia, employing a blend of quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Survey-based quantitative data reveals a noteworthy correlation between educators' awareness of GAI and the frequency of its application. Notably, around half of the surveyed educators are at stages characterized by understanding and familiarity with GAI integration, indicating a tangible readiness for its adoption. Moreover, the study's quantitative findings underscore the perceived value and ease associated with integrating GAI, thus reinforcing the assumption that educators are motivated and inclined to integrate GAI tools like ChatGPT into their teaching methodologies. In addition to the quantitative analysis, qualitative insights from in-depth interviews with educators unveil a rich tapestry of perspectives. The qualitative data emphasizes GAI's role as a catalyst for collaborative learning, contributing to professional development, and fostering innovative teaching practices.

Academic Entrepreneurship Ecosystems: Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions

AbstractResearch on the entrepreneurship ecosystem, based on different data and scales, limits the acceptance of a single definition. This conceptual limitation and the still recent research and higher education institutions have come to be seen as ecosystems associated with entrepreneurship. The aim of this study is to contribute to the field of knowledge, identify current and emerging thematic areas and trends and reveal the scientific roots of research on entrepreneurial ecosystems and their relationship with higher education institutions. A bibliometric analysis was developed to analyse a final sample of 110 articles published between 2011 and 2022. In order to develop the analysis, Bibliometrix R-Tool was used and the metadata of two databases (Web of Science and Scopus) was retrieved and merged. The software creates a reference co-citation’s map, which allowed emphasize the state of the art and indicate three thematic clusters: (i) the importance of the higher education context for the entrepreneurial ecosystem, (ii) the evolution and challenges of entrepreneurship education and (iii) academic entrepreneurship ecosystems. The paper concludes by suggesting future research focused on the importance of building an integrated approach to entrepreneurial ecosystems and higher education institutions on a context regional scale.

Academic managers’ roles and challenges in migrating to interim online teaching: a higher education context

ABSTRACT Despite the important roles that academic managers play and the growing body of literature on online learning, research on the organisational level, such as management, remains underexplored, particularly within the context of interim online teaching. Therefore, our study aimed to fill this gap by examining academic managers’ key roles and the challenges they experienced in migrating to interim online teaching. This case study involved eight academic managers from private and public higher education institutions in the Philippines, who were selected through purposive sampling. Using semi-structured interviews, the findings indicated that their roles and challenges across the six leadership functions intensified and expanded during the transition to interim online teaching. It is further revealed that these challenges and roles were shaped not only by individual and institutional factors, such as university culture and structure, technological resources, and institutional policies, but also by larger contextual factors, such as national policies, economic conditions, and the country's technological readiness. Implications for management development, policy-making, and future research are discussed.

Continuing to Talanoa: storytelling dialogues for youth engagement in climate action and justice

This article recounts a classroom application of a dialogue, story-telling process used at COPs beginning in 2017. In that year, the Fijian President of the United Nations climate summit, COP23 in Bonn, proposed the entire assembly use his nation’s Talanoa Dialogue process for building ambition for national commitments to the Paris Agreement. When youth, women’s and Indigenous voices were heard in unprecedented ways, many committed to continuing the practice. A florescence of the Asian-Pacific-inspired, conflict-resolution storytelling and dialogue practice ensued, with some continuing for years afterward. This paper recounts eight rounds of varied Talanoa Dialogues employed in higher education contexts. Purposes ranged from internal team-building, to forging community partnerships, to serving as vehicles for youth representation in international contexts like climate COPs. All dialogues nonetheless prioritized listening, recording, and representation through ethnographic, anthropological lenses. These experiences support recommendations to (1) Create chances for youth to listen empathetically to the stories of others in ways attentive to varied national, ethnic and other intersectional (e.g. gendered, class-based) social locations, expanding their awareness and linking their affective and intellectual selves; (2) Make opportunities for youth to voice their own stories and perspectives on climate challenges and work, considering their developmental trajectories in intergenerational contexts, while emphasizing the need to “scale” from individual through global dimensions; (3) Explore the implications of borrowing from exogenous cultural traditions, considering what factors may render this relatively legitimate, as opposed to appropriative. I explore particularities of the cultural origins of Talanoa Dialogues, which mediate hierarchy and egalitarianism, arguing that this function is especially apt for navigating conundrums of youth leadership and so-called “youth-washing.”

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING PERFORMANCE AND MOTIVATION AMONG ACADEMIC STAFF IN HIGHER EDUCATION

This study delves into the key factors influencing performance effectiveness and motivation among academic staff in higher education. A comprehensive analysis was carried out with a primary focus on the role of effective management strategies including, fostering innovation and creativity, recognizing efforts, awarding impressive titles, ensuring regular salary payments and compensations, providing opportunities for professional development, availing instructional resources, and improving institutional facilities. The research employed a quantitative methodology, with data collected through surveys from a significant number of academic staff members. The findings underline the high relevance of these strategies in enhancing staff performance and motivation. Major insights revealed that a combination of professional recognition, financial incentives, growth opportunities, quality resources, and well-equipped working environments play a crucial role in academic staff's effectiveness. This study's outcomes propose invaluable guidelines for university managers and policymakers, aiming at creating conducive environments that foster academic excellence. The research also advocates for further in-depth studies examining these factors in different higher education contexts to enrich the understanding and implementation of effective motivational strategies.

Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the online learning climate scale for Chilean university students.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed university teaching and learning formats, leading to a significant increase in online learning. Consequently, the crisis has facilitated the potential development of this educational modality. However, researchers need adapted and validated instruments to assess the online learning climate in universities. This study aimed to adapt and psychometrically validate the Online Learning Climate Scale (OLCS) for Chilean university students. Quantitative research was conducted with a non-experimental and cross-sectional, design executed in two phases: the first was oriented to the cultural adaptation of the instrument, and the second was focused on analyzing its psychometric properties in a sample of 491 university students. A translated and culturally adapted version was obtained, composed of 15 items distributed in a factorial structure composed of four dimensions that showed excellent adjustment to the data [χ2 (84) = 189.628; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.979; TLI = 0.973; RMSEA = 0.051 (IC90% 0.044-0.059); SRMR = 0.028]; internal consistency was estimated through Cronbach's alpha and ranged between 0.892 and 0.955, and strict invariance between men and women was achieved. The Online Learning Climate Scale (OLCS) is a valid and reliable measure for measuring the online learning climate within the Chilean higher education context so that it can be used both in research and in monitoring management programs in educational environments.