Higher Education System Research Articles

SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE TEACHING COMMUNITY OF PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITIES IN CHINA - A MODERN VIEW: PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS

The article is devoted to the problem of personnel policy in the system of higher pedagogical education in China. The author presents the results of the analysis of statistical studies on the teaching community, reveals general trends in improving the academic training of teachers and enhancing their livelihood, gives a general description of the Programme for the Development of the Higher Education System, focused, among other things, on training of highly qualified teachers.

Experience in teaching the course “Theory and Methodology of Education”at the Rivne State Humanitarian University (Ukraine): good practices and challenges

Reforming the system of higher education in Ukraine has set requirements for changes in approaches, paradigms, content and forms of work with students, including pedagogical specialties. Forced changes in the teaching of future teachers took place during the Covid-2019 pandemic, and later during the full-scale war in Ukraine, which was launched by russia in 2022. The authors of this study have analyzed the educational programmes of twelve Ukrainian pedagogical universities. The purpose and tasks of the "Theory and Methodology of Education" course are outlined, and the positive experience of its teaching at the Rivne State Humanitarian University is characterized. The challenges facing pedagogical universities today regarding the preservation and updating of the analyzed course are outlined. For this purpose, a survey was conducted among students – future teachers. The results of the survey are presented in the study, and its prognosticity is outlined.

Diagnosis of the Current State of University Academic Performance: Applied Educational Research in the Peruvian Context

The present study is quantitative applied educational research that first analyzes a theoretical framework that affirms that the academic performance of students constitutes a central element in university education since it represents a measure of the learning achieved by individuals and, at the same time, an indicator of the quality of higher education institutions and systems. Likewise, it is specified that the problem of the study is: How does the academic performance of university students’ impact in the Peruvian context? Considering that there are factual realities that need to be reviewed in a relevant way, such as difficulties in grades and GPA, difficulties in-class participation, difficulties in delivering assignments and projects on time, inadequate interaction with professors and classmates, and absenteeism. A case study was used, selecting 106 students from a private university in Lima through a non-probabilistic and intentional sampling. The technique applied was the survey and the instrument was a questionnaire. A total of 20 questions were asked considering a work structure called "Construction and Validation of the RAU scale of University Academic Performance" composed of three dimensions (contribution to academic activities, dedication to study, and lack of organization of teaching resources). As a main result, the importance of formative management of students' motivation became evident. It is concluded that it was possible to obtain two dimensions resulting from the model, which are the formative metacognitive dimension and the formative socio-humanistic dimension.

Digital teaching resource management system for higher education

Digital teaching resource management system for higher education

Престиж преподавателя высшей юридической школы: некоторые особенности и направления развития

The purpose of the presented article is to identify the main difficulties and obstacles in establishing the socio-legal prestige of the teaching staff of higher education in modern Russia. The authors of the article formulate separate proposals aimed at organizational, legal, cultural and ideological support of the teaching profession of an educational organization. Methodology: the study combines the analysis of social relations and legal regulation in the context of the socio-legal prestige of a higher school teacher. In general, special legal, sociological, cultural, and logical research methods are used. Conclusions. The main conclusion is made in the work: the qualitative components of the socio-legal prestige of a teacher of an educational organization affect not only the state of the professional educational environment, but also determine the development of higher education. The authors of the article believe that objective difficulties and problems that stand in the way of forming the prestige of the teaching profession of an educational organization can lead to deformation of professional legal culture and regression of educational activities. Scientific and practical relevance. The proposed ideas can be used to discuss issues of improving the legal education system within the framework of scientific seminars and conferences. The authors are confident that the development of the higher education system through its social support and actualization can increase the prestige of the work of a teacher of an educational organization. Some of the ideas proposed in the article can be implemented in the field of artistic creativity and culture.

Institutional policies and practices to improve access and success in higher education: the students’ proposals

ABSTRACT Ensuring equal conditions of access and success for all higher education students is a challenging task for educational systems and institutions. Understanding the students’ perspectives and needs regarding educational policies and institutional practices in higher education can be an important contribution to improving the quality of education. This paper aims to identify the main obstacles faced by students and their proposals for the improvement of policies and institutional practices in the Portuguese higher education system to promote access and success for all students. By using a mixed-methods approach, we gathered responses from 1,292 students enrolled in 56 HEIs. Data was analysed through content analysis with a pre-existing grid comprising three dimensions: socio-economic, educational and institutional. Descriptive statistics were carried out for the quantitative data. The results revealed socio-economic factors were the most frequently mentioned as needing improvement, followed by the educational and institutional factors. The results allow concluding that institutional practices and educational policies are directly related. Thus, the institutional and political improvement actions should be seen in a holistic and integrative way, integrating actions to enhance the students’ socio-economic, educational and institutional conditions.

A New Vision for Enhancing Women’s Leadership Role in Higher Education Decision-Making

Legal issues of gender equality and the principle of inadmissibility of discrimination against women in all spheres of life are becoming relevant worldwide, including in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This study aims to show ways to enhance the role of women in the higher education system, which is necessary to implement the principle of real equality in relationships with men, the principle of fair distribution of managerial positions without gender discrimination, and the implementation of leadership activities by women due to their managerial potential. To achieve this goal, the authors have researched this topic in a comparative legal format, comparing the practice and legal peculiarities of Kazakhstan and some developed countries. We used logical analysis, comparative legislative analysis, legal analysis, and legal forecasting. Kazakh legislative acts that promote the expansion of women’s rights while enhancing the role of women in higher education were analyzed. The practical results of the study consist in the formulation and justification of organizational and legal ways to increase the leadership role of women in higher education in the Republic. The scientific novelty lies in the previously unexplored topic of gender equality in the higher education system of Kazakhstan from a legal viewpoint. The conclusion about gender asymmetry should encourage other researchers to study this problem on a larger scale and deepen the understanding that only clearly, competently, and equally selected leaders of both sexes can positively influence the accelerated development of the higher education system and ensure the actual competitiveness of Kazakhstani universities and their graduates. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-05-016 Full Text: PDF

EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BRANCHES IN UZBEKISTAN: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES AND IMPROVEMENT PATHWAYS

International University Branch Campuses in Uzbekistan present significant opportunities for advancing the country’s higher education landscape. These institutions offer advanced educational quality through internationally recognized curricula and faculty., promote global recognition and mobility. However, they also face challenges. Issues include language proficiency among faculty and students, which impede a positive students experience. Varieties in English proficiency among students in the classroom settings hinder motivation for study and a successful academic performance. Addressing these challenges requires language support programs, prioritizing language proficiency language proficiency in faculty hiring and tailored admission requirements to align student abilities with academic demands. By tackling these challenges, IUBCs can maximize their positive impact on Uzbekistan’s higher education system and enhance education quality in these institutions.

THE STUDY OF TEACHING APPLIED DECORATIVE ARTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS THROUGH SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS: A REVIEW OF METHODOLOGICAL LITERATURE

This article discusses the challenges of teaching applied decorative arts through software tools in higher education institutions. It examines the degree to which pedagogical, psychological, and methodological literature has studied these challenges and analyzes the current state of the subject within the higher education system. The paper emphasizes the importance of using digital resources and educational technologies to enhance learning outcomes, improve teaching quality, and align with international standards.

FUNDAMENTALS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

This study explores the critical issue of quality assurance in higher education systems, both in Kazakhstan and globally, where universities operate in a «consumer market» with students selecting educational programs, institutions, and resources. Based on an analysis of international and domestic research, the study aims to identify the foundations of quality assurance in higher education. The authors highlight key aspects of higher education quality, including student quality, teaching characteristics, academic regulations, and administrative support. Educational quality is examined within the context of international standards as a matter of national importance, with education levels serving as a foundation for economic development of both state and society. The research analysis reveals that various approaches, methods, and criteria for quality management are employed in creating systems for ensuring and assessing the quality of higher education institutions in Kazakhstan and abroad. These include the evaluative method of university activity quality management (SWOT analysis), Total Quality Management (TQM) strategy, and an approach based on the requirements of international quality standards ISO 9000:2000. The study notes that Kazakhstan has adopted a management model based on the ISO 9000:2000 international quality standards. This comprehensive review contributes to the understanding of quality assurance mechanisms in higher education and their implications for educational policy and practice.

IMPROVING STUDENTS’RESEARCH COMPETENCE IN TEACHING THE KAZAKH LANGUAGE

The article discusses the enhancement of students’ research competence within the context of teaching the Kazakh language. Developing learners’ research skills is becoming a significant factor in higher education system. This research seeks to undertake a detailed examination of students’ attitudes toward the Kazakh language, identify existing obstacles, and design effective strategies to assist the development of research competency within the context of Kazakh language and culture studies. This study examines both foreign and local studies to provide a methodology for teaching languages and culture. It also attempts to promote a successful integration of research approaches into the learning process for Kazakh language acquisition. This study paper applies a qualitative method, using semi-structured interviews, to collect thorough data on students’ opinions and experiences with developing research abilities while learning the Kazakh language. The methodology intends to explore the many features of competence, language acquisition issues, and the significance of research activities in improving students’ language proficiency.

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF UNIVERSITIES IN UZBEKISTAN

The author attempts to outline a number of problems faced by the contemporary science of managing the higher education system in Uzbekistan. The main development prospects in this area are described. The paper provides data and analysis in the field of training highly qualified personnel and developing human capital.

AI Tutors vs. Human Instructors: Perceptions of Higher Education Students in Hungary and Spain

Integrating AI-powered tutoring systems in higher education represents a significant advancement in educational technology, offering personalized and adaptive learning experiences. This study investigates the perceptions and expectations of higher education students in Hungary and Spain regarding AI tutors. Despite extensive research on the technological efficacy of AI systems, there is limited understanding of student attitudes in these specific cultural contexts. This research aims to fill this gap by exploring student expectations, satisfaction levels, and perceived benefits of AI tutors compared to human instructors. To achieve this, a validated questionnaire was administered to 184 higher education students from Hungary and Spain, capturing data on various dimensions of their expectations. The study's findings indicate that students appreciate the adaptability and continuous guidance provided by AI tutors, with Hungarian students showing higher overall expectations compared to their Spanish counterparts. These insights suggest that AI tutoring systems can enhance the learning experience by addressing individual student needs more effectively. The implications of this study are significant for higher education institutions seeking to integrate AI technologies.

АНАЛИЗ ЦЕННОСТЕЙ И КУЛЬТУРЫ СОВРЕМЕННОЙ КАЗАХСТАНСКОЙ МОЛОДЕЖИ

This article comprehensively examines that the value system is an important category in human life in difficult and turbulent times. It is human nature to adapt to values. Without the values of the phenomena of existence, neither the activity nor the life of man as a social being has any meaning. Education through universal values is the main way out of spiritual immorality. Today, the system of higher education is based on the search for new benchmarks. In this regard, it is necessary to define the main goal of current education in higher education institutions and to set its direction.

Establishing the ESD and GCEd system in higher education: Analyzing the holistic approach of Yonsei University in South Korea

Purpose: This study assesses the Global Citizenship Education (GCEd) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives at the Yonsei Institute of Global Engagement and Empowerment (IGEE). The objective is to identify strengths and areas for improvement in promoting ESD and GCEd principles and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Design/Methodology/Approach: This research employs a comprehensive analysis framework to evaluate Yonsei IGEE's initiatives, including the "Understanding Sustainable Development with Ban Ki-moon" lectures, "Social Engagement Fund (SEF)" research program, "SDG Initiative," and "Global Engagement and Empowerment Forum (GEEF))." It considers objectives, environmental focus, pedagogical strategies, topic coverage, learning dimensions, and outcome measurement.Findings: Yonsei IGEE initiatives demonstrate strengths in terms of clear objectives, environmental focus, and pedagogical strategies. They complement each other, fostering synergy in promoting ESD and GCEd principles. The lecture series offers a holistic view of SDG issues, whereas SEF empowers students to address challenges practically. The SDG Initiative guides Yonsei's research community, and GEEF disseminates SDG knowledge and fosters collaboration.Originality: This study contributes originality in two aspects. First, it presents an innovative evaluation framework specifically designed to assess the diverse GCEd and ESD programs at Yonsei IGEE. This framework serves as a valuable tool for future evaluations of similar initiatives in higher education institutions. Second, the data and contents analyzed in this research, drawn from Yonsei IGEE's programs, are novel and provide unique insights into the efficacy of the GCEd and ESD efforts.

Modernization of the Motivation Systems in Higher Education: Challenges and Digital Solutions

The motivation of academic staff in higher education institutions has become a critical issue, particularly in the context of rapid digital transformation. Faculty motivation is a crucial factor influencing the quality of education, research productivity, and the performance of universities. This study aimed to identify the main factors influencing motivation and to develop recommendations for educational institutions to enhance staff motivation. The research utilized bibliometric analysis through the VOSviewer program to explore relationships between core motivational factors. Initial data were collected via the ePORTAL system, which aggregates comprehensive information about faculty activities, including publications, participation in scientific projects, and teaching performance. The findings suggest that the current motivational systems in Kazakhstan's higher education institutions require significant modernization. Key challenges include insufficient financial support, excessive bureaucratic procedures, and limited career development opportunities. Moreover, adopting digital tools like ePORTAL can enhance the transparency and objectivity of assessing teaching staff performance, providing more substantial incentives for professional growth. The study offers recommendations for university management of educational institutions to increase academic staff motivation that can be adapted to each educational institution's unique profile and priorities. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of digitalization on teaching quality and explore how motivation strategies can be fine-tuned to address regional and institutional disparities. Such efforts will ensure faculty development aligns with national and international educational standards, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness and effectiveness of universities in a global context.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES OF MICROQUALIFICATIONS AS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PRINCIPLE OF CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION IN THE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OF A MODERN UNIVERSITY TEACHER

The article analyses the introduction of educational programmes of microqualifications as an effective tool for implementing the principle of continuing education in the professional activities of university teachers. Special attention is paid to how microqualifications contribute to the development of competences and adaptation of teachers to the changing requirements of the educational environment. Examples of their use in the practice of higher education institutions are presented, and the impact on improving the quality of teaching and competitiveness of staff is assessed. The relevance of the study is conditioned by rapid changes and new challenges faced by the system of higher education in Kazakhstan. In the conditions of reforming the educational system of the country and the growth of international competition, the integration of microqualification programmes as a strategic approach to the continuous professional development of teachers is of particular importance. The aim of the study is to identify the key challenges and prospects for the development of microqualifications based on the analysis of global and regional educational trends. The paper uses the methods of strategic analysis, as well as comparative-historical approach, which allowed to identify opportunities and threats affecting the development of this system in Kazakhstan. Special attention is paid to the strengths and weaknesses of educational programmes, as well as their compliance with modern standards. As a result of the study, recommendations for successful integration of microqualifications into the strategies of HEIs are proposed. Special attention is paid to the creation of strategic partnerships, continuous monitoring of changes in the educational environment and ensuring the high quality of programmes in accordance with international standards. Prospects for the development of microqualifications in Kazakhstan include the development of supra-subject competences and a balance between digital and traditional teaching methods to meet the needs of the target audience and ensure professional development of teachers.

Professional Values of a Modern Teacher as the Basis for Ensuring the Quality of Education During War Conditions

The article substantiates the relevance of the problem, provides a theoretical analysis of scientific sources on the concepts of “values” and “professional values of a modern teacher,” and defines their role in ensuring the quality of higher education during wartime. It was found that teaching in wartime has become a challenge for all the participants in the educational process and a real test for higher education institutions, which enable young people to receive not only knowledge but also psychological support, and maintain a sense of belonging to the Ukrainian community. Ukrainian educators demonstrate lessons of resilience, struggle, and victory to the world daily. Due to their work, Ukrainian youth can continue learning despite numerous challenges and threats. Ensuring access to quality education at all levels has become a priority of state educational policy. This direction includes creating conditions for continuous learning, developing new models of the educational process, supporting teachers and students, and providing access to innovative technologies and educational materials. It is emphasized that the professional values of teachers have gained particular significance in Ukraine's higher education system. Their activities during the war focus on training specialists who uphold and affirm the values of Ukrainian statehood. Teachers not only educate the new generation but also strengthen belief in the future, inspiring active citizenship, readiness to defend their values, and build a peaceful society. Conclusions are drawn that the modern teacher possesses values that determine the success of their professional activities and ensure the quality of higher education. The main values include: respect for the dignity and rights of higher education students, academic integrity, continuous professional growth, innovation and creativity, collaboration and partnership, empathy, and social responsibility; determination, etc. It is worth noting that emotional resilience and balance are crucial for teachers working in wartime conditions.

Revisiting the Challenges of Teaching and Learning Indigenous South African Languages

Whereas South Africa has made significant strides after the official end of colonialism and apartheid in 1994 concerning the advancement of indigenous South African languages, there are observable challenges that demonstrate endurance even in the post-colonial and post-apartheid contexts. In particular, there are enduring challenges in the teaching and learning of these languages within the basic and higher education system. With this view in mind, the aim herein is to explore and discuss four noteworthy challenges that obstruct the optimal teaching and learning of indigenous languages in the South African context. It must be noted that this article concentrates on indigenous South African languages in general, and not specific ones. The objective is to uncover and sensitize the language and education policymakers as well as affected stakeholders such as parents, learners, and students that challenges in the context of language in education exhibit determination, hence the necessity to scholarly revisit them in a bid to solicit reasonable solutions to the conundrum. The four noteworthy challenges, which are discussed in the body of this scholarly discourse, are recognized as a source of discussion. The findings and discussion underline that challenges within the language in education in the South African context are multifaceted. One of these challenges could be pinned on colonial and apartheid legacies that appraised oppressive languages to the detriment of indigenous South African languages and dialects. In fact, the Bantu Education Act of 1953 is implicated in this article as one of the principal drivers of the subjugation of these languages. In the same vein, this article implicates some post-colonial and post-apartheid perceptions towards the subjugation of these vernacular languages. The closing remarks highlight the necessity to recurrently debate challenges of indigenous languages within the educational system.

MEASURING GLOBALIZATION: ANALYZING INTERNATIONALIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION (IOHE) THROUGH STEM EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

The concepts of 'internationalization' and 'globalization' are closely intertwined, impacting both tangible and intangible aspects of higher education. Internationalization refers to the internal transformations that occur within an educational setting as a result of frequent cross-border interactions within a local governmental system. Currently, developing countries like Pakistan are adapting and shaping their higher education systems in response to the global knowledge economy but neglecting the introduction of STEM education in the areas of social sciences like mathematics, statistics, entrepreneurship, IT, and other courses that are considered the need of time may leads to lack social scientist’s ability to estimate & forecasting and critically evaluate the situations as these deficiencies lead to reduce the cognitive skill of the workforce. This qualitative study employed Wallenstein’s World System analysis framework to examine student mobility and educational policy aspects in Pakistan critically. The findings suggest that the internationalization of higher education may lead to unequal exchange of educational services between core and peripheral countries in the global system.