Role Of Higher Education Research Articles

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A review Analysis on the Role of Higher Education in Achieving Global Sustainability Targets

The universities are social transformers of society and can steer individuals into becoming future citizens and lead them to sustainability through their programmes. In this paper, we created an assessment framework for the educational institutions to assess educations contribution to sustainability through comparing activity with respect to sustainability with the enabling conditions for a vision of sustainability as outlined by the SDGs. This tool was established based on a categorization of the SDGs into eight sustainability attributes comprising Safe Operating Space, Just Operating Space, Resilient Sustainable Behavior, Alternative Economy, Health, Partnership, Equity and Voice and Tier, and further employs a word code unique to each of the sustainability attributes to map the extent of the coverage of the SDGs in a given programmes outcome for any of the master’s programmes. The tool assesses and ranks programmes based on criterion such as learning outcomes and organizational sustainability attributes, among others things, pursuant to sustainability. It was initially validated using data from eighteen master’s programmes offered at a University and later used to compare forty programmes offered by UK and European Universities from the environment and sustainability stream. The outcome reveals that environment also has some significant gaps in areas such as health, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, among others, thus all the universities need to undertake an analysis of the impact of their programmes on sustainability. The utilization of the tool can create the study that evaluates the impact of the university programmes and make a compelling argument that education might be effective tool in the promotion of the SDGs.

Empowering Educators through SoTL: Insights and Innovations from Real-Time Audience Engagement

The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is a conceptualisation of the teaching role in higher education that can transform academic understanding and practices by incorporating research as integral to teaching - an evidence-based and theoretically informed approach to teaching. Moreover, SoTL involves the systematic study of teaching and learning processes with a singular goal: improving educational practices and, most importantly, enhancing student outcomes. It is a form of research that holds transformative power, not only in how we teach but in how we elevate student learning to its fullest potential. This study explored the perceptions of academics related to SoTL and what supports would empower uptake and advocacy of SoTL. This was accomplished by engaging HERDSA keynote attendees through real-time audience polling. Guided by a participatory action research (PAR) approach, data were gathered in an online format (Mentimeter) from 263 participants during the keynote, responding to 10 questions related to SoTL, institutional challenges, and future action. This study highlights key areas where educators seek clarity and offers insights on how HERDSA can support its membership by addressing SoTL barriers, enhancing collaborative networks, and fostering continuous professional development. The implications of these findings extend to HERDSA’s potential role in shaping the future of SoTL practices and empowering its members to advocate for SoTL within their institutions.

Exploring ChatGPT’s Role in Higher Education: Perspectives from Pakistani University Students on Academic Integrity and Ethical Challenges

This study investigates the perceptions of university students in Pakistan on the use of ChatGPT in learning. It aims to understand the students’ views on the benefits, challenges, and overall impact of ChatGPT on their academic experiences. A quantitative approach was employed, collecting data from 400 students across various universities in Pakistan through a structured questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were ensured through pilot testing and statistical analysis. The study found that while most students perceive ChatGPT as a beneficial tool for improving their learning, significant concerns remain about academic integrity, over-reliance on artificial intelligence (AI), and the accuracy of information provided by ChatGPT. The findings suggest that perceptions vary across demographic factors such as age, gender, and type of university. These findings can benefit policymakers and educational institutions in effectively integrating AI tools such as ChatGPT into educational systems, ensuring that the value is maximized while addressing potential disadvantages. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on AI utilization in education, particularly within the context of developing countries.

The Influences of Blended Learning Platforms on Students’ Satisfaction-An Empirical Study at a College in Southern China

Background and Aim: Although research on blended learning is expanding, studies on Rain Classroom’s role and its impact on student satisfaction remain limited, especially given rapid advances in information technology and the "Internet + Education" policy. Social software like QQ and WeChat has transformed classroom dynamics and increased student interest. Despite its significance, blended learning models often remain theoretical and lack practical application. Rain Classroom, a leading smart teaching tool in China, represents a new phase in educational informationization but is not fully understood. This study explores Rain Classroom’s use, analyzes factors affecting satisfaction, develops and validates an assessment model, and proposes strategies to enhance satisfaction, offering guidance for future educators. Materials and Methods: China's private undergraduate institutions play a key role in higher education. This study surveyed 3,793 students from four programs at a private university's School of Intelligent Manufacturing in southern China, with a final sample of 528. The programs included Electrical Engineering, Electronic Information Engineering, Mechanical Design, and Computer Science. The research explores the relationship between student satisfaction with Rain Classroom and factors such as Perceived Playfulness (PP), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PE), System Quality (SQ), and Information Quality (IQ), using the ACSI model and a modified TAM. Cognitive Engagement (CE) mediates and Satisfaction (STA) is the dependent variable. The study's questionnaire was evaluated, pilot-tested, and analyzed with CFA and SEM, revealing strong correlations among the variables. Results: This study involved 528 students from a southern China university. Cognitive Engagement (CE) was the dependent variable with an R² of 0.491, meaning Perceived Playfulness (PP), Perceived Usefulness (PU), and Perceived Ease of Use (PE) explained 49.1% of its variance. Satisfaction (STA) had an R² of 0.416, with PP, PU, PE, System Quality (SQ), Information Quality (IQ), and CE explaining 41.6% of its variance. All p-values were below 0.05, indicating significant effects. Conclusion: This study proposes six hypotheses to examine factors affecting student learning satisfaction, such as perceived interest, usability, ease of use, cognitive engagement, system quality, and information quality. The subjects are freshmen to seniors at a private university in southern China who have used Rain Classroom for at least six months. Using a quota sampling method, the study ensured validity through expert-tested IOC and a pilot test with 30 respondents. Data from 528 valid questionnaires were analyzed using CFA and SEM to assess validity, reliability, and the impact on satisfaction.

Exploring the effectiveness of AI-generated learning materials in facilitating active learning strategies and knowledge retention in higher education

Purpose This study aims to explore the intersection of AI-generated learning materials and active learning strategies in higher education artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing about changes and opening up new possibilities for an improved and more efficient higher education. However, the argument is that its use in education/classroom should be informed by verifiable evidence as well as best practice, which this scholarly work helps build evidence-based research to assess this technology in higher education. Design/methodology/approach Primary data was collected through structured questionnaire administered online via Google form. Based on the non-probability sampling technique, 300 higher education tutors and students across the UK were purposively targeted, out of which 218 (72.7%) response rate was achieved. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences, whereby regression, correlation and Chi-square tests were conducted to determine the statistical significance, direction and strength of the relationship between the measured variables. Findings This study revealed that AI-generated learning materials support active learning strategies that enable students to actively engage in their learning, likewise enabling students to develop deeper understanding of their course content with significantly better knowledge retention, which is critical to the learning process. However, findings further revealed that acceptance/regular use of AI-generated learning materials is still below par across the higher education institutions, and there is major concern that the benefits may not be fully realized due to barriers to adoption. Research limitations/implications There are limitations that future studies can improve on, especially in terms of methodology. Pragmatism is a philosophical research stance that integrates quantitative data collection with qualitative data (such as interviews) and will ask in-depth questions to gain holistic quality data for such empirical. Future studies can also improve on the research scope to allow for generalizability of findings and check for potential biases in the data collection, analysis and interpretation processes. Originality/value Despite the huge anticipation regarding how AI technology could transform teachers’ roles in higher education, concrete research into AI-generated learning materials and actual impact in facilitating active learning strategies and knowledge retention is currently lacking. This study presents theoretical models on AI acceptance in higher education and explored the Technology, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge framework to inform empirical information on how AI can support active learning strategies and students’ knowledge retention.

Impact of the Use of Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Applications towards Computational Thinking Skill Students in Engineering Education

Technology can enhance the accessibility of higher education, providing equal opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds. Technology plays a crucial role in higher education by revolutionizing the learning process and the utilization of educational resources by students. The application of Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) in higher education significantly enhances computational thinking skills by improving instructional quality, expanding the scope and objectivity of student performance evaluations, and enhancing the assessment of learning outcomes. The study involved 919 participants who voluntarily provided data. The participants were selected using convenience sampling, which involves gathering data from individuals who are representative of the overall population and are willing to participate. The findings of this study suggest that self-efficacy has a substantial impact on computational thinking skills, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and attitude towards using. Self-efficacy is the term used to describe an individual’s belief in their ability to successfully handle various situations. The perceived usefulness of a system is strongly linked to this idea, which pertains to how much someone thinks it will help them do better is called attitude. This research shows that self-efficacy has a good effect on how useful something is seen to be.

The role of higher education in shaping the future of Ukraine: challenges and prospects

The article is devoted to the study of challenges and prospects related to the formation of the future of Ukraine, and the role of higher education in these processes. Higher education is a key tool for the development of the country, as it forms a young generation that is able to solve complex problems, think innovatively and be competitive at the international level. The article groups and analyzes the challenges that Ukraine faces in its development, namely: global challenges (implementation of the concept and Sustainable Development Goals; climate change; the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, as well as the possibility of the threat of other epidemics and pandemics; digitalization of society and the use of artificial intelligence; the formation of social responsibility of higher education institutions); international regional challenges (obtaining membership in the European Union and joining NATO; the entry of Ukrainian specialists into the European labor market and changes in its structure); internal challenges (problems and crisis phenomena in the economic sphere; scientific and technological progress and innovative development of the country; the formation of a system of relations between the state, civil society organizations, communities, enterprises, institutions, organizations, including HEIs, in particular within the framework of state-law partnership; war and the martial law associated with it). In the context of the analyzed challenges, it is determined that the role of higher education in shaping the future of Ukraine is based on its main task - the training of qualified specialists with appropriate competencies that provide competitive advantages in the labor market. The article states that to overcome the identified and analyzed challenges, higher education acts not only as a system of training relevant specialists, but also as a system of higher education institutions that carry out, in addition to educational, scientific, innovative, scientific and methodological and other types of activities that contribute to the political, socio-economic and cultural development of Ukraine.

Exploring perceived mattering in physical education teacher education faculty

ABSTRACT Physical education teacher education (PETE) faculty members are leaders of the PETE profession. Their duties involve generating new knowledge, training emerging physical education (PE) teachers, serving the community and mentoring future PETE scholars. Despite playing a pivotal role in higher education, little research exists documenting their perceptions of mattering within higher education. This study explored the construct of perceived mattering within PETE faculty members and how these feelings interact within the sociopolitical structures of higher education. Data collection occurred through semi-structured interviews with 30 PETE faculty members within the United States. Data were analyzed deductively and inductively. Qualitative data revealed three major themes: (a) the role of external networks and service opportunities as strategies to navigate departmental underappreciation, (b) the need for acceptance within hierarchical social structures and (c) how teaching and research value orientations can create challenges and opportunities. Creating community partnerships with local schools, providing proper guidance throughout faculty socialization and embracing mentorship during early career years can help increase feelings of mattering within PETE faculty members and realign the overarching purpose of PE within the educational system.

Some issues of formation of economic competence of non-economic specialty students

The article presents the experience of formation and development of economic competences of non-economic specialty students. The modern world is quite complex, diverse, and multidimensional, in order to adapt to it, work effectively, it is necessary to have information about market relations, relations in the sphere of production, consumption, exchange, distribution, and also to be able to connect these areas, navigate the laws operating in these areas. It should be noted that the formation and development of a specialist’s economic competence occurs throughout his or her entire professional life. In our study, the process of forming economic competence is considered as its formation at the stage of mastering economic disciplines, relevant special courses and methodical support. Training in higher education should lead to the acquired knowledge being transferred into the activity of combining elements into an interconnected structure, into the skillful distribution of resources, into the activity that brings profit and has the form of capital investment, in other words, the individual, acquiring knowledge for himself, should be able to transform it into a socially significant value. This requires the search for and implementation of new approaches in the content and organization of the educational process at all levels of education. Research devoted to the role of education in the preparation of future non-economists for economic competence focuses on the preparation of an individual for the economic literacy of an entrepreneur. One of the main tasks of the education system should be preparation for successful socialization in the context of involvement in entrepreneurial relations. It is students and young specialists who have advantages in entrepreneurship in the current conditions: they have the opportunity to obtain specialized knowledge and skills in the field of economics; they can start their own business, relying on economic knowledge. Therefore, the role of higher education is increasing, since it helps to meet the needs of society and implement its socially significant goals. This poses new challenges for universities to transfer the necessary economic knowledge, skills and abilities to students, and to develop their economic competence. The development of basic economic competences in a student is a guarantee of his competitiveness in the labor market and the basis for making reasonable economic decisions in the daily life of every person.

Dashboard Design to Monitor the Number of Students of the Faculty of Information Technology, Tarumanagara University

Students in a study program in the faculty as one of the stakeholders have an important role in higher education. The continuity and smoothness of teaching and learning activities depend on the number of students in a study program. Faculty of Information Technology Tarumanagara University currently has two study programs: Informatics Engineering and Information Systems. Tarumanagara University already has a system that is used to manage student data, but the existing system needs to be developed further to face the tight competition with other universities, especially in study programs related to information technology. So far, the existing system has not been able to provide a concise overview of student data. The information available is only limited to the number of students this year more or less than the previous year. For this reason, a monitoring system is needed that can provide more accurate and systematic information. This monitoring is visualized in the form of a dashboard that will provide information about trends in the number of students, school origin, gender, and address / region of origin. The dashboard design method uses the software development life cycle (SDLC) waterfall model. The dashboard is developed using PowerBI Desktop.

From Resistance to Acceptance: The Role of Higher Education in the Integration of STEM Education for Sustainable Development

From Resistance to Acceptance: The Role of Higher Education in the Integration of STEM Education for Sustainable Development

Socio-economic inequalities in access to higher education in Ireland: achievements, failures and possibilities in comparative perspective

ABSTRACT The achievement of equality of opportunity has been an important driver of the major expansion of higher education systems. This paper provides a review of more than four decades of research on socio-economic inequalities in access to higher education in Ireland. To contextualise the Irish experience the paper provides an overview of the international literature on social mobility and on the role of higher education in the status attainment process. The analysis differentiates between changes in absolute and relative levels of inequality. It identifies the further inequalities which arise from participation in distinctive forms of higher education in a system differentiated by college type, field of study and programme duration. The examination of both the national and international literature points to the importance of developing a comprehensive national equity promotion strategy in education but also in the broader spheres of economic and social policy.

Osnove i napredak visokog obrazovanja na Kosovu (1960-1970)

With a particular focus on higher education between 1960 and 1970, this theoretical research aims to elaborate and shed light on the educational developments in Kosovo over the XXth century. The study aims to address every issue raised by the subject without neglecting its chronological aspect. The development of higher education in Kosovo has been examined, debated, and discussed in light of the political, economic, and social changes that occurred in Kosovo during this time period, as well as how those changes affected the development of higher education. The current study deals with two main issues in the history of higher education in Kosovo: the first, “Pedagogical and professional schools in Kosovo, 1960-1970”; and the second, “The opening of faculties in Prishtina, as a branch of the University of Belgrade, 1960-1970”. It deals with the factors and reasons for the opening of the first faculties in Prishtina; the development and consolidation of the Faculty of Philosophy in 1960; the Faculty of Law and Economics in 1961; the Faculty of Technology in 1965; and the Faculty of Medicine in 1969. This study was prepared and written using a scientific methodology, largely employing archive sources, the historical press in Albanian and other languages, as well as selected historiographical and pedagogical literature, etc. During the scientific research, based on numerous sources, an effort was made to research, elaborate, analyze, and reach the most accurate conclusions about the development and role of higher education in Kosovo during the 1960-1970 period. This scientific effort stands out from others since I was able to bring together these innovations from all of the authors and the research that has been conducted thus far. As it stands, first of all, it is the first research that examines the entire issue of Kosovo's educational development and its journey inside the Yugoslav Federation for the years 1960–1970 in the field of higher education in Kosovo. Second, it refers to the periodization of the development of higher education, namely the early stages of that growth that are influenced by societal, political, economic, and educational developments. Thirdly, it highlights the reasons and influences that have shaped Kosovo's educational advancement and general growth by contrasting them with those of the Federation. Fourth, I have reflected the political and ideological effects of state institutions on the curricula by using historical archival sources. I have also prepared statistical data in order to compare its development over a ten-year period to that of other institutions in the Yugoslav Federation.

Merging Self-Regulatory Strategies with GTA Pedagogical Practices: Enhancing Student Autonomy and Engagement

Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) play a dual role in higher education, balancing their research responsibilities with teaching duties. This dual identity provides a unique vantage point for GTAs to implement innovative teaching practices that encourage students to utilize self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies. This paper explores how GTAs can adopt teaching practices centered on promoting SRL among students. Drawing on data from focus groups and surveys conducted with five GTAs, the study identifies key techniques—such as reflective journals, peer assessments, and technology-enhanced learning tools—that GTAs can incorporate into their teaching. The intervention was conducted over one semester in an English proficiency course tailored for students with low English proficiency. Findings indicate that these strategies not only enhance student engagement and motivation but also improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The paper underscores the positive impact of SRL on student learning outcomes and discusses how GTAs can effectively integrate and promote these strategies in their pedagogical practices.

The Role of Higher Education in Reducing the Mismatch between Graduates' Skills and Employer Expectations

The Role of Higher Education in Reducing the Mismatch between Graduates' Skills and Employer Expectations

Literacy entrepreneurship exploration: Students' perceptions of business opportunities in language and literature

Literacy entrepreneurship is a field of entrepreneurship that focuses on developing language and literature-based products and services to strengthen literacy culture in society. The role of higher education is very important in fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of literacy. Research shows that many students still face challenges in developing literacy-based businesses, such as a lack of knowledge about business management, unsupportive attitudes, and inadequate practical skills. Therefore, it is important to explore the level of entrepreneurial literacy knowledge, attitudes and skills among college students in order to design effective educational programs. Entrepreneurship education in higher education does not only focus on opening a business, but also on forming character, mindset and entrepreneurial behavior. This research aims to fill this gap by analyzing the level of knowledge, attitudes and literacy entrepreneurial skills of students, as well as providing recommendations for developing a more effective and comprehensive literacy entrepreneurship education curriculum. It is hoped that the research results can be used by higher education institutions to design programs that are more suited to student needs and support the development of literacy entrepreneurship education programs

Toward a Vision of Sustainable University: Linkages between Commitment and Practices

Sustainability management plays a significant role in higher education. Development of a sustainable university involves integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into various aspects of its operations, including campus infrastructure, curriculum, research, and community engagement. This urgently requires a strong commitment as a driving force behind sustainable initiatives, guiding actions, decisions, and investments toward achieving sustainability goals. IPB University as one of the most prominent universities in Indonesia is not only committed to becoming a sustainable university but also consistent in developing strategic plans to pursue its vision. Guided by this vision, IPB University has specifically established the Sustainable Campus Development Office (SCDO) to devise comprehensive sustainability plans outlining its goals, targets, and strategies for reducing environmental impact, promoting social equity, and ensuring economic viability. While it is still on progress, this commitment has played a significant role in encouraging sustainability practices at the university. It provides a foundation for leadership, governance, resources allocation, curriculum integration, student engagement, community partnerships, monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement toward achieving sustainability goals. In addition, the university has established several sustainability values as guidance and indicators for maintaining sustainable practices. Integrating values and commitment is thus critical to realizing sustainable practices from generation to generation.

Ethics and Values Matter: The Role of Higher Education

Human existence is a process of learning and development aimed at achieving wisdom, and education has been regarded as the ultimate value system since the birth of culture and way of life for this reason. Education is more than only the acquisition of skills or the gathering of knowledge or news about a topic of interest from others or from other parts of the world. It is not limited to the abilities of obtaining information received and preserved via knowing, or just the exploration of existential problems and familiarization with previously acquired knowledge or data, or with a system of knowledge - but also with the goal of comprehending this cognition. Knowledge is involved with the comprehension of a collection of propositions or concepts. Knowledge can be theoretical and practical, fundamental and abstract, and it may exist in any time period: past, present, and future. However, cognition is always done in the present. Past memories and future prophecies are also remembered in the present, as the ideas flash or surface in the mind. These flashes act as an impetus for our quick determination, allowing us to decide whether or not to undertake anything. However, for the purpose of brevity, I'll lump the two, knowledge and cognition, together under the heading of knowledge. Education fosters the development of talents from all three faculties, as well as wisdom in their right application for the benefit of people and society for creating value and ethics. The goal of NEP 2020 is also having important role in higher education teaching to encourage systematic and focused discoveries and practices that benefit society. Society views higher education institutions as catalysts for the transformation of knowledge into wisdom. The quality, morals, and ethics of higher education institutions are increasingly important in integrating young people into society. A country like India has a large young population, and they are the frontiers of the Indian government's Made in India Initiative. It has been well mentioned that the actual philosophy of education is in the combination of ethics, virtues, values, and the validity of human life, thus it is vital to improve ethical values, philosophical thinking, study, research, and moral growth in the Indian education system.

Resilience rewritten: Ann’s journey from adversity to entrepreneurship

Research methodology None. Case overview/synopsis The case study follows Ann’s journey towards entrepreneurship, focusing on the challenges she faced and how early educational interventions influenced her life decisions. Despite numerous obstacles, Ann’s perseverance, bolstered by her family’s support and her passion, led to her successful reintegration into academia and the launch of an entrepreneurial venture in the UK. Her story highlights the dilemma of balancing educational attainment with entrepreneurial aspirations, especially for at-risk students. Ann’s experience prompts critical discussions about the intersection of education and entrepreneurship, the importance of experiential learning and the role of mentorship in realizing business ideas. The nurturing environment of her business school, through guest lectures and real-world success stories, played a significant role in shaping her academic and professional outlook. This case raises essential questions about the role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurial skills and integrating experiential learning within academic curricula. Ann’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience and determination in overcoming systemic and entrepreneurial challenges, particularly for women facing similar struggles. Her story illuminates the multifaceted process of turning a personal experience into an entrepreneurial opportunity, emphasizing the critical role of mentorship and support networks in developing a viable business idea. Complexity academic level This case study is best suited to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in management and business-related courses that focus on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education. The case study is relevant in various business disciplines as it informs students of the process and challenges related to business start-ups and acquiring related capabilities. Instructors are encouraged to have students read the extensive reference list provided at the end to broaden their understanding and knowledge of entrepreneurship, including its processes, context and practices.

Small institutions with special missions through the lens of women's colleges

AbstractThe universe of small institutions includes “special mission” institutions. Although these institutions share several similarities, each plays a special and distinct role in higher education, providing a unique culture and experience for their students. They include women's colleges, Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic‐serving institutions (HSIs), Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), faith‐based institutions, and military colleges, among others. Through the lens of women's colleges, the author will highlight these institutions and their important role in higher education.