Institutions Of Higher Learning Research Articles

Appraisal of Transition Challenges and Adjustment of First-Year Students at a Nigerian University

Advancement in educational pursuit seems to be an ideal dream for the majority of students preparing to leave secondary school to enter university. Students at this stage have conceptualized courses and professions they would like to follow, the types and names of universities they would like to attend, and are mostly overwhelmed by the euphoria of leaving secondary school for university without the knowledge of the demands, the challenges and the expected behavior awaiting them in their envisioned dream of an institute of higher learning. Purpose: This paper appraised the transition challenges and adjustment strategies of first-year students in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive survey research design was employed. A simple random sampling technique was used in selecting five of the eight departments in the Faculty of Education. A convenience sampling technique was used in selecting 200 participants in the departments selected for the study. A questionnaire titled ‘First Year Students Transition Challenges and Adjustment Questionnaire’ (FYSTCAQ) made up of four sections was used to obtain data from the sample. Results: The findings showed that first-year students experience transition challenges among which are cultural, social and economic. Separation, identification, and integration into the university lifestyle were coping strategies employed by the first-year students. Conclusion: Raising the consciousness of the university community (management, lecturers and non-teaching staff, and even older colleagues) to render necessary assistance, provide necessary support, and motivate first-year students to develop workable strategies that will help them cope with the university demands were recommended.

Factors for Effective Curriculum Implementation in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania

Globally, higher learning institutions face challenges in successfully implementing curricula to enhance student learning. This study investigated factors for effective curriculum implementation in higher learning institutions in Tanzania, particularly (i) to examine the extent to which factors (characteristics of lecturers and institutions, the curriculum itself and governmental support) contribute to effective curriculum implementation and (ii) to assess the relationships among the factors contributing to effective curriculum implementation. This study employed a quantitative research approach and a descriptive research design. A total of 251 students from four fields of study at the Institute of Accountancy, Arusha, were selected via simple random and stratified sampling techniques. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 26.0 was used to compute the mean, standard deviation, independent samples t test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation from the data collected through the questionnaire. Guided by ecological systems theory, the findings revealed that the majority of students (80.5%) perceived that lecturer and institutional characteristics, the nature of the curriculum, and governmental support contributed to effective curriculum implementation. Furthermore, there were positive relationships among the study factors, with the highest correlation between the nature of the curriculum and institutional characteristics. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends considering factors related to lecturer and institutional characteristics, the nature of the curriculum, and governmental support to effectively implement curricula and improve student learning in higher learning institutions.

Effectiveness and Preference of Recognition Strategies for Academic Staff Retention among Selected Private Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania

This study soughht to establish effectiveness and preference of recognition strategies for academic staff retention among selected private higher learning institutions in Tanzania. The study used the descriptive research design. Out of the population of 180 potential participants, 132 were sampled and only 119 filled a questionnaire and a few were interviewed. Data was treated through descriptive statistics and thematic approach. The study concludes that members of the academic staff are interested being recognized by their employers even through informal and low cost methods. Therefore, the study recommends that each private HLIs in Tanzania considers formulating policies that take into account recognition strategies for retention of its members of academic staff. Some of these strategies could be sponsoring long training and career development opportunities. This will motivate the academic staff to stay and attract new comers to join.

Realigning Education for Developments in the Institutions of Higher Learning

This paper sought to highlight and discuss the immediate need to realign education for developments in the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL). Through research that has been covered worldwide, education is one of the most important pillars of any country’s development. It is therefore imperative that the education sector needs to be realigned in line with the developments taking place with the modernization of general business to industrial and technical development for the better benefits and outcomes. This realignment for development will be underpinned by highlights and a discussion from Education 1.0 to the present Education 5.0 as a standard for developments in the institutions of higher learning. Education 5.0 is highly rated in terms of its association with the current business needs and integration with the industrial and technological developments. Institutions of higher learning ought to adopt the use of modern industrial and technological revolution like artificial intelligence, robotics and data analytics as they provide an immersive and interactive learning environment that focuses on student development in society and nation at large. The representative sample consisted of ten (10) participants who were selected from two higher learning institutions in Eswatini. Data generation 2 tools such as in-depth face to face interviews and document analysis were used in this study. A qualitative approach anchored on a philosophy of phenomenology and an interpretivism paradigm was employed to guide the research methodology. Thematic Analysis was used to analyse data. One of the key findings of the study was the failure to know how realigning education for developments in the institutions of higher learning would contribute to the economic development, human capital and social development of Eswatini. Another key finding from the study was that education and businesses are interlinked with each other whereby technology enhanced and improved the quality ...

Role of Policy in the Management of Smartphones among Undergraduates in Nigeria Higher Institutions of Learning

Smartphones have become a necessity in today’s world. Majority of our undergraduate students make use of their smartphones to take notes in their classes, do assignments and other class related works. Studies and observations have shown that students use their smartphones for other activities like online frauds, visit to sites that can corrupt their minds and even waste their precious time on video watching, streaming and downloading of inappropriate materials and films that are injurious to them which eventually have a negative impact on their studies. In view of the aforementioned, the formulation of policies to guide the management of smartphones by undergraduate students in our higher institution of learning is therefore very germane at this time. It has been postulated that Policy makers should ban the use of smartphones among the undergraduate students in our higher institutions of learning but some other concerns are of the opinion that it should not be banned but regulated. Customized tabs with WIFI capabilities should be provided to enable students to go online for their research activities and classes thereby restricting them to their academics and prohibiting them from accessing forbidden sites. Institutional customized tabs will block some harmful materials and prevent them from unnecessary sites. Institutions should also allocate fixed megabytes to students for their educational programs. This will inculcate discipline into the minds of the students and make them to use their online allocations for necessary things.

Demystifying open access misconception for improved research discoverability

The dissemination of knowledge and scholarly communication depends heavily on open-access publishing. Open access refers to free and instant online access to research articles paired with the rights to use these articles fully in the digital environment, in the context of scholarly communication. However, financial limitations, antiquated academic infrastructure, and misunderstandings about open access sometimes impede access to scientific knowledge and research discoveries in developing nations. Erroneous beliefs about lower study quality, copyright issues, and financial hardships sometimes deter researchers from adopting open access. In addition, the benefits and guiding principles of open-access publication are not well known to many scholars and organizations in developing nations. This study hopes to dispel these myths and demonstrate the value in the discoverability and distribution of worthwhile research, which will advance science and advance the socioeconomic growth of these countries. The article aims to establish open access as an opportunity by addressing the misconception that frames it as a threat. The study conducted a literature review on open access. A structured assessment of past and contemporary literature enhanced the selection, categorization, and summarization of findings and deliberation on open access publishing quality control, marketing of intellectual output, copyright, and achieving compliance in institutions of higher learning. The study findings created awareness of the potential benefits of higher citations and exposure that emerge from open access integration into academics' operations. Also, the study demonstrated how open access unlatch the institution to the public and eludes a culture of secrecy and scepticism that has been pervasive throughout scientific research. The study will significantly influence policies on scholarly activities resulting to more open access publishing.

Transforming Higher Education Towards Economic Development: A Zimbabwean Case Study

This study is a systematic review of research on higher education in Zimbabwe, in particular, it assesses the contribution of higher education towards engendering socio-economic development. This is achieved through identifying higher education activities prioritised in research during the study period which spans a three-year period from 2021 to 2023. This period comes just after the introduction of Education 5.0, which includes innovation and industrialisation. Furthermore, the articles are assessed on whether they address socio-economic development issues. A total of 41 abstracts of research articles were subjected to qualitative content analysis. The findings reveal five major activities that research has focussed on in priority order: teaching and learning; quality in education; management operations and policy; knowledge and research; and equity and equality. Furthermore, while the analysis indicates that the prioritised activities contribute towards socio-economic development, the nuances of balancing political, individual and epistemic priorities affecting higher education institutions are brought to the fore. The identified activities underscore the need for interventions at national, institutional, departmental and individual lecturer levels. However, there are concerns about the de-prioritisation of gender equality and equity in higher learning institutions in Zimbabwe. In conclusion, the research topics not only highlight the complexities and the dynamics faced by higher education institutions in Zimbabwe in playing their expected role of contributing to socio-economic development but also the need to foreground specificity to allow for the identification of effective interventions and processes required to support higher education’s goal of contributing towards economic growth. The study further concludes that the neglect of equity and equality issues may be detrimental to educational outcomes geared towards economic growth.

Challenges in Maintaining Quality Assessments in Higher Learning Institutions: Experiences from Selected Tanzanian Universities

This study was conducted to assess the extent to which universities in Tanzania ensure quality in assessments and identify challenges facing the whole assessment process. Literature showed a poor linkage between university graduates and industry whereby some graduates were reported to be lacking essential skills expected of them beside of having good results. This situation motivated the researcher to conduct this study being guided by TQM theory. The study adopted a convergent parallel design which allowed a collection of both qualitative and quantitative at a go. The study targeted lecturers, examination officers, heads of departments and quality assurance directors from universities offering teacher education in Tanzania. Stratified convenience and purposeful sampling techniques were used to select 48 lecturers, 4 examination officers, 4 heads of departments and 4 quality assurance directors from four universities. Questionnaires and in-depth interview guides were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed in frequencies and percentages while the analysis of qualitative data was done in themes and its presentation was done narratively being supported by direct quotations. The study found out universities to be striving to improve quality in final examinations but doing less in formative assessments. Large classes and workloads on the other side were found to be the challenges facing the assessment process. The study recommended for universities to extend the moderation process to the continuous assessments and develop policies that will make lecturers maintain quality in the assessment process.

Devastating effects of gender inequality on female students in South African higher education

Gender inequality is a concept of much relevance and is continuously gaining momentum. The diversification of different genders is pivotal to be able to address the effects of gender inequality. Globally, gender inequality has attracted a lot of interest and has huge effects on the social, academic and psychological. Although there is a nurturing environment for gender inequality, it is important to neutralize the playing fields for all genders to avoid negative effects on the victims of this phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of gender inequality on South Africa’s higher education Students. It further seeks to challenge the perception contributing to gender inequality. Gender inequality is a universal problem affecting students throughout institutions of higher learning. The study used the qualitative research approach with exploratory research design adopted for the paper. The paper explored the effects of gender inequality on students from higher education institutions in South Africa. A sample of 15 students from institutions of higher learning who have been exposed to gender inequality was chosen for data collection process. A semi-structured face to face interviews was used during the data collection process with purposive sampling used to select participants to the study. The study used thematic content analysis to analyze data. The study applied feminist theoretical framework to understand the effects of gender inequality.

Enhancing collaborative online learning in higher education: using Google Docs to analyze Literature texts by teacher trainees

The purpose of this project was to explore how collaborative learning can be enhanced through Information Communications Technology in the critical reading and analysis of Literature texts in a particular teacher training course at a selected university in Uganda. The study undertook an interventional research approach whereby critical literacy principles provided the basis for formulating online tasks that would provoke higher order thinking skills such synthesizing, analyzing, reasoning, comprehending, application, and evaluation during the discussion of the play The Lion and the Jewel. A conversational framework was adopted to design a collaborative learning environment by which face-to-face sessions were combined with technology in form of Google Docs. Some of the steps of engagement included identifying the eight participants, sharing of initial content on critical literacy with them, face-to-face sessions and uploading of tasks. The findings reveal that with systematic instructions and guidance Google Docs can provide a collaborative learning platform whereby students can continuously comment about Literature texts in a conversational manner; the intervention proved the possibilities of flexibility in the learning environment; and dialogic teaching especially when discussing Literature texts was greatly enhanced during this intervention. This study was carried out in a real time learning context during the teaching of one of the researcher’s courses. The finding thus can offer some useful guiding steps as benchmarks for actual take up of other ICT tools in teaching and learning in higher institutions of education

Navigating the Contradictions of ePortfolio Implementation: A Practice-Based Approach Through the Lens of Activity Theory

EPortfolios have emerged as promising technology and practices to redefine pedagogical and learning practices in higher learning institutions. This study examines ePortfolio technology and practices implementation at - a dual-sector educational institution offering higher education and vocational training programs. The implementation, spearheaded by a dedicated central teaching and learning unit in collaboration with faculty academics, signifies a strategic institutional shift towards enhanced reflective practice and learning documentation. While prior research has acknowledged the general integration of ePortfolios within university pedagogy, there exists a lack of literature examining the nuanced challenges and prospects presented by learning design frameworks. Our paper seeks to address this gap by employing activity theory as an analytical framework to dissect the complexities of ePortfolio implementation within higher learning environments. Through the methodological lens of action research, we provide a nuanced narrative of the multi-faceted hurdles encountered during the roll-out of the ePortfolio platform and practices. Our findings not only delineate these obstacles but also showcase ePortfolios’ potential for pedagogical innovation. The paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on digital pedagogies, offering valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers to navigate the challenges of ePortfolio implementation process. This way the study offers ways to navigate such challenges to harness the full spectrum of ePorfolio systems and practices to support successful implementation in higher education institutions.

From high-school sciences to university accounting in South Africa: how prior learning affects students’ success

Enrolling students in accounting programs based on their proficiency in English, Mathematics, and Accounting is a prevalent practice in many South African institutions of higher learning. However, certain institutions admit students into accounting programs based solely on their proficiency in English and Mathematics. This study posits that such students encounter challenges in acclimating to the accounting science milieu, consequently impeding their academic success. The research draws from the assessment of 112 first-year BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) Accounting Sciences students during the 2023 academic year. The findings affirm that students enrolled based on competency in Accounting, English, and Mathematics outperform those enrolled solely based on English and Mathematics competency. This underscores the necessity for further investigation into the determinants of success among students in accounting programs. Nonetheless, the study corroborates that self-determination and proactivity are significant contributors to success, notwithstanding students' lack of prior exposure to accounting principles.

Embracing Christian Values: Positive Relationships and Academic Achievement in Higher Education

<p class="abstracttextDILIGENTIA">This literature review and analysis intricately examines the dynamic interplay between educators and students within the realm of higher education, with a keen focus on the spiritual dimensions elucidated by Christian principles and biblical wisdom. Rooted in the fundamental belief that education embodies a sacred journey, this study delves deep into the profound impact of positive relationships on both academic achievements and spiritual maturation. By establishing meaningful connections between contemporary educational practices and timeless biblical teachings, the research sheds light on how Christian virtues, such as love, compassion, and empathy, serve as foundational pillars in cultivating a spiritually enriching learning environment. The synthesis of empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and biblical insights not only enhances our understanding of the transformative potential of positive relationships in higher education but also underscores their pivotal role in fostering holistic development on a spiritual level. Through this comprehensive exploration, the study contributes significantly to the discourse on the symbiotic relationship between academic success and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of nurturing positive relationships as a cornerstone of holistic education in higher learning institutions.</p>

Assessing the Survey Dataset on Employment Status of Students before Graduates in Malaysian Public Higher Learning Institutions in Selangor

Employment status of student in Malaysian Public Higher Learning Institution play significant role in identified the marketability of university student in the industry. However, there are also a group of university students who began their employment before graduating from university. The increase of tuition fee charge, insufficient financial support, experience, and networking are the factor contributed towards the employment of student before graduation in Malaysian Public Higher Learning Institution, particularly in Selangor. Therefore, the purpose of this study to examine the employment status of student before graduates in various sector at Malaysian Public Higher Learning Institution in Selangor. The quantitative research approach has been adopted in exploring the topic of this study by using the survey dataset approaches. Almost 2,489 university students have participated in this study. The findings show 593 university students actively have occupations during their study either undergraduate or postgraduate student. Through the findings, the university student has actively sought the job opportunities before graduation in university for their livelihood especially after the post-pandemic Covid19 who affected all group of community particularly in Malaysia. The finding of this study will contribute to the government and private organizations to strategizing the action plan by providing the flexible time for the working student in adapting their study and career.

A framework for skills development for employability in Botswana’s competitive accounting environment

Orientation: The accounting labour market has undergone a metamorphosis in recent years, leading to new demands for generic skills. Universities have responded to the new demands by implementing several reforms in the accounting curriculum to address skills gap. Despite these major reforms, educational expectation gap is persistent in Botswana.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a framework for skills development for employability in the competitive and dynamic accounting environment in Botswana.Motivation for the study: A skills gap was identified, implying the need for a framework for skills development for employability in the competitive and dynamic environment, thereby improving the graduate’s pervasive skills.Research design, approach and method: This study employs a qualitative research approach to extract and analyse key themes, quotes and insights from recent reports submitted to Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs) by students and industrial supervisors. Utilising thematic data analysis, this research systematically examines the qualitative data gathered to elucidate the effectiveness of competency frameworks as perceived by both parties.Main findings: Institutions of Higher Learning in Botswana are mandated to equip students with job market-relevant skills. However, graduates often fall short in critical areas such as advanced cognitive abilities, socio-behavioural competencies and information technology (IT) proficiency, hindering their effective transition from academia to the workforce.Practical and/or managerial implications: The contribution and societal impact of this study are summed up in a proposed framework for skills development for employability in the competitive and dynamic accounting environment in Botswana.Contribution and/or value-add: The proposed framework is designed so that universities can equip students with soft skills needed in ever changing accounting environment.

Enhancing Efficiency in Academic Moderation Using the Online Moderation System in Public Higher Learning Institution

Enhancing Efficiency in Academic Moderation Using the Online Moderation System in Public Higher Learning Institution

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning: Opportunities and Challenges. Students Vs Lecturers Perception

The use of AI in higher learning institutions has brought a dilemma as it was in the era of using google and Wikipedia causing a lot of academic dishonest. There are two paradigm on this, some sees as opportunity for effective learning and others sees as a challenge in the teaching and learning contributing to rote learning. The author wonders as to why should it be perceived as opportunity at the same time be seen as a challenge. The perceptions of students and lecturers towards this technological advancement is always taken as a shock at the beginning, yet can significantly influence the teaching and learning in institutions as it was in the error of the use of google search and Wikipedia. This paper explores the differing viewpoints of students and lecturers on the use of AI in higher education, by examining the opportunities, challenges, and potential impacts on teaching and learning experiences. Questionnaire and interview were used as data collection tools. The study realized that students knows the use of AI in searching information than their lecturers (72%:22%). Lecturers sees AI facilitates rote learning while students see that is an opportunity to them because the information is accessed in short time. Finally they all suggest that there should be clear policies on the use of AI in teaching and learning and having acceptable ratio of human and AI interaction in the teaching and learning. The study concludes by calling upon in-service training to lecturers and other education stakeholders to have proper use of AI for effective teaching and learning.

Fostering Future Investors: Analysing Determinants of Stock Market Participation Among Malaysian Students using PLS-SEM

Participation in the stock market is crucial for financial engagement and wealth creation. However, specific population segments, such as students from higher learning institutions, may exhibit lower stock market participation levels. Addressing this issue, this study uses the behavioral finance theory to examine how financial literacy, financial well-being, herding behavior, overconfidence bias, risk tolerance, social interaction, and investment intention influence stock market participation. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 669 university students in Malaysia aged 17-30 years old. The findings reveal that financial literacy, herding behavior, risk tolerance, and social interaction positively influenced investment intention. The study also discovered that investment intention positively influences stock market participation. This study has made significant contributions to both theory and practice. Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature by confirming the positive relationship between financial literacy and investment intention. This study contributes to the development of more effective interventions and policies that not only educate students about an essential aspect of financial literacy but also prepare them for a financially secure future.

Faculty Adoption of Open Science and Their Practices Towards Data Sharing in Tanzanian Health Universities

Open science (OS) is widely recognized as a new method of knowledge sharing using digital technologies. Despite the potential benefits OS offers, there is a low level of inspiration toward adopting it among researchers in higher learning institutions. The purpose of this study was to assess the faculty adoption of OS and their practices toward data sharing at Health Sciences University in Tanzania. The study employed a cross-sectional design, whereby a total of 252 faculties were systematically sampled from two purposefully selected health universities. Using a survey, the study employed SPSS to generate descriptive statistics and a coding strategy using ATLAS.ti software to analyze qualitative resultant data. Moreover, regression analysis determined the predicting factors that hindered faculty adoption of OS and data-sharing practices. The findings demonstrate that faculty had poor data-sharing practices triggered by a lack of institutional data-sharing policies, fear of data misinterpretation, and parasitic use of clinical research datasets with other researchers. However, the presence of a data repository, journal guidelines, and intellectual property rights are instrumental variables that allow faculty to practice OS and data sharing. Therefore, university libraries should take affirmative action to create awareness of the importance of practicing OS and data sharing among faculty and researchers. Such undertakings will allow other researchers to carry out comprehensive follow-up research to meet the increasing demand for innovative health research output in Tanzania.

Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Role of Gaming in Rural Higher Learning Institutions of South Africa - A Systematic Exploration

The aim of this study resonated with the pursuit of achieving enhanced engagement in teaching and learning that informs critical thinking, and knowledge retention among students. Despite the growing trend of technological integration in teaching and learning, however, there exists a lack of empirical evidence and comprehensive studies that investigate the effectiveness of gaming in promoting educational objectives within rural institution of higher learning in South Africa. To investigate this gap, a systematic review method was employed, which provides a comprehensive and logical analysis of existing literature on the significance of gaming in teaching and learning within rural institutions of higher education. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used in the study to enhance the rigor and transparency of the research process, by providing a solid foundation for synthesizing and interpreting existing literature relevant to the study. The systematic review findings revealed that the significance of gamification in teaching and learning in rural higher education lies in its ability to overcome accessibility challenges, provide personalized learning experiences, address motivation and retention issues, and enhance digital literacy. It was recommended that by incorporating gamified approaches, rural higher educational institutions can create a more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environment for students within the rural institutions of higher learning in South Africa.