Perceptions Of Instructors Research Articles

Do Changing Times Call for Changing Definitions?

Scholars have noted changes in student engagement following the return to university classes after the COVID-19 lockdowns. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of higher education instructors regarding student engagement over the past three years. The research team shared a link to an electronic questionnaire to recruit participants (n=108). Questions focused on common signs of disengagement and asked faculty about changes they perceived in students’ engagement prior to, during, and following the lockdowns. Following the return to classes, late work was perceived most often to signify disengagement. Behaviors participants interpreted as “student disengagement” are consistent with previously proposed definitions of post-traumatic stress. Although more research is needed to fully understand the phenomenon of student disengagement, it is likely educational practices within institutions of higher learning need to change to meet the needs of today’s students.

Attitudes of Instructors Toward the Use and Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Online Higher Education

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and perceptions of instructors toward the use and implication of artificial intelligence (AI) in online higher education spanning bachelor’s through doctorate level classroom instruction. 104 online higher education instructors were recruited through LinkedIn and the Colorado Technical University Teaching & Learning Center to complete a survey. Nonparametric statistical analysis was used to assess close-ended question responses and open-ended question responses were categorized. A significant difference in instructors’ concern for being displaced by AI in the next 2 years compared to the next 5 to 10 years was found at the bachelor’s level (p=0.04846). At the doctorate level, support for the use of AI in higher education was moderately correlated with concerns for being displaced by AI (rho=0.493, p=0.01058). Support for the use of AI in higher education by the instructor was moderately correlated with support for use of AI in the classroom by students (rho= 0.58199, p<0.001). Instructor support for allowing students to use AI in the classroom was not found to be dependent on the perception of the university employer providing instructors with the policies, procedures, and training to appropriately and ethically adapt to AI in the higher education classroom (p=0.7336). However, most participants recommended that the university develop strong policies regarding the use of AI. The findings indicate a positive preference toward the use of AI by both faculty and students, with some significant exceptions. Support and research toward adopting AI in the classroom are recommended.

Incorporating augmented reality into teaching marketing strategies: Perspectives from business education teachers and students

This study investigates the perceptions of business education instructors and their students regarding using augmented reality (AR) for teaching marketing strategies. Given the changes in education technologies in recent times, teaching strategies and approaches have changed. The study foresees that using AR, a digital resource essential for exposing students to real-life learning experiences, may improve students' learning experiences. The study employed a mixed-method research design to gather information from 112 individuals on the study's objectives. The researchers collected and evaluated data to investigate the participants' perspectives on utilizing augmented reality. The findings of this study reveal that although most studies assert that AR is effective in improving students' learning experiences, students and teachers acknowledged several drawbacks. This study indicates that if AR is used without effective teaching procedures and methodologies, it may not achieve the desired learning outcomes. Other findings were used to make conclusions on the study's objectives.

Effectiveness of Field Experience Program in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): A Mixed-Methods Study of Stakeholders’ Perceptions in the Light of Vision 2030

The quality of field experience training is vital for the pre-service teachers’ professional development. However, limited research works on field experience training programs limits the formation of optimised educational policies in the UAE. Further, proper understanding of the stakeholders’ perceptions is essential for forming suitable educational policies. Therefore, this study employed a mixed-methods model to investigate the perceptions of pre-service teachers and instructors about their field experience training. The pedagogic standards set by Danielson was used as the framework for assessing the perceptions of the participants regarding their pedagogy. Further, ‘Bem’s self-perception theory’ was applied while making detailed assessments on the perceptions of participants. By using a random sampling method, 113 pre-service teachers and 15 instructors were recruited. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics was used for the quantitative assessments whereas thematic analysis was used in the qualitative phase. Quantitative analysis suggested that most of the respondents perceived that they are well-prepared for the professional teaching career. However, some respondents indicated that stakeholders have little role in the decision-making process and there is a lack of opportunity to interact with the parents/community. The qualitative analysis also affirmed the lack of stakeholders’ involvement. Other significant factors include: insufficient co-ordination, conflicts with mentors, inadequate training, and lack of exposure to research. Consequently, this study has made suggestions for rectifying these issues. It is anticipated that findings of present research will add on to the essential knowledgebase for achieving the goals set for education sector, as per UAE’s Vision 2030.

Implementing Feedforward-based Collaborative Assessment at Higher Education

The study examines the use of feedforward-based collaborative assessment (FbCA) for students majoring in foreign languages at a tertiary institution in Vietnam. A mixed-method research approach was utilized to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 306 English major students and eight teachers. Research instruments such as questionnaires, reflective diaries, observations, and interviews were employed to assess the perceptions of students and instructors regarding the significance of implementing FbCA, its impact on students' learning engagement and academic achievement, and students' expectations for changes in assessment mechanisms to ensure the effective use of FbCA. The findings highlighted several benefits of FbCA in terms of skill, knowledge, and practice development. This evaluation approach enhanced students' learning motivation and positively contributed to their academic performance. However, the qualitative data also revealed various challenges related to the effective implementation of assessment practices and the maintenance of academic integrity. Based on these findings, recommendations were made for improving teaching, learning, and assessment practices. Keywords: academic performance, collaborative assessment, feedforward assessment, foreign language-majored students, learning motivation

University instructors’ and students’ perceptions of blended learning and perceived determinant factors

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of instructors and students towards blended learning and perceived determinant factors at Jimma University. A concurrent mixed-methods research design was used. Data were collected from 145 students and 70 instructors by using questionnaires and interviews. The findings showed that both instructors and students confirmed the lack of facilities, lack of technological knowledge, and instructors’ lack of technological pedagogical knowledge. On the other hand, both instructors and students believed that the BL approach had a positive impact on students learning. In addition, the major challenges identified were teachers’ increasing workload, lack of access to internet connections, non-compliance of learners’ educational backgrounds to permit effective use of BL, non-suitability of the approach for all learning styles, slow internet connectivity, lack of organization of blended learning materials, and lack of IT knowledge. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the concerned university officials give thoughtful attention to the provision of necessary facilities to implement BL and design appropriate training and capacity-building programs for university instructors and students to increase students' and instructors’ knowledge and skills in technology use. Keywords: Blended learning; challenges; determinant factors; instructors; perceptions

Generative AI and Higher Education: Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions from a Systematic Literature Review

(1) Background: The development of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is transforming higher education. This systematic literature review synthesizes recent empirical studies on the use of GAI, focusing on its impact on teaching, learning, and institutional practices. (2) Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy was employed to locate scientific articles on GAI in higher education published by Scopus and Web of Science between January 2023 and January 2024. (3) Results: The search identified 102 articles, with 37 meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were grouped into three themes: the application of GAI technologies, stakeholder acceptance and perceptions, and specific use situations. (4) Discussion: Key findings include GAI’s versatility and potential use, student acceptance, and educational enhancement. However, challenges such as assessment practices, institutional strategies, and risks to academic integrity were also noted. (5) Conclusions: The findings help identify potential directions for future research, including assessment integrity and pedagogical strategies, ethical considerations and policy development, the impact on teaching and learning processes, the perceptions of students and instructors, technological advancements, and the preparation of future skills and workforce readiness. The study has certain limitations, particularly due to the short time frame and the search criteria, which might have varied if conducted by different researchers.

Students’ attitudes towards an instructor’s foreign accent and non-standard language variety

Abstract This study reports the outcomes of a speaker evaluation experiment conducted in a higher educational context in Flanders, in which we investigated the influence of language variety (Standard vs. Colloquial Dutch), accent (Flemish vs. Eastern European) and name (Flemish vs. Eastern European) on students’ perceptions of a female university instructor. The results suggest that participants exhibited a relatively high level of tolerance toward both non-conforming speech and non-conforming speakers. Whereas Colloquial Dutch scored lower than Standard Dutch on standardness, we observed no negative effects of Colloquial Dutch on the teacher’s didactic competence, status, or social attractiveness. We did not find any evidence of a negative bias triggered by an Eastern European name. Whereas the Eastern European accent did have a negative impact on the teacher’s social attractiveness, we did not find any evidence of an accent bias affecting judgements of the teacher’s didactic competence and status.

The role of personality, empathy, and the perception of the instructor's caring on nursing students' burnout: A cross-sectional study

AimThe present study aimed to evaluate the contribution of personality, empathy, and the perception of instructor's caring in predicting burnout in nursing students. BackgroundBurnout is alarmingly prevalent and rising among nursing students. Furthering our understanding of individual and clinical environmental antecedents of burnout is crucial to shield nursing students' well-being during their training. MethodsIn a cross-sectional study design, the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), the Brief version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (BIRI), the Nursing Students' Perception of Instructor Caring (NSPIC), and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) were administered to 361 (83.9 % females) Italian nursing students between July and December 2021. t-Tests, analyses of variance, Pearson's correlations, and hierarchical regressions were performed to examine the association of CBI with socio-demographics, TIPI, BIRI, and NSPIC. ResultsBeing female and having a low household income were predictors of Personal Burnout and Work-related Burnout. Personal Burnout was positively associated with TIPI-Neuroticism and BIRI-Personal Distress. Work-related Burnout was positively associated with BIRI-Personal Distress and NSPIC-Control, and negatively associated TIPI-Openness to Experience, NSPIC-Support, NSPIC-Confidence. Client-related Burnout was negatively associated with TIPI-Agreeableness, NSPIC-Support, NSPIC-Confidence. Beyond the effect of socio-demographics, TIPI, and BIRI, NSPIC subscales significantly contributed to the explained variance in CBI scores. ConclusionsSex, household income, personality, and empathy should be considered when designing interventions to decrease burnout in nursing students. Promoting caring relationships between clinical instructors and their pupils may contribute to reduce nursing students' burnout.

Competencies for Human-Robot Collaboration in the Construction Industry – Academia’s Perspective

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the perceptions of Construction Engineering and Management instructors regarding the competencies for Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) in construction to determine knowledge areas, skills, and abilities prioritized for facilitating effective collaboration between humans and robots in the industry. A two-round Delphi study was employed to evaluate the perceptions of construction instructors regarding HRC competencies. This study’s findings revealed that human-robot collaboration knowledge areas prioritized by the instructors include HRC ethics and regulation, robot anatomy and technical specifications, construction robot applications, sensors, and task planning. The instructors prioritized skills such as task planning, application of machine learning algorithms, safety management, human-robot interface proficiency, and effective communication. HRC abilities prioritized include decision-making, continuous learning, critical thinking, attention to detail, analytical aptitude, and adaptability. This research established the competencies prioritized by the instructors for implementing HRC in the construction industry and recommended future research directions.

A Survey of Public Library-Led Digital Literacy Training in Canada: Perceptions of Administrators and Instructors

Objective – This paper presents the results from a survey of administrators and instructors at public libraries across Canada investigating the delivery of digital literacy training led by public libraries. The goal of the survey was to capture a snapshot of the Canadian public library-led digital literacy training landscape and to explore differences in perceptions of training activities between public library administrators and instructors. Methods – An online survey was distributed to administrators and instructors at public libraries across Canada with the help of two national public library associations. The survey instrument was developed based on a theoretical framework from the research team’s prior case study investigations of community-led digital literacy training. The survey included closed- and open-ended questions concerning the availability of adequate/sustained funding, the adequacy of dedicated classroom resources, the competency of teaching staff, the helpfulness of support staff, the amount and frequency of knowledge sharing of best practices, the amount of rigorous and regular performance measurement, the scheduling of the training provided, the skills taught, the pedagogical approaches used, and the marketing carried out. Responses were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. Results – Public library administrators and instructors in Canada are generally satisfied with the delivery of digital literacy training; however, room for improvement exists. Instructors are more positive about the delivery of this training than administrators. Findings support and extend the research team’s conceptual model, specifically in terms of providing more insight and clarity on how the learning environment and program components affect the delivery of digital literacy training led by public libraries. Results highlight how training is situated in context and how libraries need to fine-tune the delivery of this training in ways that are reflective of libraries’ learning environments and program components. Conclusion – Results are of high interest to researchers and library practitioners who wish to leverage evidence-based library and information practice to understand and address the factors affecting the successful delivery of public library-led digital literacy training. Though funding is always an obstacle for any public service organization, libraries can make improvements to the delivery of their training in other ways, such as carrying out more robust performance measurement and using results more transparently, participating in more knowledge-sharing opportunities, and better understanding learner needs and preferences.

Nursing students' perceptions of the qualities of clinical instructors in a public university in Jordan: A qualitative study.

Nursing clinical education is a key to developing nursing students' knowledge, skills, and competencies. Few studies have attempted to explore students' perceptions regarding the qualities of effective clinical instructors. The current study aims to explore nursing students' perceptions of effective clinical instructors' qualities in Jordan. A qualitative exploratory approach was used to deepen our understanding of nursing students' perceptions of effective clinical instructors' qualities. A total of 21 nursing students were involved, and data were collected from June to August 2023. Data were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The thematic analysis revealed two main themes. The first theme was professional qualities, comprising four subthemes: professional knowledge and experience, acting as a role model, performing as a caring one, and assembling effective communication. The second theme was building a good rapport. The findings demonstrated that clinical instructor qualities impacted how students perceived their teaching effectiveness, and they identified professional knowledge and competence as crucial qualities of an effective clinical instructor. It was acknowledged that caring behaviors and effective communication skills were essential behavioral attributes for clinical instructors. Nursing students have valued particular characteristics of effective clinical instructors. These characteristics were knowledge, caring, relationships, role models, and communication. Further research is needed to validate the study's findings.

The Predictive Power of Students' Metacognition and Perceptions of Instructional Competencies of Instructors on Academic Life Satisfaction

In university education, change and development occur due to environmental factors and the individual's efforts. Students' awareness of their cognitions, the instructors they interact with, and their qualifications play an essential role in this development and change process and determine academic life satisfaction. This study aims to assess university students' metacognitive skill perception and their perceptions of instructors' instructional competencies and to reveal the predictive power of these two variables on academic life satisfaction. The practical implications of this study's findings can empower educators and students to enhance academic life satisfaction. Based on the relational survey model, the study's data were obtained from 405 students at a state university's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Academic Life Satisfaction Scale, Metacognitive Skill Perceptions Scale, and Instructor’s Instructional Competence Scale were used to collect data. In the data analysis, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient was calculated to examine the relationship between the scores obtained from the scales. Hierarchical Regression Analysis was used to solve the sub-problems related to prediction. The hierarchical regression included the student's achievement perception as a control variable. As a result of the data analysis, it was determined that there was a moderate positive significant relationship between students' academic life satisfaction and their perception of instructors' instructional competencies and metacognitive skill perception levels. When students' achievement perceptions were controlled, it was determined that metacognitive skill perception explained 15% of academic life satisfaction. When achievement perception and metacognitive skill perception were controlled, it was found that the perception of the instructor's instructional competence explained 10% of academic life satisfaction. Based on the research findings, it was concluded that the effect of students' metacognitive skill perception on academic life satisfaction was higher than their perceptions of the instructor's instructional competence.

Exploring the effects of problem-based learning on English as a foreign language students: a mixed-methods approach in Chinese higher education

ABSTRACT In this mixed-methods study, we investigated the relationship between instructional approach, students’ self-efficacy beliefs, and students’ English language proficiency, as well as the perceptions of the instructor and students regarding problem-based learning (PBL) in a College English course in China. Using path analysis, we assessed the effectiveness of PBL as compared to traditional lecture-based instruction, focusing on PBL’s impact on Chinese college students’ self-efficacy beliefs and English proficiency. We also explored the perceptions of both instructors and students regarding PBL using their qualitative feedback. Two classes of College English (N = 57) at a tier-one university in China were randomly assigned to either a PBL or a traditional lecture condition for one semester, while controlling for students’ initial English placement test scores. The results indicated that PBL instruction fostered students’ English proficiency, and students’ self-efficacy positively impacted their English proficiency, as measured by a national English standardized test. However, PBL did not impact students’ self-efficacy beliefs. Both the instructor and students held positive attitudes towards PBL instruction in the English classroom, and students made recommendations for activities and ways to improve. Further investigation of PBL’s effectiveness is needed to support English as a foreign language students’ language acquisition in a global context.

Critical success factors, institutional actions and instructors’ acceptance of e-learning in higher education: a systematic review

PurposeThis study conducts a systematic literature review to examine the interrelationships between e-learning critical success factors, instructors' perceptions of these factors, and the corresponding institutional actions taken by higher education institutions to achieve success in e-learning implementation, by fostering instructors’ acceptance of e-learning as a viable mode of delivery in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe research design employed in this study involves a systematic literature review of 43 peer-reviewed articles from EBSCO host and Scopus databases. The selected methodology employed thematic analysis of the gathered data by utilizing a multistep qualitative coding method of analysis. FindingsThe systematic literature review delivers three key findings. First, there is a notable divergence between instructors' perceptions of critical success factors for e-learning in higher education and the perspectives of other stakeholders, such as students, e-learning experts, and institutional management. Second, it emphasizes the importance for higher education institutions to understand and address instructors' perceptions to facilitate effective e-learning implementation. Third, the literature suggests potential causal relationships between institutional actions addressing the success factors deemed important by instructors and instructors' sustained acceptance of e-learning as a viable delivery mode.Research implicationsThe present study enriches knowledge of instructor perceptions of critical success factors for effectiveness in higher education by extending research in institutional management actions to enable their achievement. This study has implications for research strands on how instructors’ motivation and propensity for e-learning acceptance can be influenced by institutional management and how to reduce the level of resistance to adopting e-learning courses by addressing e-learning’s critical success factors as perceived by instructors.Originality/valueBased on the theoretical insights derived from the systematic literature review, a conceptual framework is constructed, integrating the three concepts under investigation: success factors, institutional actions, and instructors' acceptance of e-learning in higher education. This framework provides a basis for future research seeking to validate the potential causal relationships among these concepts. Moreover, the study contributes to existing literature by addressing and consolidating research strands related to critical success factors and instructors' perceptions of e-learning effectiveness in higher education.

Instructor perceptions of active learning in higher education in Oman and students' commitment to the approach

PurposeCreating active learning opportunities requires building a learning culture in which the instructor plays the role of a facilitator, leaving the ultimate responsibility of learning to the student. The question, however, is whether this is happening in practice. This study aims to answer this question through instructors' perceptions of active learning in a higher education institution in Oman.Design/methodology/approachThe study participants were 85 instructors working for a private university in Oman. Data were collected by surveying these instructors' perceptions of active learning practice indicators, such as active teaching strategies and student educational practices. This was followed by interviewing a random sample of the same instructors (N = 10) to obtain a deeper understanding of their implementation of the active learning approach.FindingsData collected through the survey revealed that the shift from passive to active learning in higher education in Oman created a discrepancy between instructors' willingness to practice active learning and learners' unpreparedness to become autonomous learners. The follow-up interview findings confirmed this point, revealing instructors' negative perceptions of student participation and engagement in out-of-class activities.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to investigate the application of active learning in a higher education institution in Oman from the perspective of instructors.

스포츠 안전사고 중요요인에 대한 참여자와 지도자의 인식유형 분석 및 비교

This study aimed to identify the types of perceptions of sports participants and instructors on major factors of sports safety accidents using the Q methodology and to compare the perspectives of the two groups. A total of 25 Q-samples were constructed through various prior studies and interviews, and 10 sports participants and 10 sports instructors were selected as P-samples. The collected data were analyzed using Q Methodology Software, and principal component factor analysis and varimax factor rotation were conducted. As a result, three types of sports participants (prioritizing institutional responsibility, prioritizing advanced prevention, and prioritizing the role of participant) and three types of sports instructor (prioritizing the role of instructor, prioritizing the active role of participants, and prioritizing environmental factors) were identified. In addition, similarities between the two types of perceptions were found between the institutional responsibility type - prioritizing the role of instructor type and between prioritizing the role of participant type and prioritizing the active role of participants type.

From Pen to Pixel

The use of digital technologies in higher education is continually increasing, leading to changes in language use and presumably altering the language skills needed for academic studies. However, scores from high-stakes English language proficiency (ELP) tests used in postsecondary admissions only ensure the prerequisite level of traditional English skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). Such tests generally do not directly assess technology-mediated language skills (e.g., using online dictionaries and communicating via text message) that likely facilitate successful degree completion for international students. We present results from a needs analysis survey to re-evaluate the English-medium postsecondary linguistic landscape (i.e., update the target language use domain description), to inform ELP admissions tests. We specifically investigate international student (n = 379) and disciplinary instructor (n = 427) perceptions of the importance and frequency of technology-mediated language skills. Results show that student and instructor responses differ on certain technology-mediated skills, such as typing on a smartphone, underscoring the need to consider diverse perspectives in domain analysis research. Findings may inform how digital ELP admissions tests are developed, and how English for academic purposes curricula are designed, in order to better align test/classroom tasks with the academic language skills postsecondary students need.

Flipping diverse classrooms

Flipped Classroom is a pedagogical approach in which all or some of direct instruction is moved outside of the face-to-face environment to dedicate more in-class time to ‘hands-on’, experimental and engaging activities. Usually enabled by educational technology, the Flipped Classroom approach draws on the ‘active learning’ philosophy which implies that students must share responsibility for their learning with their instructors, resulting in more impactful learner behaviours. Considering university classrooms are increasingly diverse, with international students forming a significant cohort of learners, instructor perceptions of internationals students in Flipped Classrooms are of interest. This is particularly important because international students, especially those from Asian countries, can be perceived by instructors as ‘passive’ learners’ regardless of students’ actual skills, learning preferences and goals. This presumed ‘passivity’ may clash with instructors’ goals, potentially creating tensions-filled dynamics between instructors and international students in Flipped Classrooms. The proposed article explores university instructors’ perceptions of international students in technology-enabled Flipped Classrooms to understand how these perceptions may influence instructors’ choices for the design of the flip. Findings demonstrate that while some instructors view international students as a barrier to impactful Flipped Classroom, others draw on their classroom’s diversity, using it as a source of inspiration, and designing the flip with international students in mind.

Higher education instructors’ perceptions of open pedagogy: an exploratory study of open pedagogy definitions in practice

ABSTRACT An increase in open educational practices, such as the use of open educational resources (OER), has caused a wide array of definitions to appear concerning open pedagogy (OP). To help clarify how OP is defined in practice, this study describes the perceptions of instructors who implemented various approaches to OP in post-secondary institutions in the eastern United States. Researchers analysed survey data from faculty who adopted open pedagogy and thematically analysed interviews to understand instructors’ perceptions and implementations of OP. Instructors found value in providing students with more control over class procedures and policies, using and creating OER, and making student learning more visible to the outside world, but voiced concerns regarding the constraints and barriers of OP, the perception of instructors not using OP, and how their OP practices were still developing. These perceptions shaped instructors’ practical definition of OP. Further research is necessary to determine best practices for OP and to better refine OP implementation and definition related to the personnel and resources needed to make pedagogy ‘open.’