Postsecondary Institutions Research Articles

The Efficacy of GenAI Tools in Postsecondary Education

In postsecondary education institutions, where innovative technologies continually reshape research and pedagogical approaches, the integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools presents promising avenues for enhancing student learning experiences. This study assesses the efficacy of integrating GenAI tools, specifically chatbots, to ameliorate learning outcomes and mitigate test anxiety among postsecondary students. Within the context of an introductory psychology course, 40 participants engaged with chatbots as supplementary “study confidantes” for exam preparation and as facilitators for an essay grading task. The results from surveys administered to the participants indicated that most students found the chatbots helpful in aiding comprehension of course materials. Moreover, a substantial proportion of respondents reported an enhanced understanding of how to structure an academic paper because of their essay grading activity. Despite the favourable perception of chatbot assistance with learning course material and fostering insights into structuring scholarly essays, no discernible alterations in the levels of test anxiety among students were observed. Overall, this research underscores the latent potential of chatbots as pedagogical adjuncts, furnishing instructive insights for educators aiming to innovate instructional methodologies and optimize student learning paradigms within the domain of postsecondary education. Keywords: GenAI tools, assessments, learning outcomes

A systematic review of the conceptualization, interpretation, and implementation of shared governance in post-secondary contexts

ABSTRACT Shared governance has emerged as an incrementally inclusive modification to common Western forms of governance, which are often top-down, bureaucratic, and individualistic in nature. Anti-oppressive movements call for structural changes which necessarily involve examining where and how decisions are made in post-secondary institutions. This systematic literature review synthesizes scholarship on shared governance in post-secondary settings. This research is guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for conducting systematic reviews, a priori protocol to steer the research process, and the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews. A review of 48 empirical papers published in peer-reviewed journals resulted in five main themes for shared governance in higher education: potentially interested parties; characteristics of governing leaders; principles and values of shared governance; processes of shared governance; and models of shared governance. We also identified gaps in the shared governance literature: underrepresentation of community (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) as well as Indigenous and diverse ways of knowing, and lack of attention to the diverse identities within the interested parties. We proceed to propose inclusive governance as a more appropriate term than shared governance.

Social work practicum students experiences, challenges, and aspirations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Field education is considered the signature pedagogy of social work education, yet there are numerous challenges including a shortage of field instructors and available placements and barriers to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), which were heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This articles shares the results of research designed to investigate practicum students’ experiences, challenges, and aspirations during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to answer the question: how did students’ experiences, challenges, needs, and aspirations vary due to their identity factors (e.g., gender and ethnicity), post-secondary institution (e.g., universities), and placement types (e.g., clinical/research)? To this end, a cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted to document the perspectives of BSW/MSW practicum students in Canada, with both open and close-ended questions. This article presents the survey results to two open-ended questions in three broad themes, namely mental health and wellness, students’ perception on field learning, and professional readiness. Female students across different ethnic groups reported challenges in balancing their gendered roles and responsibilities in caregiving and as a practicum student, which consequently impacted their mental health and wellness. Two major factors shaped practicum student learning, such as post-secondary institution (e.g., universities) and types of placements. Due to the pandemic, practicum students were unable to gain direct practice experience in person in their placement, which affected their perception of professional readiness. This article concludes that through an evidence-informed institutional and programmatic response and support, diverse challenges, needs, and aspirations of practicum students could be addressed to promote EDI in field education in the context of pandemics, emergencies, and disasters.

Family and higher education: developing a comprehensive framework of parents’ support and expectations of first-generation students

Postsecondary institutions must help all students develop knowledge and skills to persist. Traditional approaches to first-generation students (FGS) have focused on describing the hindrances they experience during their undergraduate trajectories, defying their persistence. This qualitative study explores the experiences of FGS parents; specifically, the characteristics of their support and expectations toward FGS. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 25 FGS parents from diverse Chilean universities. The data collected were analyzed through an inductive process, which included describing, classifying, and interpreting data into categories and themes. The results show that the motivation of families lies in the symbolism that they ascribe to higher education, deploying various modes of family support and resources to ensure that students complete their studies and attain a degree. This process is tailored to meet the initial expectations of FGS performance at university, which typically frame the type of support the family may provide. Postsecondary institutions and policymakers can use this study to develop future policies and practices that include FGS parents’ perspective, expectations and characteristics of support, articulating these with academic culture, FGS’s trajectories and own expectations to reduce inequality and promote retention.

Factors in successful programme completion for postsecondary students with disabilities: A systematic review of the literature

AbstractEnrolment of postsecondary students with disabilities continues to increase, yet completion rates of postsecondary students with disabilities are much lower than those of their non‐disabled peers. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the perceptions of postsecondary students with disabilities, solely within the USA, regarding factors they believe are influential in completing their postsecondary programme. Specifically, the study will focus on student‐related factors as identified within the literature. A total of 19 studies were identified after meeting the inclusionary criteria for review. The results of the review identified the student's kindergarten (K) to grade 12 (K‐12) transition services, the student's knowledge of their disability and related postsecondary disability services, the student's ability to self‐advocate, the student's self‐determination and the student's support system as student‐related factors that influence their ability to successfully complete a postsecondary programme. According to the literature, these student‐related factors are heavily impacted by the social interactions of their past and present instructors, peers, support systems, legislators and chosen postsecondary institution. Therefore, Critical Disability Theory was chosen as the lens for analysis to examine how students with disabilities, a marginalised group, continue to face obstacles within postsecondary environments. Postsecondary students with disabilities are more apt to be successful in completing their programme if the identified student factors are present. It is important for K‐12 support systems, family support systems and postsecondary institution support systems to recognise that the identified factors are important for successful programme completion by students with disabilities. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed.

Why don't faculty members report incidents of online abuse and what can be done about it?

The mobilization of academic research via online platforms presents a troubling paradox. Digital-first publications offer the opportunity for scholars to reach a wider audience, yet this same online vehicle for knowledge mobilization opens scholars to the risk of online abuse. Furthermore, the concept of online abuse is often misunderstood or dismissed by post-secondary institution administrators. The aim of this research is to understand why faculty members who experience online abuse do not report the such abuse to their administration, even though there is indication that support from administration is needed to manage the problem. Drawing from a series of semi-structured interviews and focus groups, this research examines the reasons why faculty members decide not to report their experiences of online abuse to their various academic administrators. A total of 11 faculty members in academic positions located North America agreed to participate in the research. We used a combination of semi-structured and narrative interview questions to understand participants’ experiences of online abuse. The data was coded using the constant comparative approach to identify emergent themes (Glaser & strauss, 1967), a nd guided by the research questions. The Theory of Planned Behavior was used to schematize the attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral controls that dissuade reporting of online abuse, and provide institutional recommendations that may encourage reporting and improve support for targeted faculty members. This study contributes to theory and practice by offering that when academic administrators foster a culture of care, faculty would be encouraged to report incidences of online abuse.

Context-Dependent Social Comparison and Imposter Phenomenon: An Experimental Vignette Approach

Recent research into imposter phenomenon, or internal feelings of questioning competence, has shifted away from conceptualizing the feeling as an individual characteristic that requires an individual solution toward instead examining the role of context. We used a 2 (Generational Status: First Generation vs. Continuing Generation) × 3 (Environment: Classroom vs. Peer vs. Administration) × 2 (Social Comparison: Present vs. Absent) experimental vignette design. Overall, we found that, for both first- and continuing-generation students, social comparison messages differentially impacted imposter feelings depending on context, with the most elevated levels in social comparison messages from administrators and peers. Findings contribute to a better understanding of structural conditions that exacerbate or lessen imposter feelings at highly selective post-secondary institutions.

Analysis of Skills Needed by Unemployed Fresh Graduates in Business Administration: Evidence from Oman

The authors consider the increasing unemployment rate for fresh graduates from business administration majors in developing countries, such as Oman. The abilities and skills students need to obtain employment after graduating from postsecondary education institutions are the subject of this study. The aim of this study was to identify the skills required by the Omani labor market as well as the employability skills gap among recent business administration graduates. The relevance of this study relies on proposing an evaluation model to assess the skills required by employers, specifically in the private sector, from fresh graduates of business schools. The authors adopted a quantitative research method to achieve the study’s objectives. The data were collected through a survey which was distributed to 101 fresh graduates from two higher education institutions. The findings reveal that soft skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, dedication to work, a positive attitude, leadership, communication, critical thinking, negotiation, and pursuit of learning, are the most needed by graduates in all aspects. The study concluded that there is a demand for different types of soft and technical skills that are important for future jobs in the private sector. The study recommends more collaboration between universities and various stakeholders to review current academic programs and design more professional and vocational training programs. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the promotion of an entrepreneurial mindset to prepare graduates to develop creative business ideas and innovation to create their jobs.

Assessing the implementation of evidence-based alcohol policies on Atlantic Canadian post-secondary campuses: A comparative analysis

ObjectiveThis study assessed the quality of campus alcohol policies against best practice to assist campus decision-makers in strengthening their campus alcohol policies and reducing student alcohol use and harm.MethodsDrawing on empirical literature and expert opinion, we developed an evidence-based scoring rubric to assess the quality of campus alcohol policies across 10 alcohol policy domains. Campus alcohol policy data were collected from 12 Atlantic Canadian universities. All extracted data were verified by the institutions and then scored.ResultsOn average, post-secondary institutions are implementing only a third of the evidence-based alcohol policies captured by the 10 domains assessed. The average campus policy score was 33% (range 15‒49%). Of the 10 domains examined, only enforcement achieved an average score above 50%, followed closely by leadership and surveillance at 48%. The two heaviest-weighted domains—availability and access, and advertising and sponsorship—had average scores of 27% and 24%, respectively. However, if post-secondary campuses adopted the highest scoring policies from across all 12 campuses, they could achieve a score of 74%, indicating improvement is possible.ConclusionAtlantic Canadian universities are collectively achieving less than half their potential to reduce student alcohol-related harm. However, this study identifies opportunities where policies can be enhanced or modified. The fact that most policies are present at one or more campuses highlights that policy recommendations are an achievable goal for campuses. Campuses are encouraged to look to each other as models for improving their own policies.

An empirical investigation of student online learning continuance intention in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate students’ viewpoint regarding continuation of using online learning in the post-COVID-19 pandemic world. While during the pandemic years predominantly all formal learning was forced to move online, in the postpandemic environment traditional postsecondary education institutions generally resumed in-person (or face-to-face) learning. Nonetheless, it is possible that some students would like to continue using online learning after using such a system during COVID-19 restrictions. Therefore, it is important for postsecondary institutions to understand students’ views on continuing with online learning so that these institutions can better adapt their offerings to learners’ preferences.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a cross-sectional online survey-based approach grounded on an innovative theoretical framework blending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 into the expectation-confirmation model of information systems continuance. Data were collected from 247 students in Canada in Fall 2022 and were analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling techniques.FindingsPerceptions of usefulness and of monetary benefits relative to costs together with developing positive habits regarding online learning are the most significant beliefs motivating students to want to continue with online learning. Furthermore, positive disconfirmation of initial expectations and satisfaction relying on previous use together with a favorable attitude with respect to online learning strongly influence the intention to continue with online education.Originality/valueThe study opens the door for similar research in other cultural contexts (e.g. with a different individualistic-collectivistic pattern) and for other domains that moved totally online during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g. primary health care) to maximize people satisfaction while minimizing societal costs.

Examining the experiences of student peer support workers delivering care within post-secondary institutions

Objective: Despite experiencing exacerbation of mental health issues, post-secondary students may not seek help due to perceived stigma, overreliance on the self, or preference for nonprofessional supports – including peer support. This study aimed to understand peer support workers’ (PSWs) perspectives regarding providing support for mental health concerns in post-secondary institutions. Methods: 41 PSWs were recruited from two post-secondary institutions. 17 semi-structured interviews and three focus groups were conducted. Themes were identified using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) diverse presentations and approaches to operationalizing peer support for mental health issues on campus exist; (2) peer support has core ingredients; (3) reasons why students access peer support extend beyond mental health crisis. Conclusions: An inclusive peer support approach to mental health is needed for post-secondary students. Considerations for implementation hinge on providing standardized, foundational training to prepare PSWs for the complex mental health issues that present across services.

Cyber versus Brick and Mortar: Achievement, Attainment, and Postsecondary Outcomes in Pennsylvania Charter High Schools

Abstract The charter school sector has expanded beyond brick-and-mortar schools to cyber schools, where enrollment grew almost tenfold between 2015 and 2020. While a large literature documents the effects of charter schools on test scores, fewer studies explore impacts on attainment or postsecondary outcomes and there is almost no work exploring the consequences of cyber charter enrollment for these outcomes. In this paper, I examine the impacts of Pennsylvania's charter high schools on student attendance, achievement, graduation, and postsecondary enrollment, distinguishing the impacts of brick-and-mortar from cyber schools. I find that brick-and-mortar charters have no or positive effects across outcomes, and that effects are concentrated in urban districts and among Black and economically disadvantaged students. By contrast, attending a cyber charter is associated with almost universally worse outcomes, with little evidence of heterogeneity. Students who enroll in a cyber charter at the beginning of ninth grade are 9.5 percentage points (pp) less likely to graduate, 16.8 pp less likely to enroll in college, and 15.2 pp less likely to persist in a postsecondary institution beyond one semester. These results suggest that additional regulation and oversight of cyber charter schools is warranted and also bring into question the efficacy of online education.

Historical overview of flexible learning in New Zealand from 1990 to the present

Originally published in 2004, the recent progress in New Zealand of flexible learning is reviewed, together with its underlying concepts as expounded at the 1995 DEANZ conference by Bruce King, an Australian. These concepts, which already are known and were developed in New Zealand during the 1990s, are considered in the context of changes in New Zealand's political policies for education. The implementation of flexible learning in that environment is traced, particularly in post-secondary institutions engaged in distance learning.

A study on academic dishonesty among English as a foreign language students

Academic dishonesty is prevalent and has unfortunately become normalized in post-secondary institutions worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic more than two years ago led to an increase in cheating and confrontation of instructors with academic honesty. The main objective of this study was to create an explicative model according to the levels of morality, pragmatism, and gender. Researchers applied an online questionnaire to 735 anonymous university students. Analysis showed that participants were less honest in morality than in pragmatism, but the average value was very close for both dimensions. A substantial number of students with low and moderate levels of dishonesty were observed in both moral and pragmatic contexts. The initial hypothesis was partially validated, as the level of morality was associated with the level of pragmatism rather than gender, indicating a direct albeit moderate impact of pragmatism on morality. We confirmed the second hypothesis, showing the influence of gender and morality on the level of pragmatism. Participants suggested that English as a Foreign Language instructors should modify their approach, account for ethical considerations, offer extra classes, revise teaching and evaluation methods, and sanction students who cheat. Surprisingly, results show a slight tendency for lower honesty in morality compared to pragmatism. Despite honest behaviors, it is essential to address gender differences and promote academic honesty through education, policies, and a culture of honesty.

Transforming Online Teaching Through Relational Ways of Being

We explore the need for educators to design, implement, and assess online education for Indigenous students with intention and in a good way. As more Indigenous learners access online programs, it is essential to amplify the discussion on how post-secondary education institutions can better design educational programs and support learners through intentionally engaging in relational ways of being. Drawing from our experience delivering the Professional Project Administrator Program, we examine the significance of partnership building in enhancing cultural learning within the online space. We highlight the need for intentional faculty development initiatives and discuss the challenges that became an avenue for unlearning and educational innovation. Furthermore, we delve into the design and implementation of a holistic rubric tailored specifically to support the implementation of relational pedagogies. We hope that these learnings offer useful lessons for online teaching, emphasizing the need to foster culturally responsive environments where learners can thrive.

Fostering A Teaching And Learning Opportunity: Toward Equity In Student Feedback Of Teaching

Educators within post-secondary institutions receive input in the form of course evaluations from their students. The aim of receiving student input is to improve the teaching and learning experience for all. There are, however, inherent problems with the current methods of obtaining students' views through course evaluations. In this pilot study, the researchers focused on two problems: universally low response rates of 20% or less of student input in formal course evaluations and the problematic bias associated with anonymous course evaluations. Implementing practices that encourage students to provide course feedback, thus moving away from the term course evaluation was a first step to address these problems. A process was piloted in this study with 16 domestic undergraduate Bachelor of Science students whereby the researchers encouraged reflection, dialogue, and accountability in the new model and compared the differences against the problematic original model of receiving course evaluation input from students.

Object-Based Teaching in Post-Pandemic Higher Education in the US

ABSTRACT Object-based teaching (OBT) has grown in popularity in American higher education over the past 20 years and is now practiced at a broad range of post-secondary institutions, from community colleges to Research 1 universities. However, the prospects for OBT are changing. After the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social justice movements of 2020–2021, three trends are observable: a continuing decline in humanities enrollments, persistent student preferences for online learning, and the uneven recovery of college and university museums and galleries. In the interest of understanding the current state of OBT in the US, I deployed a survey to the membership of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries. The following are the results of this survey as well as a reflection on how OBT has emerged as a unique tool during this unprecedented moment in higher education.

PROMOTING THE MILITARY PROFESSION, FUNDAMENTAL FACTOR IN HUMAN RESOURCE RECRUITMENT FOR THE ROMANIAN AIR FORCE

For the Romanian Air Force, the promotion of the military profession, recruitment, selection, initial training, as well as the training of aeronautical personnel represents the most complex and laborious activity, since reaching the operational level requires going through the algorithm of a process that is characterized by a relatively long duration of training, impressive costs and, last but not least, risks specific to the aeronautical environment. The trajectory of this process has as its starting point the recruitment and selection of candidates for admission to the higher and post-secondary military institutions of the Air Force, specialized in the training of specialists in military aeronautics. The final point of this path is the combat unit, where the training of the aeronautical personnel takes the form of specialization for the technique served and the achievement of the performance indices that give it the status of operational aeronautical personnel. The finality of this process is realized in the achievement of the fundamental objective for the Romanian Air Force - the provision of large units and air units with well-trained aeronautical personnel, capable of performing the entire range of aeronautical activities, which can only be achieved through the quality of staged training formative-instructive algorithm.

Striving for Health Equity Through Nursing Education: A Critical Examination of Non-traditional Community Health Placements

Undergraduate nursing programs are increasingly using non-traditional community health placements within their curricula, though their impact on the organizations and clients they serve has not been widely explored. Therefore, this article aims to examine the use of non-traditional community health placements in undergraduate nursing programs using the political economy of health inequities as an analytical framework. We discuss the limits of non-traditional placements in addressing health inequities, suggesting our work contributes to the perception that something is being done to address the dual unregulated drug poisoning and housing crises while failing to tackle their root causes. We theorize that non-traditional health placements allow nursing programs to continue to graduate enough nurses to meet increasing workforce demands under prolonged austerity measures that have reduced funding to both post-secondary institutions and public health. Finally, we discuss strategies to mitigate harm and commit to more equitable partnerships. Keywords: political economy of health inequities, health equity, non-traditional placements, community health nursing, nursing education

Defining social innovation for post-secondary educational institutions: a concept analysis

Education, research, and contribution to society through innovation are the three missions of post-secondary educational institutions. There is a gap in understanding the concept of social innovation for post-second educational institutions. A clear definition would: (a) guide institutional strategic direction and supports, (b) recognize and reward academic research in social innovation, and (c) enable accurate measurement of outcomes and impact of social innovation activities. To redress the definitional imprecision, Walker and Avant’s method was used to conduct a concept analysis of social innovation. Four multi-disciplinary databases were searched to identify 1830 records. Antecedents, defining attributes, and consequences of social innovation were extracted from 272 of these articles. Defining attributes were reconstructed to develop a new definition. For post-secondary educational institutions, social innovation was defined as the intentional implementation of a transdisciplinary initiative to address a social challenge enabled through collaborative action leading to new or improved capabilities and relationships with community to generate evidence-informed solutions that are more effective, efficient, just, and sustainable. With greater clarity about the definition of social innovation, post-secondary educational institutions can create strategic plans and allocate resources to fulfil the Third Mission. With an evidence-informed definition, post-secondary educational institutions can develop a measurement framework to demonstrate outcomes and impacts of social innovation.