To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Education, Higher – Malawi – Evaluation.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Education, Higher – Malawi – Evaluation'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Education, Higher – Malawi – Evaluation.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Shawa, Lester Brian. "Can higher education policy frameworks engender quality higher education in Malawian universities?" Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21793.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MEd)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Through policy document analyses and in-depth semi-structured interviews, this
thesis examines the potential of higher education policy frameworks to engender
quality university education in Malawian universities. Pertinent to the fast-growing
higher education sector in Malawi is the connection between higher education policy
frameworks and quality delivery of university education. Education policy
frameworks in Malawi are mainly a response to the government’s broad policy of
poverty alleviation. Thus this thesis argues that quality university education ought to
contribute to poverty alleviation especially by assisting the country to achieve its
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to implement the initiatives of the New
Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
To engender quality university education that could help to alleviate poverty in
Malawi, this thesis through Habermasian critical inquiry proposes that quality ought
to be the corollary of defensible higher education policy frameworks, policy
documents need to delineate quality parameters, access to university education needs
to be increased and, inevitably, discursive or deliberative higher education policy
making ought to be given primacy.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Aan die hand van beleidsdokumentontleding en diepgaande, semigestruktureerde
onderhoude, ondersoek hierdie tesis die potensiaal van
hoëronderwysbeleidsraamwerke om gehalte universiteitsonderrig in Malawiese
universiteite teweeg te bring. Van besondere belang vir die snelgroeiende
hoëronderwyssektor in Malawi is die verband tussen hoëronderwysbeleidsraamwerke
en die lewering van gehalte universiteitsonderrig. Malawiese
onderwysbeleidsraamwerke is hoofsaaklik 'n reaksie op die regering se omvattende
armoedeverligtingsbeleid. Daarom voer hierdie tesis aan dat gehalte
universiteitsonderrig tot armoedeverligting behoort by te dra, veral deur die land te
help om sy millenniumontwikkelingsdoelwitte (MOD’s) te bereik en die inisiatiewe
van die Nuwe Vennootskap vir Afrika-ontwikkeling (NEPAD) in werking te stel.
Ten einde gehalte universiteitsonderrig teweeg te bring wat armoede in Malawi kan
help verlig, doen hierdie tesis deur Habermasiese kritiese ondersoek aan die hand dat
gehalte die uitvloeisel van verdedigbare hoëronderwysbeleidsraamwerke moet wees,
dat beleidsdokumente gehaltegrense moet neerlê, dat toegang tot universiteitsonderrig
verbeter moet word, en dat beredeneerde of oorwoë hoëronderwysbeleidbepaling
onafwendbaar voorrang behoort te geniet.
2
Chivwara, Nita. "An analysis of the governance of higher education access in malawi." University of the Western Cape, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/4039.
Full textAbstract:
Magister Educationis - MEd<br>Over the past few years researchers have been studying access reforms, as well as uncovering
challenges related to systems with low participation rates; Examples of this type of work are
Teferra and Altbach (2003), Maharasoa (2003) and World Bank (2008). A key factor often
addressed are various reforms related to access policies, often merely descriptions of access
reforms in general or the status quo of systems are given, particularly those with low
participation rates or needing access reforms (Weber, 2005). The relationship between
participation rates, access policies and the governance of higher education has however not
yet been thoroughly examined.
The purpose of this qualitative study is to present the results of an analysis carried out to
investigate the research question: Is there a relationship between participation rates, access
policies and the governance of higher education access in Malawi? The access-policygovernance
theory whose proponents are Tapper (2005), Ball (1990), Bunting et al (2005)
and Clark (1983), among others, formed the basis for a proposed framework of evaluating the
governance of higher education access in Malawi. The data involved in this study are national
educational policies and institutional policy. The second data set are interviews with fourteen
personnel who are involved in formulation and implementation of higher education access
policies and the governance of higher education, both at a national level in Malawi and
institutional level at the University of Malawi.
A conclusion is drawn that the policies which were utilised and the governance structure
created from them generated the limited nature of access which characterises Malawi’s higher
education sector. The policies belonging to the University of Malawi, for example, generated
proposed growth in student numbers without drastic changes in the general governance
structure of the university. Thus the University of Malawi was unable to maintain the growth
that the institutional policies intended. This research is of significance to the domain of
governance of access as it extends the knowledge base that currently exists in the field of
higher education studies. The concept of linking participation rates, access policies and the
governance of higher education is relatively under-researched in this field. It is hoped that
this study has added to the understanding of this relationship by addressing the significance
3
Kauppila, O. (Osmo). "Integrated quality evaluation in higher education." Doctoral thesis, Oulun yliopisto, 2016. http://urn.fi/urn:isbn:9789526211862.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract The role of higher education as an essential component of the productive economy has been emphasized in the 21stcentury, resulting in a constant need to demonstrate compliance and excellence to various stakeholders. To achieve this, a large variety of internal and external evaluation processes have been developed. However, to connect these evaluations with continuous improvement has often proved challenging due to factors arising from organizational complexity. This compilation dissertation examines how various quality evaluations in higher education could be integrated in a meaningful and synergistic manner. Integration is analyzed both horizontally across the three missions of the university, as well as vertically ranging from external evaluations to self-assessment. The four research articles each support this whole from a different viewpoint. The results of the articles are complemented by a literature review of chosen relevant topics on quality management and evaluation in higher education. The results of this work suggest that a planned process of evaluations starting from the institution level could help evaluations build upon each other and to drive continuous improvement. A holistic view on evaluation and evaluation criteria could be of use in avoiding sub-optimization and ensuring that issues such as stakeholder engagement and societal impact are included in evaluations. The integration of evaluations would constitute a part of integrating an institution’s management system and advance unity of effort. The ubiquitous concept of excellence can be seen as linking factor in integration, and an excellence award model was used as an example of a holistic evaluation framework. The theoretical contribution of this study contributes in the discussion regarding quality evaluation, excellence and the integration of management activities in higher education. For practitioners this dissertation work provides both practical tools arising from the results of the research articles, as well as a synthesis of theoretical and practical issues that should be accounted for when developing quality evaluation approaches in institutions of higher education<br>Tiivistelmä Korkeakoulujen rooli tuottavan talouden olennaisena osana on korostunut uudella vuosituhannella. Tästä on seurannut jatkuva tarve osoittaa vaatimustenmukaisuutta ja erinomaisuutta eri sidosryhmille. Tämän seurauksena on kehitetty suuri määrä erilaisia sisäisiä ja ulkoisia arviointiprosesseja. Kuitenkin näiden prosessien yhdistäminen toiminnan jatkuvan kehittämiseen on usein osoittautunut haastavaksi johtuen organisatorisesta monimutkaisuudesta. Tässä kokoomaväitöskirjassa tarkastellaan, kuinka erityyppisiä laadunarviointeja korkeakoulutuksessa voitaisiin integroida mielekkäällä ja synergistisellä tavalla. Integraatiota tarkastellaan niin horisontaalisesti yliopiston kolmen tehtävän läpi, kuin myös vertikaalisesti ulkoisista arvioinneista itsearviointiin. Väitöskirjaan liittyvät tutkimusartikkelit tukevat tätä tutkimusongelmaa eri näkökulmista. Kirjallisuuskatsaus tukee artikkelien tuloksia valittujen laatujohtamisen ja arvioinnin aiheiden tarkastelun kautta. Tämän työn tuloksien mukaan suunnitelmallinen arviointikokonaisuus lähtien korkeakoulutasolta voisi tukea arviointien tulosten kumuloitumista ja edistää jatkuvaa kehittämistä. Holistinen näkökulma arviointiin ja arviointikriteereihin voisi ehkäistä osaoptimointia ja varmistaa, että seikkoihin kuten sidosryhmien osallistuminen ja yhteiskunnallinen vaikuttavuus huomioidaan arvioinneissa. Arviointien integrointi tukisi osaltaan korkeakoulun johtamisjärjestelmän integrointia ja edistäisi yhteisiin tavoitteisiin pyrkimistä. Erinomaisuuden yleistynyttä käsitettä voidaan pitää yhdistävänä tekijänä integraation toteutumisessa, ja siihen perustuvaa laatupalkintomallia käytettiin työssä esimerkkinä holistisesta arviointimallista. Väitöskirjatyön teoreettinen kontribuutio liittyy korkeakoulujen laadunarvioinnin, erinomaisuuden ja johtamistoimien integroinnin tieteelliseen keskusteluun. Käytännön työn kannalta tutkimustulokset tarjoavat käytännön työkaluja artikkelien tulosten kautta, sekä yhdistelmän teoreettisista ja käytännön seikoista jotka tulisi huomioida korkeakoulun laadunarviointia kehitettäessä
4
Nampota, Tarsizius. "Emergent governance practices in the University of Malawi following reform implementation from 1997 to 2013." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019933.
Full textAbstract:
Higher education reform is an international phenomenon and one that greatly impacts on the form and function of Universities in society. I set out in this study to investigate the University of Malawi’s (UNIMA) experiences with governance reforms after observing that no comprehensive study of this process had been undertaken following the implementation of these reforms from 1997. I used Bhaskar’s Critical Realist Theory as my main theoretical framework because my intention was to understand the mechanisms from which such reforms emerged: the emergent governance practices and properties enabling or constraining governance reforms in UNIMA. I employed Archer’s Social Realist Theory in my research design and interpretation of the results, which entailed that I focus on issues of structure, culture and agency in UNIMA governance. I have established that the governance context in UNIMA in 1995 at the time the reforms were being considered was one that promoted the continuation of the status quo because the Malawi Government’s vested interest then was to exercise great control over UNIMA at system, institutional and disciplinary level of governance due to the political imperatives of the time in Malawi. However, this situation was frustrating to many in the University as it greatly impeded academic freedom. Furthermore, in 1995 the University relied heavily on Government’s financial structures. When these were subjected to structural reforms under the influence of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in the early nineties the impact seriously undermined the University’s revenue base and threatened to challenge further the realization of the University’s objectives. This prompted changes in the administrative and academic governance structures and culture intended to improve utilisation of the available limited resources as well as to broaden the University’s revenue base. The governance reform measures that were introduced were mainly influenced by New Public Management (NPM) ideologies. Most of the reforms intended to transform the administrative structures and culture were successfully implemented. The study revealed that this was enabled by the interests of those operating at disciplinary levels who were frustrated by the previous constraining governance context and who viewed such reforms as bringing about the self-governance they lacked. However, the majority of the reforms that were mainly targeted at academic restructuring were resisted because they were construed as contradictory to the interests of those in the academy particularly those concerned with matters of academic freedom. The study further revealed that the academic reforms were constrained by a lack of agency for change management and weak leadership at the top senior level of the University. In addition, there have been delays in amending the UNIMA Act, which should have catalysed some of the reforms, a scenario that has perpetuated many aspects of the institutional level of governance. Consequently, compared to the situation before the reforms were introduced, governance in UNIMA at the time of reporting manifested two scenarios: (a) an elaboration in governance practices at systems level where Government machinery exercises control and at enterprise (college) level where faculties and academic departments operate promoting cultural morphogenesis, or changes at the level of ideas, beliefs and values, which in turn is exerting pressure on governance practices at institutional level; and (b) morphostasis, or lack of change, at institutional levels of the governance exacerbated by the lack of amendment of the UNIMA Act and weak leadership. The findings have also led to uncertainty regarding the unitary nature of the University. There are fears that once the UNIMA Act is amended the four colleges forming UNIMA might break away to become separate universities.
5
Kaonde, Phillip Dalitso Frank. "Improving strategy formulation and implementation in Higher Education institutions in Malawi : an empirical study." Thesis, University of Bolton, 2014. http://ubir.bolton.ac.uk/733/.
Full textAbstract:
As Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) become increasingly accountable for the quality and value for money of their teaching and learning, universities need to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the way that they operate. Strategic Management is viewed as one of the major sources of sustainable competitive advantage for these institutions. Though strategic management has gained prominence in the private and public sector organisations, evidence suggests gaps in strategy formulation and implementation in HEIs in Malawi that have led to failure to achieve superior performance. This study aims at developing a framework for strategy formulation and implementation in HEIs which can be adapted to any situation. The study takes a systematic approach to investigating strategy formulation and implementation in Higher Education Institutions. Informed by an interpretivist epistemology and ontology, a qualitatitive methodology is employed to inform the researcher’s perspective where in-depth case studies were conducted at four universities, a commercial bank and a multinational telecommunications company, to investigate the process of strategy formulation and implementation. Semi-structured interviews were administered with senior, managers and operational staff who play significant roles in strategic management, and selected operational personnel involved in strategy implementation. A review of the extant literature and a range of internal organisational documents provided a basis for the empirical analysis. An analysis of the findings of the study has led to the identification of Twenty One (21) factors influencing strategy formulation and implementation in HEIs. These factors include leadership, resource allocation, simplicity and undue complexity, organisational culture, organisational structure, communication, human resources management, organisational learning and development, performance management, strategy formulation planning and strategy implementation planning, change management, total quality management, systems and procedures. Consequently, a strategic management framework has been developed by combining the identified SM factors into four dimensions namely: Planning, Organisation, Managerial and Individual (POMI) based on Alashloo’s (2005) framework. The POMI framework integrates the findings of this study with current literature in the SM subject arena. Since strategic management is an important process in organisations, improving formulation and implementation processes contributes to the overall performance of an organisation. The POMI framework will provide HEI Managers in Malawi and other similar sub-Sahara African countries with tools and techniques that will help improve performance through provision of a useful visualization of the key components which they must have to consider in formulating and implementing strategy.
6
Kadyakapita, Mozecie Spector John. "A critical realist exploration of the emergence, development, management and sustainability of a Christian private institution of higher education in Malawi." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001818.
Full textAbstract:
This study was prompted by an interest in exploring ways in which the development of private higher education in Malawi could be more sustainable. It examines the challenges that private institutions of higher education face in different contexts and the underlying causes of these challenges. The aim of the study was to explore the emergence of private higher education (PHE) in Malawi, its management, development, the challenges it faces and the generative mechanisms of these challenges. The research is a case study of one of the earliest private institutions of higher education in Malawi. The institution is owned and operated by a Christian church organisation that has been operating a network of private primary and secondary schools and health centres since its establishment in Malawi in the early 1890s. Critical realism is used as an underlabourer for its stance on ontological, epistemological and ethical assumptions of reality and its views on agency and structure. Two theoretical frameworks - complexity theory and transformational leadership theories - are used as lenses to help make sense of the nature of social organisations and also as heuristic devices for organising and making sense of data. Data were collected using qualitative interviews, archival document content analysis and observation. Twenty participants were purposefully selected for interviews. The participants comprised a senior officer at the MoEST headquarters, proprietors, members of the top management team of the institution, administrative assistants, heads of academic and nonacademic departments, teachers and non-teaching staff and students. Abstracted data were analysed using inductive, abductive and retroductive modes of inference. The study established that the emergence of private higher education in Malawi was generated by a number of mechanisms. These include the need to survive the threat to socioeconomic development posed by global trends in scientific and technological issues that heavily rely on access to the knowledge economy; the need to respond to demand for equity and access to higher education; the need to carry out the mission of the Christian church; government’s failure to expand and widen access to higher education; and the agential need to survive economic demands. The research findings indicate that a critical challenge that the emergence of private higher education faced was the lack of adequate and efficient structures and systems in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to expeditiously process applications to establish and accredit, monitor and control the development of private higher education institutions. It was also found that the challenges that the private higher education faces include high level of authoritarian governance and management practices, weak institutional management and control systems and structure, secularisation, lack of adequate funds to meet operation and capital development costs, facilities and resources to support teaching – learning functions, learner support facilities and services and a critical shortage of appropriately qualified administrative and academic personnel. The underlying causes of the challenges include the perceived threat to personal power and survival; fear of apostasy and secularisation; cultural values, adverse socioeconomic conditions; lack of diverse sources of funding, ineffective communication skills; weak governance systems and structures; low level of self-control; unfavourable attitudes towards educational institutions and the need to restore equity. To make private institutions of higher learning more sustainable, the study recommends that governance practices be guided by clear structures, policies and guidelines in the interest of transparency and accountability. It also recommends that government works in close partnership with private providers, reviews unfair policies concerning government scholarships, subsidizes the cost of materials for instruction and infrastructure development, and provides technical assistance to prospective and active providers. Lastly, the study recommends that private providers form an association so as to share experiences and to collectively deal with issues of common interest and concern.<br>Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
7
Steele, Elizabeth Delavan. "Program evaluation in higher education: A case study." W&M ScholarWorks, 1999. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1550154170.
Full text
8
Allen, Jennifer. "Going higher, going further? : student perspectives on higher education at further education colleges and universities in England." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2016. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:23fc08c0-cbf1-4ae4-8c6a-3420136b8ea0.
Full textAbstract:
Post-compulsory education in England is divided into two sectors: one for higher education (HE) and one for further education (FE). Although they mostly function separately, there is an overlap between the two in terms of HE provision. Currently around eight per cent (159,000) of HE students in England are taught at FE colleges (Association of Colleges, 2016) and approximately 14 per cent (22,060) of these students are pursuing a bachelor's degree (Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2016). To offer bachelor's degrees, FE colleges must partner with universities to validate their qualifications. Consequently, college graduates enter the labour market with university-validated degrees. However, very little is known about how college students' journeys through HE compare with those of their university counterparts. This study used semi-structured interviews (N=30) and a questionnaire (N=78) to explore how the decisions, experiences, post-graduation expectations and employment or further study outcomes of business undergraduates at English universities compare with those at English FE colleges. In particular, this research focused on students from six institutions (four FE colleges and two universities) across Yorkshire and Humberside and the West Midlands who were in the final year of bachelor's degrees in business-related subjects in 2013. The differences between these two groups of students emerged throughout their HE journeys. Whereas university students portrayed their pursuit of HE as inevitable, college students (depending upon their age) described making an active choice to go to HE, being directed towards it or drifting into it. When selecting an institution, most university students made a choice based on preferences, while college students made one based on constraints. Their student experiences were largely shaped by the particular environment of their type of institution, meaning college students often faced tension between HE and FE that did not feature in the university student experience. This tension permeated every aspect of the college student experience, from the style of teaching to the facilities and services available at their institution. Although college students appeared to have slightly more realistic post-graduation expectations (especially in terms of salary), university students tended to have more positive outcomes, largely due to the fact that they completed work placements during their course which led to full-time jobs after they graduated. The data from this study were analysed using the concepts of the 'figured world' (Holland et al., 1998), boundaries, identity and culture. In so doing, it becomes clear that despite the fact that these two groups of students undertook similar qualifications in similar subject areas, they did not achieve similar outcomes. As a consequence, it is argued that although HE in FE does widen participation in terms of offering more students the chance to pursue HE, it does not necessarily grant access to the same types of post-graduation opportunities.
9
Khan, Muzafar, and Aleem Ahmad. "Usability Evaluation of a Hypermedia System in Higher Education." Thesis, Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, Avdelningen för programvarusystem, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-4768.
Full textAbstract:
An effective hypermedia educational system should be easy to use and understand. Different hypermedia educational systems have been evaluated for this purpose by researchers but there is no such study of student wiki system. To evaluate usability of a student wiki system i.e. FUKTwiki in the context of higher education, the authors adopt a multi-phased research approach. They conduct usability test of the system where graduate students are taken as subjects. The system is evaluated on the basis of results of usability test and a questionnaire specifically designed to know the subject‟s opinion. Further, to validate the findings a number of individual subjects participated in usability test and questionnaire are interviewed. The authors find that for higher education, student wiki systems could prove effective in student‟s learning but not with current set of tools and interfaces. Moreover it is important that a system should have sufficient amount of relevant and useful educational contents. There is need to improve student wiki systems in terms of interfaces, contents, and set of tools for creating and editing pages.<br>0046739717017
10
Desai, Govind. "Vocational higher secondary education in Gujarat : a critical evaluation." Thesis, University of Leicester, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/2381/30856.
Full textAbstract:
Over the last thirty years there has been a vigorous debate on the role of vocational education in developing societies. Critics have asserted that vocational education cannot deliver the economic and social benefits claimed for it. Despite the debate vocational education has continued to expand. India has followed the example of other developing societies with national plans for the extensive implementation of a programme of vocational education at the higher secondary level. The target was that by 1995 25% of the students in higher secondary education should be in the vocational stream. However progress has been slow and there has been considerable variation between states. In order to examine the problems of implementing vocational education this study examines the progress made in one state, Gujarat. It draws on examination of official statistics, documents and interviews with officials. The major part of the study is a comprehensive survey of the perceptions of the major stakeholders in vocational education - the Principals, the Teachers, the Students, Ex-students and Employers. The thesis examines the implications of the findings for the broad debate on the role of higher secondary vocational education in developing societies and more specifically for developments in India and Gujarat. A series of recommendations relating to areas such as the selection of schools and vocational courses, their management structure and staffing and their curriculum are made.
11
Shippey, Theodore Clive. "Standards and quality in higher education." Thesis, Cape Technikon, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1987.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Laureatus in Technology (Teacher Education)) -- Cape Technikon, Cape Town,1994<br>The main hypothesis underlying this study has been formulated on the basis of an identified need in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) for a means of ensuring and preserving acceptable standards (by international norms) and quality in higher education. It has been assumed that this need may partially be met by the adaptation of selected overseas systems of quality control and systems of evaluation and accreditation of standards. The emphasis throughout is on intelligent, selective adaptation of successful attempts at controlling and managing standards and quality in higher education. One of the primary reasons for the establishment of a model for the preservation and enhancement of standards in higher education in the RSA, becomes clear when one identifies the emergence of a growing number of aspirant students. Many of those students attended schools where neither the tuition nor the facilities provided a suitable foundation for further studies at an advanced level. A further need for such a model is related to great pressures to lower standards which are being exerted by political and social groups and the prevailing views amongst many educators that a decrease in standards is inevitable. The hypotheses that will be tested include the assumption that a lowering of standards will seriously affect industry, commerce, and the whole social fabric and ultimately the credibility of South Africa's higher educational institutions and the acceptability of their graduates. This study is therefore aimed primarily at focusing attention on the need for an awareness amongst the higher educational community, and other communities, of the implications of vastly increased enrolments of under-prepared students.
12
Fulgham, Julie Cordell. "An investigation of faculty perceptions of the use of a student evaluation of faculty instrument." Thesis, Mississippi State University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3618231.
Full textAbstract:
<p>This study investigated the faculty perception of the use of a student evaluation of faculty instrument. The areas considered were use of the current Student Evaluation of Faculty (SEF) instrument to measure teaching effectiveness; use of the current instrument for annual faculty review; faculty involvement in developing the instrument; utilizing the instrument to improve teaching; and demographics of faculty gender, college/school in which they teach, and the numbers of years of higher education experience. </p><p> Participants included 734 full-time instructional faculty members at Mississippi State University who taught during the fall 2012 semester and utilized the current SEF instrument. From the 734 faculty invited to participate in the study, 205 responded. The study was conducted in the fall 2013 semester. Over 71% of the participating faculty indicated a negative perception toward the current SEF instrument as an effective tool for their use in evaluating teaching effectiveness. However, 60% of the participants agree the instrument serves as an effective tool for their use to improve teaching. The faculty also indicated they would like to be able to compare their SEF results to others teaching comparable courses. Participants were asked to rate each question taken from the current SEF instrument, indicating its level of usefulness in their ability to utilize the results to improve teaching. Of the 11 questions, only 2 were found to be least useful to the faculty. One of those was related to the tests they give being fair and the other related to the student learned a great deal in the class. Almost 81% of the participants indicated that faculty involvement in the development of the current student evaluation of faculty instrument increased the usefulness in measuring teaching effectiveness. </p><p> Conclusions based on the findings indicated a need to continue revising the evaluation process and instrument to include a multidimensional process. This multidimensional process should provide separate instruments to be used for annual faculty review and for improving teaching. These revisions should be carried out with faculty involvement to ensure acceptance of the processes and maintain positive perceptions. </p><p> Keywords: student evaluation of faculty, multidimensional evaluation process, teaching effectiveness </p>
13
Peek, Audrey. "The Effectiveness of the Student Loan Safety Net| An Evaluation of Income-Driven Loan Repayment." Thesis, The George Washington University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10785890.
Full textAbstract:
<p> One in five federal student loan borrowers today is enrolled in income-driven loan repayment (IDR), a set of safety net programs in which loan payment amounts are tied to borrowers’ incomes. Policymakers across the political spectrum support expanding IDR as a way of reducing loan default and encouraging borrowers to work in public service careers, though there is little evidence of the effects of IDR on borrowers’ outcomes. Through the lenses of human capital theory and risk aversion theory, this study investigates two key gaps in our knowledge about IDR in comparison to other repayment plans: whether IDR borrowers’ make different career choices and whether IDR borrowers are more successful at paying their loans. Using the National Center for Education Statistics’ Baccalaureate and Beyond dataset (B&B:08/12), I weighted borrowers by their propensity to enroll in IDR, based on family, institutional, communities, and political and economic characteristics. This analysis found that IDR borrowers are statistically significantly more likely to be women, of Hispanic origin, and from low-income households. IDR borrowers are no more likely to pursue public service careers four years after graduation, but they are substantially more likely to be in repayment as opposed to being in default, forbearance, or any other loan status. The total estimated costs of loan repayment are more varied for IDR borrowers than for borrowers in other plans. Borrowers of color in IDR are likely to pay more than White borrowers in IDR. I conclude with a discussion of the implications for policy, research, and practice, including how policy makers and researchers should interpret the tradeoffs in these results.</p><p>
14
Cunningham, Sheila. "Widening participation in higher education : a case study and evaluation." Thesis, Middlesex University, 2011. http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/9057/.
Full textAbstract:
This report is an outcome of a research project exploring lecturers’ understanding of widening participation (WP) and how this influences their practice in one North London University. The project was undertaken as part of my DProf studies and was developed from my role and position within the School of Health and Social Sciences in co-ordinating and communicating WP activities. This project was undertaken over five years (2004 – 2009) and was influenced by local and national political and social changes most particularly the range of Higher Education Funding Council documents impacting on WP. Main approach used: In a desire to explore WP and through multiple perspectives a mixed methods methodology was selected epistemological umbrella of transformative learning arising from an emancipatory paradigm. Meizerow’s (2003) epistemology of transformative learning provides a lens by which to explore lecturers’ perceptions of WP and practices, challenge conventional notions of WP, explore the extent to which WP is mainstreamed or embedded WP within the organisation and the relationship with pedagogical practices. This project was in three stages. Firstly, a focus group of lecturers, then separate individual lecturers were interviewed to explore perceptions of WP and pedagogical approaches (n= 12). Secondly, groups of diverse students completed a questionnaire (n=195) asking for their experiences of teaching and learning with a few (n=6) interviewed individually. Thirdly, an internal working group explored the wider university commitment to WP and how embedded this is in departments and services. Quantitative data from questionnaires and institutional data was analysed descriptively for frequency and correlations (Pearson’s correlation co-efficient via SPSS v.15). Qualitative data was analysed using textual thematic analysis, both manually and using CAQDAS (Nud*st) software. Conclusions: There were several conclusions: 1. Lecturers and teaching. a. No single understanding of WP. b. Some lecturers demonstrate sensitive and intuitive support but this is not widely disseminated. c. Identify limited insight into students’ lives and experiences. d. View WP as deficiencies, remedial and someone else’s ‘job’. 2. Students and learning. a. As a group students would not describe themselves as diverse but ‘typical’ students. b. Students value personal connections with lecturers. 3. University Role. a. Initiatives to address the student experience subsume the needs of WP and all students. b. Communication across services and departments is unclear and not cohesive. c. Varied discourses of WP at different levels and high level commitment demonstrated at senior level. Recommendations: The key recommendations focussed on promoting WP in existing good practice in teaching and learning and utilise existing process to make WP core and embedded. 1. Lecturers: Promote dialogue of WP and raise issues pertinent to teaching and learning. - Staff development in relation to practice for inclusive teaching or teaching diverse groups utilising existing procedures via preparation route (PGCHE) or established teaching observations or appraisals. - WP ‘Champions’ to advocate and promote inclusive practice. 2. Students: Build on good practice to maximise students’ sense of ‘value’ and positive student experience. 3. University: To locate a ‘home’ for WP so it can be more effectively monitored and disseminated and accounted for. - Embed WP within core working processes (e.g. validation or programme monitoring). - Promote the dialogue of WP and inclusivity consistently from higher levels to student interface levels to enhance a culture of diversity and inclusivity.
15
Escarré, Urueña Roberto. "The higher education role in building human capital. Impact evaluation of higher education capacity building interventions in developing countries." Doctoral thesis, Universidad de Alicante, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10045/54051.
Full textAbstract:
The pivotal role of Higher Education (HE) for the progression of developing countries is widely acknowledged. Higher Education contributes to, among other important aspects, the generation of human capital for later incorporation into important sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, new technologies, or tourism. Important international donor agencies already acknowledge this fact, particularly within the past decade. Since the beginning of the new millennium, Higher Education has acquired a prominent position on their agendas, and a notable increase in funding has been observed. In this framework, Capacity Building (CB) interventions have one of the preferred actions by donors since the eighties, due to the influence of the Human Capital Theory (and Endogenous Growth Models) in the development assistance domain. These interventions, in the field of Higher Education in developing countries, might adopt different approaches: individual (via scholarships to students), organizational (via consortia or networks between universities, targeting Higher Education institutions), and societal (via projects targeting some aspects of the Higher Education systems). Despite the fact that HE CB interventions in developing countries are becoming more popular little research and monitoring has been done to understand the impact of these multiple types of interventions neither by academics, donors or policymakers. By considering these gaps, the aim of this research was to propose an evaluation and monitoring framework for specific HE CB interventions that will allow to explore the human capital benefits of these types of interventions. The study approaches this aim from different angles: by strengthening the links between key concepts form different fields, providing a better understanding of the types of HE CB interventions and proposing methods to measure the impact which are, in turn, empirically tested during the research. The study adopts different methodologies according to the research aims. A combination of mixed qualitative and quantitative methods was chosen to analyse two selected case studies. The first was a HE CB programme for Latin American Deans chosen to observe its impacts for the participating individuals. Based on this case study, a new methodological tool was proposed to assess individual HE CB interventions at mid and long-term. The second case study involved a sample of worldwide HE CB programme practitioners engaged through the participatory methodology of a Delphi survey to observe their perceptions about the impact of different programmes at multiple levels: individual, organisational and societal. Through this multiple approach, the study makes a number of contributions. First, it adds to the literature combining both the Economics of Education and CB by contributing to the academic debate from the theory and specially providing new empirical evidences. Second, the study proposes new forms of measuring the impact some of which are empirically tested and validated though the positive results of this study, while others will need to be further developed and tested in future research. In summary, through all the different case studies selected, the research has contributed to provide better evidence of the impact and benefits of HE CB interventions to inspire more efficient programmes and better evidence-based policies that could contribute to the development of these countries.
16
Zhou, Changjun. "Evaluation and professional development for young teachers at four Chinese universities." Thesis, McGill University, 2011. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=103703.
Full textAbstract:
This exploratory study investigates evaluation and professional development for Chinese university teachers from their perspectives by focusing on young instructors. Teacher Evaluation and Professional Development (TEPD) play an important role in student learning, faculty development, and school success. Due to a hierarchical system that is built on seniority and neglects professional development, young teachers at Chinese universities tend to be marginalized in the process of TEPD. Through interviews and questionnaire surveys, the participants in this study described their perspectives on, identified problems in, and provided recommendations on TEPD at Chinese universities. The participants are 23 teachers from four Chinese universities. By employing qualitative research methods such as Constant Comparison and Narrative Analysis, I present the survey results from the interviews and data from the questionnaires. Findings reveal that the use of teacher evaluation for administrative purposes leads to an overemphasis on research achievements, overreliance on student ratings, lack of feedback systems, and limited opportunities for professional development. There is an urgent need to establish fair, sound, and effective TEPD systems emphasizing the interests of young university teachers. The major implications of the results include concern about the quality of higher education, a need to improve human resource management at universities, and attention to the marginalization of young teachers.<br>La présente d'étude exploratoire fait une enquête sur le système de l'évaluation et du développement professionnel, à l'égard de perspective des enseignants aux universités de la Chine, en visant les jeunes professeurs. Cette évaluation des enseignants et du développement professionnel (TEPD) joue un rôle important pour l'apprentissage des étudiants, le développement des facultés, ainsi que le succès de l'université. Du fait que ce système d'hiérarchie est établi sur l'ancienneté et néglige le développement professionnel, les jeunes professeurs dans l'université de la Chine ont tendance d'être marginalisés à l'application de cette évaluation. Au moyen des interviews et des questionnaires, les participants dans cette études décrient leur perspective, identifient leur problème, et donnent leur recommandations sur le TEPD aux universités de la Chine. Les participants sont les 23 enseignants venant de quatre universités des la Chine. Par la méthode de recherche qualitative de Comparaison Constant et d'Analyse Narrative et, je présente le résultat de l'enquête par trois interviews approfondies et par les données des questionnaires. La recherche révèle que l'application actuelle du système de l'évaluation des enseignants et du développement professionnel met trop l'accent sur la réalisation de la recherche, la dépendance du taux d'étudiants, manque de système de réaction et limite l'opportunité de développement professionnel. Il existe une urgence d'établir un système de TEPD sain, effectif et d'égalité, en mettant l'importance sur l'intérêt des jeunes enseignants aux universités. L'implication essentielle du résultat de l'étude concerne la qualité d'éducation supérieure, le management de ressource humaine dans l'université, et la marginalisation des jeunes professeurs.
17
Revelt, Joseph E. "Contextual evaluation a framework for accountability in higher /." Access to citation, abstract and download form provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company; downloadable PDF file 0.55 Mb., 153 p, 2006. http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit?3220747.
Full text
18
Engleking, Charlene. "Exploring an Accelerated College Program for Adult Learners| A Program Evaluation." Thesis, Lindenwood University, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10027093.
Full textAbstract:
<p> Many colleges and universities have expanded their mission to include adult learners. Programs range from scheduling traditional courses in the evening to designing new programs tailored to meet the needs of working adults. Program designers have relied on theorists such, as Mezirow (1991), Houle (1996), and Knowles, Holton, and Swanson (1998), to develop programs that apply adult learning theory. Lindenwood College, now Lindenwood University, established The Lindenwood College for Individualized Education (LCIE) in 1975 to serve adult students in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The program has evolved over the course of 40 years, and this program evaluation evaluated the program effectiveness in its current delivery format.</p><p> This program evaluation employed a mixed-method design to answer one main research question and two sub-questions. The main research question asked, How does LCIE, in its current incarnation, address the ideals of adult learning theory, the needs of busy contemporary adult students, and the requirements of the accrediting agency? Sub-question #1 asked, How have LCIE learning processes evolved since 1975? Sub-question #2 asked, Is there congruency between LCIE mission and practice?</p><p> The outcome measurement data was gathered through a comparison of pre-test and post-test data collected by the university to assess critical thinking skills of entering and graduating students. The university employed the ETS Proficiency Profile, and a sample of 30 students was extracted from that data set for comparison for this study. The findings showed that the differences between pre-test and post-test scores were not significant.</p><p> The process measurement data was gathered through interviews with volunteer faculty (3) and students (9) from the program. A series of interview questions was posed, and the responses coded to identify three emerging themes. The three themes were general satisfaction, the importance of job preparation and career mobility, and program rigor.</p><p> The program evaluation found that LCIE is currently applying adult learning theory and there is congruency between the program mission statement and the program practice. The answer to sub-question 1 concerning the changes in the program was inconclusive as the students had not experienced the changes and therefore felt unqualified to comment.</p>
19
Julian, Nessa Duque. "Exploring the culture of assessment within a division of student affairs." Thesis, California State University, Fullerton, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3570909.
Full textAbstract:
<p>The growing calls for accountability within higher education have mobilized student affairs divisions to develop practices that provide evidence of student learning and development. In order to do this effectively student affairs divisions understand the importance of creating, managing, and sustaining a culture of assessment. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand effective practices in creating a culture of assessment within a division of student affairs at a large public university. The findings from this study offer insight into the experiences of one division in creating a culture of assessment. Key themes of leadership, socialization, and learning were consistent with organizational theory regarding the creation and management of a culture of an organization and with student affairs assessment literature. This study offers suggestions for best practices in ways other divisions might approach the creation of a culture of assessment. </p>
20
Borden, Jonathan P. "Predicting baccalaureate degree attainment| A university admissions model that includes transfer students." Thesis, Spalding University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3642715.
Full textAbstract:
<p> The purpose of this study was to report a more inclusive postsecondary graduation rate figure, improve the ability of postsecondary institutions to predict the likelihood that a student will graduate, and to help address challenges presented by the United States President and by the Kentucky General Assembly. The more inclusive graduation rate calculation is in contrast to the prevailing National Center for Education Statistics' (NCES) Graduation Rate Survey (GRS) calculation. The calculations used in this study incorporated data from the National Student Clearinghouse's (NSC) StudentTracker systems. The research population used in this study consisted of students who initially enrolled at the University of Louisville (UofL) in academic years 2000-01, 2001-02, or 2002-03. Using a more inclusive graduation rate calculation that counted a student as having graduated from any postsecondary institution, not just the institution where they initially enrolled yielded a graduation rate that was 10 percent higher for the research population than was reported under the prevailing methodology. The study created a Graduation Likelihood Model (GLM) to predict the likelihood that a first-time, full-time bachelor-degree-seeking student will graduate within six academic years. Eight independent variables were examined through chi-square and logistic regression (logit). The eight variables examined were gender, race/ethnicity, ACT, High School Grade Point Average (HSGPA), public high school (HS) vs. private HS, HS distance from campus, state/federal-grant/scholarship financial aid, and federal loan financial aid. In addition to running chi-square and logit on each variable, the procedures were run on the variables after they were included in four distinct categories: demographic, academic, pre-postsecondary academic and financial aid. The chi-square results showed that with the exception of HSGPA there was an association, albeit small, between the variables and successful graduation. All variables including HSGPA are to be used in the GLM, which can be used by postsecondary institutions to predict, at the time a student applies to the institutions, the likelihood that a student will graduate within six academic years. The GLM and the new calculation of graduation rates relate to initiatives set out by both the state of Kentucky and current US President Barack Obama. The new calculation provides a better way of assessing student achievement. At the time of initial enrollment, the GLM can be used to identify students, who may need additional assistance to obtain their degrees. .</p>
21
Kiely, Richard. "Programme evaluation by teachers : an observational study." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2000. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/36380/.
Full textAbstract:
Evaluation is a term used to denote many different processes in Applied Linguistics and language education, from language proficiency assessment to materials selection to project management. In this study evaluation is taken as programme inquiry for the purposes of accountability and development (Rea-Dickins and Germaine 1992; Weir and Roberts 1994). The context of evaluation is EAP programmes in higher education, where a policy of programme evaluation by teachers provides base data for the institution's quality management system. Evaluation in this sense is a complex process, embedded in and potentially destabilising for the prevailing social order in classrooms, departments, and institutions. To capture this complexity and embeddedness, a qualitative methodology is developed from naturalistic inquiry and ethnography to study two EAP programmes and their evaluations. The classroom observation and interview data are used to explore the operation of the evaluation policy, its consequences in terms of programme improvement and teacher development, its quality assurance functions, and its impact on the programme experience of one particular student. The study shows that in this context the evaluation policy has beneficial and problematic consequences. It looks good, and thus enables a case to be made for rigorous quality management. It provides a space for students to negotiate the programme, and for the teacher, opportunities for reflection and development. However, the policy also risks being seen by teachers as intrusion, compromising teacher autonomy, and aggravating teacher-manager problems. Students provide feedback on teaching and inputs (including the teacher) rather than on learning or opportunities for learning in terms of the values underpinning the programme. The strong students can use the evaluation strategically, to further their own preferences, at the expense of the weaker students who are marginalised. The concluding chapter outlines some ways forward for this approach to evaluation in this context. These include realigning purposes and methods, building on teacher ownership of and responsibility for programmes, linking evaluation in the classroom to other forms of educational inquiry, and managing the programme in its widest sense in an ethical framework.
22
Trueman, Carole. "Fit for purpose? : an evaluation of education for sustainable development pedagogy in higher education." Thesis, Ulster University, 2016. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.763935.
Full textAbstract:
It is believed that damage occurring to the earth's environment and the quality of life for future generations will be irreparable (Lozano et al., 2013). Sustainable development as a concept has been used as a means of integrating strategies to reduce this degradation. Education has been deemed to be key to promoting this sustainable future, and thus the term education for sustainable development (ESD) was coined. Research proposes that higher education institutions in particular could be significant contributors to ESD (Karatzoglou, 2013). Literature surrounding ESD has increased within recent years due to the UNESCO Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). Particular emphasis has been placed on reorientation of education towards sustainability (Sterling, 2001). It is believed that the curriculum should be holistic, participatory, promote critical thinking and values that promote sustainability (Firth and Smith, 2013). However, changes in the curriculum to date have been deemed minimal and the effectiveness of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development questioned (McKeown and Day, 2015). This research argues that ESD does not have a distinct pedagogy, but instead is made up of various component parts. These component parts take the form of learning pedagogies presented as (andragogy, social learning, experiential learning and transformative learning). A qualitative approach was used to collect data for this research with emphasis being placed on using the four mentioned learning theories to evaluate ESD within different learning settings (classroom, fieldwork, volunteer setting and work based learning environment). This thesis identifies that each learning theory researched promotes good pedagogical practice whilst incorporating ESD indicators. The research concludes that a careful balance of different elements of these learning theories is needed to effectively deliver ESD within higher education.
23
Jacques, Kevin. "Professional values in a UK higher education institution : a thematic evaluation." Thesis, University of Hull, 2015. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:13624.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis explores the perceptions of academic staff in one department of a UK university to establish the extent to which professional values are compatible with current pressures. Drawing on contemporary literature, the meanings of professionalism in an HE context are described. An evaluation of the global, national and institutional contexts under which academics operate are presented through literature review and by evaluation of key policy documents in the institution. Together these provide the context of external and internal pressures on academic engagement. Interviews were conducted to present an understanding of the perceptions of academic staff. These interviews were analysed using thematic analysis by an inductive, data-driven approach which through codification of themes provide a framework for the presentation of the professional values of staff. The final analysis presents a cross-referencing of individual professional values against the espoused values of the institution in which the individuals operate. The results of the literature reviews demonstrate that academics operate in a culture of social and financial accountability driven by New Public Management policies which have significantly increased the marketization of higher education and promoted the commodification and consumerisation of HE. The evidence further suggests that the institution under consideration operates by utilising predominantly competitive evaluative mechanisms to influence practice that is largely directed to enhancing reputation and marketability as espoused by various university league tables. The final evaluation suggests significant areas of conflict between professional values and the current pressures on academic engagement and concludes that academic staff have reshaped their values through engagement in increasingly competitive activity that they use to provide personal utility in preference to institutional utility. The results conclude that performativity mechanisms used by the institution to measure departments and individuals have come to be seen as an opportunistic means for the sometimes deceptive demonstration of excellence and competence.
24
Heller, Monica L. "Predicting first-year college achievement| Evaluation of a self-regulatory coping model." Thesis, Ball State University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3716069.
Full textAbstract:
<p> The current trends observed in 4-year college graduation and retention rates (ACT 2011; 2012; 2013; 2014; Tinto, 2006) demonstrate a need for improvement in student academic achievement outcomes. Overwhelmingly, research finds that the first year in college is the time of greatest risk for student academic failure and drop out. Challenges associated with academic-oriented forms of stress and anxiety (Baillie & Fitzgerald, 2000; Bembenutty, 2008; Cassady, 2010; Collier & Morgan, 2008; Jean, 2010; Pike & Kuh, 2005; Soria & Stebleton, 2012; Turner et al., 2012) coupled with limitations in effective coping strategies (Hofer et al., 1998; Kitsantas et al., 2008; McInerney, 2011; Pintrich & Zusho, 2002; Robbins et al., 2004; Zimmerman & Schunk, 2008) lie at the center of the difficulties these first-year students experience, which ultimately play a significant role in persistence and achievement outcomes. This is particularly true for students from at-risk populations (e.g., first-generation students, ethnic minorities; Balemian & Feng, 2013; Borman & Overman, 2004; Choy, 2001; Engle, 2007; Jones et al., 2010; Pascarella et al., 2004; Toldson, 2012).</p><p> The wide body of research confirms that no single factor reliably predicts college academic success or failure, although institutions have traditionally relied upon indicators of prior achievement (i.e., H.S. GPA and college entrance exams) for such inferences (Alarcon & Edwards, 2013; DeBerard et al., 2004; Harackiewicz et al., 2002; Kowitlawakul et al., 2013; Randsell, 2001; Zypher et al., 2007). Rather, it is the collective of factors from environmental, behavioral and personal domains that interact and have the potential to positively or negatively influence college student achievement (Bandura, 1986; 1997; 1999; Lazarus & Folkman, 1984; Snow et al., 1996). As such, the Transactional Stress and Coping model (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) provides a comprehensive model through which the influence and interaction of multiple factors associated with student stress-appraisals, coping responses, and eventual outcomes can be examined within investigations of college academic achievement. </p><p> The main purpose of this study was to examine the degree of influence student background characteristics, indicators of prior achievement, anxiety-laden cognitive belief states, and self-regulated learning had on first-year college student achievement. Informed by the Lazarus and Folkman (1984) framework, a proposed academic-oriented stress-appraisal and coping model was tested for viability in predicting student achievement outcomes at the conclusion of their first-year in college. This study investigated research questions specifically associated with: 1) the influence of gender, ethnicity and first-generation status on first-year achievement; 2) the influence of student prior achievement (i.e., H. S. GPA and SAT scores) on first-year achievement; 3) the potential mediating influence of cognitive appraisals on first-year achievement; and 4) the potential moderating role of self-regulated learning in first-year achievement. For this archival study, all student demographic data, measures of prior achievement, first-year college achievement (cumulative GPA) and self-report responses to the LASSI-HS (Weinstein & Palmer, 1990) instrument were accessed from a large sample (<i>N</i> = 29,431) of first-time, first-year students enrolled at a mid-sized, Midwestern 4-year university during years 2004-2012. Using an established model of stress-appraisal and coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) within an academic context, five models were tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to answer the specific research questions and investigate the utility of the models in predicting first-year college achievement. </p><p> The results revealed that although all background factors (i.e., gender, ethnicity, first-generation status) were statistically significant predictors of first-year achievement (GPA), their influence on first-year GPA was minimal. Additionally, prior achievement had a statistically significant, but weak, influence on first-year GPA. Although the direct path relationships for all pre-existing personal factors were statistically significant, the results also indicated anxious cognitive appraisals served a mediating role between these factors and first-year GPA. Thus, a partially mediated model best represented the relationships among these variables. The potential moderating effects of motivational regulation and active coping strategies did not have any meaningful impact in the two self-regulatory coping models tested. Although some statistically significant relationships were observed and provided evidence that background factors, prior achievement, anxious cognitive appraisals and self-regulated learning are associated, their influence was minimal and offered little practical utility in explaining first-year college student achievement. </p><p> Overall, the results of the study were unexpected given the strong theoretical and empirical support for the measures utilized in the study and literature supporting meaningful and rather robust relationships among the variables of interest. This atypical finding seemed to be due primarily to the first-year student GPAs, and suggests attending to concerns related to the evaluation of student performance and achievement in the first year of college. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)</p>
25
Vargo, John J. "Web technology support for more effective higher education: A formative evaluation." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Accountancy, Finance & Information Systems, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/5912.
Full textAbstract:
Do WWW based technologies provide a pedagogically sound foundation on which to build more effective higher educational systems? This study describes research conducted with a large (600+ students) first year accounting course during March-April 1998. The research focused on the impact of a web learning environment on student learning. The research used multiple methods to gain insight into the learning phenomenon including: case study, experimental and survey work. The research design generated both quantitative and qualitative data with which to test a research model and a series of hypotheses. Major findings included a supporting chain of evidence that the web learning environment had a significant positive impact on student learning working through the intervening variable of student attitude towards the subject content area. The positive impact on student learning was significant for both deep and surface learning, using Bloom's taxonomy for measuring depth of learning. Students also appeared to learn more with less time-on-task. Student participants were largely enthusiastic about the system. However a significant minority preferred more human contact than was provided. Outcomes of the study included formative recommendations for future research and development of web based courses including collaborative and quality recommendations.
26
GUSTAVSON, LAURA MORTEN. "HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: A STRATEGY TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY AND AN EVALUATION SCHEME." PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO, 2016. http://www.maxwell.vrac.puc-rio.br/Busca_etds.php?strSecao=resultado&nrSeq=27932@1.
Full textAbstract:
PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO<br>COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DO PESSOAL DE ENSINO SUPERIOR<br>PROGRAMA DE SUPORTE À PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO DE INSTS. DE ENSINO<br>Este trabalho tem por objetivo propor um conjunto de ações em sustentabilidade e uma ferramenta de avaliação e monitoramento como estratégia de pavimentar o árido processo para que uma dada instituição possa ser reconhecida como sustentável. Para avaliar o grau de performance institucional das IESs, propõe-se um modelo analítico para o ambiente organizacional de uma IES em 4 dimensões: Administrativa, Sociocultural, Acadêmica e Operacional. Para cada dimensão, e à luz de um conjunto de 40 ações em sustentabilidade construídas para refletir o estado-da-arte das recomendações internacionalmente consensadas, três índices de sustentabilidade são propostos (índice de comprometimento, coerência e dificuldade na implementação das ações propostas). A motivação consiste em prover uma metodologia sistemática de implementação e avaliação de ações em sustentabilidade para IESs, contribuindo para que estas instituições possam alcançar seus objetivos em favor do desenvolvimento sustentável. A metodologia da pesquisa estruturou-se em três pilares: (i) pesquisa documental e bibliográfica em sustentabilidade; (ii) análise crítica de métricas e indicadores de sustentabilidade e (iii) validação da ferramenta aplicada a um grupo seleto de 21 IESs norte americanas de excelência internacionalmente reconhecida. Os resultados indicaram um grau de comprometimento Bom (IC igual 0.73) para essas IESs. Dentre as conclusões, a ferramenta de avaliação e monitoramento proposta mostrou-se eficaz para a identificação e análise do comprometimento e performance institucional de IESs no processo de implementação de ações de sustentabilidade. Em nível global, a ferramenta proposta não deve ser entendida como um fim em si mesma, mas como um instrumento-guia para o aperfeiçoamento contínuo.<br>The objective of this work is to propose a set of sustainability actions and an evaluation scheme as a strategy to guide Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in their efforts to become more sustainable. Structured into four dimensions (Administrative, Social & Cultural, Academic, and Operational) a set of forty strategic sustainability actions are created (ten per dimension), reflecting state-of-the-art international recommendations for best practices in sustainability. Based on the institutional fulfillment of these actions, three sustainability indices are proposed as a metric for evaluating aspects related to the commitment, coherency and difficulty of execution of the proposed actions. The motivation for this work is to provide a systematic approach of implementation, evaluation and monitoring of sustainability actions, globally accessible to all HEIs, particularly given the demonstrated bias in the existing metrics favoring HEIs in developed economies. The research methodology is structured based on three pillars: (i) documentary and bibliographical research in sustainability (concepts, principles, guidelines, best practices); (ii) review of metrics and sustainability indicators and (iii) validation of the proposed tool through its application to a select group of 21 HEIs recognized for their academic and sustainability excellence. The results reveal a Good degree of commitment (CI equal 0.73) for the 21 HEIs studied, indicating the proposed evaluation scheme is effective in the identification and analysis of institutional commitment and performance of HEIs implementing sustainability initiatives.
27
DiGiacomo, Karen. "Program Evaluation of a Competency-Based Online Model in Higher Education." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3938.
Full textAbstract:
In order to serve its nontraditional students, a university piloted a competency-based program as alternative method for its students to earn college credit. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to conduct a summative program evaluation to determine if the program was successful in order to make decisions about program revision and expansion. The conceptual framework for the study was grounded in Knowles's adult learning theory and Bandura's social learning theory as they relate to adult learners being self-directed and self-motivated to complete their educational goals. The pilot program involved 60 students taking 12 different courses over 3 semesters. Quantitative research questions focused on student completion and pass rates, pacing of assignment submissions, and achievement of course competencies. Qualitative research questions explored perceptions of students, faculty, and advisors regarding the program through individual interviews and student surveys. Transcribed interviews were analyzed and summarized using structural and pattern coding methodology. Quantitative findings show an 83% completion rate, 60% passing rate, 32% of students falling 2 weeks or more behind, and differences in competency achievement between pilot students and traditional students. Qualitative findings revealed 5 themes: good for some but not for all, student success factors are self-motivation and professional experience, attainment of competencies, student support by faculty, and peer-to-peer interaction. This study has potential to add to the growing research on competency-based education, which can ultimately affect social change by moving higher education to more innovative alternative delivery models that can better serve the needs of nontraditional students.
28
Vasileiou, Ismini. "A pedagogical evaluation of Computing Flexible Learning Degrees in Higher Education." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2016. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/15399/.
Full textAbstract:
This study explores the understanding of academics, and students around Flexible Learning degrees in relation to pedagogy, and the implications of these perspectives for the design of effective Flexible Learning curriculum. It adopted an evaluation research methodology to investigate the Flexible Learning degrees in Computing offered at the Institution where I work during the years 2008-2010. Using open ended questionnaires, interviews and a reflective journal, data were gathered on participant perspectives on the following key areas of research interest: concepts of Flexible Learning; the Flexible Learning environment; the role of the tutor/ lecturer; the role of the learner; availability of information, resources and services; concepts of learning and the learning process. Questionnaire data and interviews were analysed using qualitative analysis to identify conceptual categories and the findings were further supported and explored by the reflective writing where personal observations were recorded, in addition to the literature. The main conclusions of the study were that: (1) learning is central to the way the Institution provides resources; (2) the design of a Flexible Learning environment influences student learning; (3) student progress depends largely on the lecturer and the feedback provided; and (4) the structure of a Flexible Learning degree must promote employability. The conclusions of the study are related to both the academics and the students. It is agreeable throughout the research that Flexible Learning requires highly motivated academics and students. With the tuition fees going up, active engagement in learning is highly encouraged in Higher Education. Flexible Learning degrees was the start of a new era in teaching and learning. The findings and successes of this project, are now applied to the whole institution that moved towards Flexible Learning in September 2015.
29
Hartloff, Kristin Michelle. "Peer involvement in teacher evaluation| A multiple case study." Thesis, California State University, Fullerton, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3662312.
Full textAbstract:
<p> Traditional teacher evaluation procedures involve the school leader providing feedback in a summative form to the classroom teacher (Tuytens & Devos, 2011). The function of the administrator to be both supervisor and evaluator is a contrasting role. There are four main purposes of teacher evaluation: improvement, accountability, staff development, and personnel decisions (Darling-Hammond, Wise, & Pease, 1983; Tuytens & Devos, 2011). Administrators are already constrained for time and resources. Therefore, fulfilling all four purposes through the current evaluation process in California is becoming increasingly difficult.</p><p> Using peers in the evaluation process is an alternative evaluation method being explored across the country, specifically in the form of Peer Assistance and Review (PAR; Goldstein, 2004; Matula, 2011; Weems & Rogers, 2010). The problem this research addressed was the efficacy of teacher evaluation systems and how evaluative practice can be improved from the perspectives of principals and Consulting Teachers (CTs) with experience in the PAR program. </p><p> The study found principals and CTs had mixed reactions regarding the inclusion of PAR as a multiple measure for teacher evaluation. All participants' perceptions of the role of the CT included the common language of supporter, helper, coach, and mentor, which matched the PAR documents from each district. The data showed that subjectivity, fear, and lack of time, negatively impacted the traditional teacher evaluation process and that involving peers in the process could be beneficial.</p>
30
Adamson, Julie M. "Analysis of ISO 9000 quality standards management certification instruction in California undergraduate engineering programs." Thesis, California State University, Dominguez Hills, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1524283.
Full textAbstract:
<p>The purpose of this thesis was to study how and to what extent ISO 9000 quality standards management certification is taught on the undergraduate level in courses in California ABET-accredited 4-year engineering programs. The level of knowledge of the standard among graduates is of concern because well-educated engineers are important to the future of businesses in the global economy, and the ISO 9000 series is an enduring standard of global significance. An email survey was conducted of over 2000 undergraduate engineering professors who are currently teaching in public and private California universities. The overview of responses indicates that, although the majority of professors have over 10 years of teaching experience and a past background in industry, ISO 9000 series certification is not widely understood, taught, or valued. Engineering students and their future employers are clearly not gleaning the benefits of learning this valuable global standard. </p>
31
Hill, Joyce Diane. "Student success and perceptions of course satisfaction in face-to-face, hybrid, and online sections of introductory biology classes at three, open enrollment, two-year colleges in southern Missouri." Thesis, Lindenwood University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3605532.
Full textAbstract:
<p> Introductory biology courses at two-year, open enrollment colleges in America are presented in a variety of different course delivery formats. Traditionally, most students have enrolled in seated or face-to-face (F2F) lectures and laboratories. There is increased demand for courses presented online or in a hybrid format, although some studies report higher attrition rates, and lower grades for these course delivery formats. The purpose of this study was to examine if there were academic differences among F2F, hybrid, or online introductory biology courses by analyzing precourse and postcourse assessment scores, final grades, attrition rates, and students' perceptions of course satisfaction. This study was grounded in the social constructivist conceptual framework and followed a mixed method design. Four research questions guided the study which involved the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. The study involved 354 adult students enrolled in three, open enrollment, two-year institutions in Southern Missouri. Statistical analysis indicated significantly higher mean gain scores on postcourse than precourse assessments, regardless of location or course format. There was a significant difference in final course grades for students enrolled in online courses compared to those in F2F or hybrid sections; students enrolled in online sections also had a significantly higher attrition rate. Seven focus groups were conducted, and students completed online surveys indicating their satisfaction level. This study had direct application to the design, implementation, and assessment of introductory biology courses and provided insight into students' academic success and perceptions of course satisfaction with introductory biology classes. </p>
32
Hayes, Linda A. "Identifying the strengths, needs, and barriers to student success for first generation, low-income, first year college students." Thesis, Northern Kentucky University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3606106.
Full textAbstract:
<p> This participatory action research needs assessment was to empower the students in a large urban research university to explore and to identify the strengths of the program, to identify the needs, and to identify the barriers to student success during their first year of college. Using qualitative methods of Group Level Interviews (GLA) and personal success narratives, low-income first generation college students engaged as advocates for improvements to a residential student support services program to benefit future first year students. Constant comparative analysis with open coding was used to analyze the data. The analysis of data revealed: (strengths) <i>self-efficacy relating to self-confidence, reaching out, proactive planning, support, community, and personal effort; </i>(needs) <i>empathic leadership, support, and community; </i>(barriers) <i>stress pertaining to their grades, obstacles and distractions, time management, and transition to college.</i> Overarching themes emerged as 1) community, 2) empathic leadership, 3) self-efficacy, and 4) time management.</p>
33
An, Jumei. "Faculty Perceptions of the Natonal Undergraduate Teaching and Learning Evaluation at Regular Higher Education Institutions From 2003 TO 2008 in China." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1339103750.
Full text
34
Chimwenje, Catherine. "Evaluation of the Primary School Leaving Examination in Malawi : how the examination meets its educational and selection goals." Thesis, University of Sussex, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.335403.
Full text
35
Laws, James Edward Jr. "An evaluation of the academic outcomes of the Upward Bound program at Virginia Union University." W&M ScholarWorks, 1996. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1539618428.
Full textAbstract:
This study analyzed the impact the Upward Bound program at Virginia Union University had on students' freshman year performance. The population selected for the study were those students who participated in Virginia Union University's Upward Bound program during the academic years 1984-85 through 1993-94 and entered Virginia Union University after completing the program.;The Upward Bound participants were compared to a comparable control group of non-Upward Bound students. The two groups were measured on the following variables: need for remedial math, need for remedial English, placement on academic probation, drop-out rate, average freshman GPA, average (for credit) math grade, and average (for credit) English grade.;The findings were mixed. Upward Bound had a statistically significant positive effect on students' English (for credit) performance. Conversely, a statistically significant negative effect was found regarding Upward Bound's effect on participants need for remedial math and freshman (for credit) math performance. The findings on the variables remedial English, academic probation, drop-out rates, and freshman GPA were not statistically significant.
36
Yamazaki, Naoko. "The evaluation of research in the UK and Japan." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2001. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/56205/.
Full textAbstract:
Most industrial countries have introduced a system of evaluation in the HE sector during the last two decades. Although the experience in each country is different, recent studies show that many countries have faced similar confusion and problems with regard to the application of evaluation. This study examines the validity of the present systems of evaluation for research in the UK and Japan, based on in-depth consideration of the factors behind the emergence of evaluation, political developments, policymakers' views, academic debates and institutional reactions in both nations. As an example of a response to the government's initiative, one case study in each country is undertaken, Warwick University in Britain and Nagoya University in Japan. Each case is analysed at three levels: institutional, departmental and individual. Some elements of the systems are then recontexualised in a comparative perspective, involving the analysis of background factors, development of the systems, details of the mechanisms and their impacts. An improved system of evaluation is suggested for each country. It is argued that evaluation intrinsically is an unseen but extremely powerful instrument. It has the dynamic force to be able to alter the original nature of all of those involved. When it is applied to academic research in the university, therefore, its effects could be immeasurable. Hence, it should be treated with prudent deliberation before implementation. It is pointed out that the current systems of research assessment in the UK and Japan have both produced a number of unintended effects, and both nations have not yet been successful in establishing a system which can judge quality appropriatel y. The study suggests that more serious consideration of the nature of 'evaluation' and its application to research will be required before developing further the present systems adopted in both countries. This should be backed by sufficient research studies on 'evaluation'.
37
AL, SENAIDI YAQOOB SALIM. "EVALUATION OF THE ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS COMPONENTSOF THE GENERAL FOUNDATION PROGRAM (GFP): OMANI UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ LEARNING SATISFACTION OUTCOMES." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent157608179817989.
Full text
38
Braley, Denise A. "Evaluation of Stakeholder Collaboration With a College Disability Learning Center." Thesis, Nova Southeastern University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3583496.
Full text
39
Davenport, JoanneAndi. "A Modified Program Evaluation of Training for Employer Compliance With Health Insurance Requirements." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3343.
Full textAbstract:
A training program was established in the Midwestern United States to help employers understand compliance requirements of the health insurance industry. The purpose of this study was to conduct a modified program evaluation of the effectiveness of Pay or Play, a portion of a larger Benefit Compliance Program. The reason for the evaluation was the high percentage of remediation needed for administrators of employee health insurance following Pay or Play seminar sessions, which posed the question of program effectiveness in education of participants. This study is important because administrators of employee health insurance are responsible for understanding compliance regulations and face penalties for noncompliance. The theoretical frameworks of constructivism, andragogy, and critical thinking and the conceptual framework of responsive program evaluation were used to guide the study. Document analysis of seminar materials and interviews were conducted with a sample of 12 volunteer seminar participants needing remediation from the school administration and business. Interviews and documents were manually coded and analyzed to identify themes. Findings included lack of variety of teaching methods and training materials appropriate for adult learners, a lack of engagement in critical thinking, and a lack of active construction within their own learning. Recommendations were made for changes in the facilitation methods and presentation of materials to support more effective training for adult participants. The implications of this study for positive social change include more effective training of employers on compliance regulations, which could result in greater understanding of government regulations of the health insurance industry, fewer cancellations of insurance coverage, and more effective implementation of benefits policy.
40
Nzama, Bongi Noreen Patricia. "An evaluation of the impact of higher education-business partnerships on technology-supported education reform." Thesis, Boston University, 2003. https://hdl.handle.net/2144/32812.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Ed.D.)--Boston University<br>PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you.<br>This study examined the relationship that exists between the processes that are employed when establishing and implementing higher education-business partnerships and the impact that these partnerships have on technology-supported education reform. The concept of technology-supported reform refers to educational initiatives that are designed to generate technological innovations and skills as the key outcomes of the reform process. While earlier studies (Antelo & Henderson, 1990; Powers & Powers; 1988; Meister, 1998) showed links between the implementation of the core partnership processes and the eflectiveness of partnerships, there was insufficient evidence in the literature to support the concept that higher education-business partnerships have an impact on higher education reform. Consequently, investigating the relationships between the core processes that lead to effective partnerships and those that contribute to education reform was a primary goal of this study.
The case study method was selected as the method of evaluation. Four cases that represent different contextual and operational environments were selected for the purpose of impact evaluation. A benchmarking framework was applied to the evaluation so that the investigation was consistent. The prediction was that each participating case would yield similar outcomes or replications with regard to the five theoretical assumptions, and the key research questions that bounded this study. Such replications would provide evidence to support a view held by South Africa's Ministry of Education (White Paper on Education 3, 1997), that business-education partnerships are a strategic policy approach for improving educational outcomes. This study assessed the extent to which the four cases addressed South Africa's post-apartheid educational transformation needs and challenges. Two sets of findings emerged: findings related to partnerships, and findings related to education reform.
The main finding relating to partnership was that successful higher educationbusiness partnerships engaged key processes and procedures for planning, implementing, and evaluating their work. A key finding related to education reform was that higher education-business partnerships make an impact on education reform. The most significant areas of impact were: teaching and learning, human resources development, technology transfer and research. The study concluded by developing a proposed benchmarking framework which can be used to plan, implement and evaluate higher education-business partnerships.<br>2031-01-01
41
O'Brien, Katherine F. "Success of developmental readers| An examination of factors affecting attrition and institutional practices which support retention." Thesis, Kent State University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3618948.
Full textAbstract:
<p> Students who enter higher education requiring reading remediation have poor institutional persistence. This study examined the course success and first-year institutional persistence of six women enrolled in a developmental reading course at a regional campus of a state university. Data sets were comprised of classroom observation, review of academic records, and interviews with students and their instructor. </p><p> </p>
42
Nakornthap, Amornwich. "Curriculum evaluation in higher education : a case study of government universities in Thailand /." The Ohio State University, 1988. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487587604132502.
Full text
43
Kaliika, Michael. "Perceptions of commerce graduates from a selected higher education institution." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004358.
Full textAbstract:
The role of higher education in developing human capital and contributing to economic growth, competitive advantage and societal progress of any country is well documented. The direct link between the economic performance of a country and the level of education of its citizens cannot be repudiated. Furthermore, the demands of a growing economy, governmental pressure and the competitive international business environment have put pressure on South African businesses. This is aggravated by a “skills crisis” and the need to deliver more goods and services to increasingly more diverse customers. There is consensus amongst experts that the shortage of skills and high-level managerial human resources in South Africa constitute a major threat to the country’s future economic development and productivity growth. As the business world becomes increasingly sophisticated and challenging, so does the need to continuously review and assess the business qualifications that equip managers to cope with the challenges facing them. The competencies that come with a Commerce degree are relevant in every corner of society from managing successful private companies, public organisations, for governments to be able to contribute to the greatest good of society, to socially effective not- for- profit organisations. Despite the importance of a degree in Commerce there are some criticisms about the degree and Commerce graduates. The problem statement of this study is therefore vested in the continuum of praise and criticisms of Commerce graduates and the Commerce curriculum and, the reported imbalances between higher education institutions and the needs of the labour market. The question is whether such praise and criticisms are justified and whether higher education institutions specifically meet the requirements and expectations of both the graduates themselves and of business practice. The primary research objective of this study was, therefore, to obtain the opinions of Commerce graduates and Commerce graduate employers on the overall perception of Commerce graduates produced by a prominent HEI in the Eastern Cape Province in South iv Africa. To achieve this objective and based on in-depth analysis of secondary sources, two independent empirical surveys, aimed at two population strata were conducted, namely: • The Commerce graduates with known email addresses (N = 1 870) were extracted from the HEI’s alumni database. A total of 231 usable questionnaires were received from these Commerce graduates. • The employers with known addresses (N = 85) were extracted from the selected HEIs Career Centre database. A total of 47 usable questionnaires were received from the employers of the Commerce graduates. The main findings in this research pertain to aspects concerning core courses in the Commerce curriculum offered by the selected HEI, management skills and traits as required in the work environment, commerce curriculum outcomes and perceived experience as a student in the Faculty of Commerce at the selected HEI and Employer perceptions on the profile of the Commerce graduate. In this regard, the main findings are therefore summarised below: • Both graduates and employers assigned high relative importance scores to seventeen of the 19 core courses, supporting the multi-functionary interdisciplinary approach to the Commerce curriculum. Concerns were expressed by the Commerce graduates with the quality of tuition they had received in most of the core courses. Likewise, employers were not always satisfied with the Commerce graduates’ proficiency in some of the core courses, relative to the importance of core courses for running a business. • The Commerce graduates and employers strongly endorsed and supported the importance of the 43 management skills and traits in the work environment. Commerce graduates expressed concerns about the extent to which their management skills and traits had been developed through tuition. Concerns about the proficiency of the Commerce graduates in all the management skills and traits, relative to the importance in the work place, were conveyed by the employers. • On average the perceptions on the outcome of studies in the Faculty of Commerce were very highly regarded by the Commerce graduates. The highest mean score was for the item “Studying in the Faculty of Commerce contributed to an increase in my knowledge and abilities.”• The perceived experience of Commerce graduates as students in the Faculty of Commerce at the selected HEI was very highly regarded, implying that the selected HEI was meeting the expectations of its Commerce graduates. • Employer perceptions of what would constitute an ideal Commerce graduate were not fully met by the profile of the actual Commerce graduate from the selected HEI.
44
Glendinning, I. "Evaluation of policies for academic integrity in higher education : an international perspective." Thesis, Coventry University, 2016. http://curve.coventry.ac.uk/open/items/6200b505-ea88-49b4-bc8c-b56cdb38a5e9/1.
Full textAbstract:
Academic Integrity is central to the security of higher education academic standards and qualifications. However in recent years threats to integrity and educational quality have increased throughout the world because of high rates of academic misconduct. The author of the portfolio was Principal Investigator and project leader for the EU funded project Impact of Policies for Plagiarism in Higher Education Across Europe (IPPHEAE, 2010-2013) and has continued to build on the findings from the research since the project ended. Over 5000 survey responses were collected from over 200 institutions across 27 European Union (EU) countries, through on-line questionnaires, interviews and focus groups, involving higher education students, academics, managers, researchers and people concerned with HE nationally. The portfolio draws on the authors significant contributions to the IPPHEAE research which explored the nature and efficacy of institutional policies designed to address these threats and promote ethical and scholarly academic conduct. Although some effective policies were evident, for example in UK, Sweden, Austria and Slovakia, the findings indicated that much more could be done in every country studied to improve guidance and support given to both students and teachers. Great disparities were evident across Europe in what was perceived as acceptable academic conduct, procedures to investigate allegations of student cheating and penalties applied for different offences. This initial research highlighted inherent inconsistencies, lack of transparency and unfairness in student outcomes. It is remarkable that such major policy and conceptual differences should exist despite moves to harmonise educational systems across the EU. There was a perception among survey respondents that outcomes and penalties for students found to be cheating would vary within an institution according to which lecturer found the problem. The author’s contributions to the body of knowledge include a unique insight into how well HEIs in different part of Europe appreciate current challenges to academic integrity and how their perceptions are driving national and institutional policies. Key outputs from the authors’ own research include the Academic Integrity Maturity Model (AIMM), which calculates a maturity profile for each country studies based on nine metrics, calculated from the survey data. AIMM was applied in the country-bycountry report comparing policies across the 27 EU countries. AIMM has since been repurposed as an institutional evaluation and benchmarking tool and forms the basis for the Scorecard for Academic Integrity Development (SAID). The portfolio contains five different publications that cover the main elements of the authors’ research in this specific field: a journal paper, a conference paper, a book chapter, the EU-wide comparison report and an expert witness report presented to an international forum. All the publications have been subject to peer review. Given the vast scale and scope of this research, the author has collaborated with many other researchers in the course of the underlying research and developments. Eight main co-researchers were given access to the portfolio and draft thesis and each has provided a statement about their view of the research. The author is now building on earlier research, in conjunction with the global research community. Further funding has just been provided to extend IPPHEAE to the Balkan region (Council of Europe) and to create a European Network for Academic Integrity (Erasmus+). The long-term goal is to improve the security and integrity of qualifications and systems in education and research throughout the world. Only if the future leaders of government, business, education and commerce become convinced of the need for ethical values and integrity, will we begin to see long-term positive changes to cultural values affecting wider society.
45
Raistrick, Claire Gillian. "Educators' self evaluation practices when making technology enhanced innovation in higher education." Thesis, Lancaster University, 2013. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.730916.
Full text
46
Bolden, Kenneth Frank. "Applying Logic Modeling to the Higher Education Accreditation Process." ScholarWorks@UNO, 2007. http://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/563.
Full textAbstract:
In recent years, regional accreditation and the regional accreditation associations for higher education have experienced continuing criticism and become the objects of increased scrutiny. Higher education institutions look to the accreditation process as one of the principal means of justifying their actions and activities relative to their performance and results. Since the complaints and criticism directed toward higher education have not diminished but continued, and even increased, the regional accreditation associations find themselves to be the focus of similar complaints and criticisms. In the United States, we have no national system of accreditation. We rely on the actions and activities of one of the six regional accreditation associations. Each of these associations has its own separate and, in some cases, unique accreditation processes. Each publishes its own standards, its own handbooks, its own policies and practices, its own newsletters, and its own rules and regulations for accreditation. This situation can lead to inconsistencies, and could be a source of much confusion and misunderstanding when discussing the implications of an institution being accredited within a particular region. Logic models are diagrams or visual schematics that convey relationships between program processes and outcomes. This study uses logic modeling and logic model theory as the framework for an examination of the components of accreditation within two regional accreditation associations. A systematic and detailed methodology was developed in order to construct a logic model from existing handbooks and documents. As a result, two regional logic models were constructed, as well as a combined model based upon common elements. Implications of this study include the possible construction of a national accreditation logic model if the methodology is applied in the additional regional associations. This conceptual approach could lead to more consistency in the design, communication, and application of accreditation processes. Better understanding of, and less confusion concerning, the myriad of activities and processes required in a successful regional accreditation could lead to better, more effective, and more meaningful accreditation activities and results. This, in turn, could generate true growth and improvement in the actions, activities, and results achieved by our higher education institutions.
47
Cemal, Nat Muesser. "Design, development and evaluation of technology enhanced learning environments : learning styles as an evaluation tool for metacognitive skills." Thesis, University of Greenwich, 2012. http://gala.gre.ac.uk/11995/.
Full textAbstract:
Recognising the powerful role that technology plays in the lives of people, researchers are increasingly focusing on the most effective uses of technology to support learning and teaching. Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) has the potential to support and transform student learning and provides the flexibility of when, where and how to learn. At the same time, it promises to be an effective educational method (Wei and Yan 2009). One of the hottest topics in this field is adaptive learning (Mylonas, Tzouveli and Kollias 2004). Today, with the ability of advanced technologies to capture, store and use student data, it is possible to deliver adaptive learning based on student preferences. TEL can also put students at the centre of the learning process, which allows them to take more responsibility for their own learning. However, this requires students to be metacognitive so they can manage and monitor their learning progress. This thesis investigates the impact of student metacognitive skills on their learning outcomes in terms of recalling and retaining information within a formally designed and TEL environment. The learning outcomes of students who study a subject consistent with their learning styles and another group of students who study the same subject in contrast to their learning styles are then compared to determine which group performs better. Based on this approach, a TEL environment is designed for undergraduate students to use for the purpose of collecting the required experimental data. The results of this study suggest that effective use of metacognitive skills by students has a direct bearing on their learning performance and ability to recall information. The outcomes reveal that successful students use effective metacognitive skills to complete their studies and achieve their learning goals in a TEL environment. Therefore, it clear that metacognition can play a critical role in successful learning, and, furthermore, this approach can assist educationalists in understanding the importance of metacognition in learning and in considering how technology can be used to better to allow students to apply metacognitive skills. The designed TEL environment for this study can be utilised as a precursor to implement TEL environments that can be adapted to individual learning styles, and to support the development of metacognitive skills.
48
Edmiston-Strasser, Dawn Marie. "An Evaluation Of A Global Business Minor Program On The Intercultural Competence And Professional Development Of Students And Faculty." W&M ScholarWorks, 2020. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1593091599.
Full textAbstract:
Internationalization has become widely recognized as a critical element of higher education, and study abroad is considered one of the most common methods to achieve it. Yet, despite the perceived value of study abroad for both students and faculty, institutions struggle with committing resources to such opportunities as well as assessing the true impact of these learning experiences. This study evaluated the Global Business Minor (GBM) program at William & Mary (W&M), the first program in the nation to allow students to earn a minor in a single summer through an innovative hybrid learning approach that involved one week at W&M, three weeks of online learning and eight weeks at University College Dublin in Ireland. This evaluation sought to provide insights to administrators regarding the facilitating conditions and barriers for the GBM as well as how the program contributed to the intercultural competence and professional development of students and faculty. This study involved in-depth interviews and document analyses to include student reflections on LinkedIn. The findings revealed the GBM contributed to the intercultural competence of students and faculty through an increased understanding of cultural awareness, diversity, and perspective. The program also contributed to the professional development of students through career awareness and building competencies related to communication and teamwork, as well as the professional development of faculty through the enrichment of curriculum and enhancement of teaching skills. Recommendations included dedicating resources to ensure sustainable and immersive learning programs, establishing clear program objectives with intentional assessments, and incentivizing faculty efforts to teach abroad in support of W&M's mission to develop compassionate global citizens.
49
Lovett, Susan Burroughs. "Family and consumer sciences in higher education common elements in undergraduate curriculum /." Lynchburg, Va. : Liberty University, 2005. http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu.
Full text
50
Montes, Roberto Emmanuel. "Support and guidance| The experiences of first-generation college students at a private university." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10196534.
Full textAbstract:
<p> This ethnographic study addressed two effective programs designed to assist first-time underrepresented college students navigate and successfully graduate from a private four-year university. This study also addressed how small universities can often reach out to first-generation college students even when these students apply too late for special programs. It focuses on incoming-freshmen on their first semester of their freshmen year and on Alumnae. I explore how students’ transitions from high school to a four-year university are bounded by a variety of factors within the school's structural organization. By taking an anthropological framework, my qualitative research explores behavior and perspectives about the transition of First Generation College students (FGCs) and how support systems can enable these students to stay enrolled in college.</p><p> Findings indicate four major themes that enabled students to successfully graduate or enroll into the subsequent semester: 1) social support; 2) social capital; 3) importance of mentor, 4) importance of FGCs programs. The research process utilizes participant observation and interviews in uncovering the role that these support programs play in the transition of these students. Questions were posed for further research and recommendations were made for implementation by the university programs evaluated in this thesis.</p>