Informal learning for sustainability in higher education institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 378-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia Luise Gramatakos ◽  
Stephanie Lavau
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Formal Curriculum ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Sustainable Future

PurposeMany higher education institutions are committed to developing students as skilled professionals and responsible citizens for a more sustainable future. In addition to the formal curriculum for sustainability education, there is an increasing interest in informal learning within universities. This paper aims to extend the current understanding of the diversity and significance of informal learning experiences in supporting students’ learning for sustainability.Design/methodology/approachSix focus groups were formed with 30 undergraduate and postgraduate students from an Australian higher education institution committed to supporting graduate competencies for sustainability. An inductive and qualitative inquiry was designed to enable participants to reflect on the ways in which their university experiences support meaningful and significant learning for sustainability.FindingsThe paper presents a typology of the diverse communities of informal learning that students create and engage with. These range from ongoing to transient groups, from environmentally to more socially oriented groups and from incidental to intended learning, from local to national in scale, with varying types and degrees of connection to the formal curriculum and the university campus. The paper demonstrates that these student-led experiences support three domains of learning: cognitive, practical and affective.Originality/valueDeepening the understanding of the forms and significance of student-led learning within their university experience contributes to the identification of the roles that informal learning may play alongside formal education in developing graduates as agents of change for a more sustainable future.

What matters for higher education success of private educational institutions? Senior students’ perceptions in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 616-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayaraman Krishnaswamy ◽  
Zarif Hossain ◽  
Mohan Kumar Kavigtha ◽  
Annamalai Nagaletchimee
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Career Development ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Private University ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Smart Classroom ◽  
Social Governance ◽  
User Friendly

Purpose Within the higher education structure, students have the desire for both virtual and face-to-face learning and demand for diverse simulations from the higher education institutions. The purpose of this study is to highlight the significance of higher education success (HES) for one of the top private universities in Malaysia. In the paper, a research model for HES has been proposed and tested within the management perspectives. This research model has five dimensions, namely, smart classroom, user-friendly technology, peers support, partnership and social governance, as potential determinants for HES. Design/methodology/approach A structured survey questionnaire using an extensive literature review was conducted from a No. 1 private university in Malaysia. The target population included students who have passed out under-graduate or post-graduate or are studying in their final trimester. The questionnaire was administered to 107 respondents using an interview method in order to have scientific and authentic data with minimal common method bias. The data collection process was taken over a one-month period during May 2018 and it ensured the rectification of missing data. The study utilized an inclusive criterion as those students who have complete knowledge about the university in terms of academic, administrative and technical matters. Findings Out of 107 survey respondents, 76 (71 percent) respondents were favorable for HES, which implies that the targeted education institution strives toward career development for students. The study reveals that the partnership of the institution has a positive influence on HES. Smart classroom and social governance are the other determinants which have a positive impact on HES. An excellent infrastructure facility together with formal and informal activities to cultivate knowledge sharing, trustworthiness, quality education and academic excellence of the institution makes it a healthy atmosphere for students to pursue their studies. However, user-friendly technology and peers support were not found to be significant. Practical implications The proposed research model is crucial for educationalists to design the course curriculum for higher education institutions. The significant results and scope discussed in the present study can be applied and customized to any higher education institution in the globe for long-term sustainability to orient students toward career development. Originality/value Since the present paper investigates the No. 1 private university, the current findings can be used as a guide for other private universities to enhance their course curriculum. The conceptualization of the research model includes new dimensions which highlight the latest development in HES. Emerging studies have claimed that HES depends on effective administration of the institution by the management and appropriate industry linkages, with the highest priority for student learning capabilities to exhibit their talents.

scholarly journals Student Satisfaction Survey: A Key for Quality Improvement in the Higher Education Institution

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Kanwar
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Satisfaction Index ◽  
Innovative Method ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Day By Day

Abstract In India there are many higher education institutions and with growing population the number is incrementing day by day. Before taking admission in an institution student analyse the facilities and standard of the institution from the website and by taking peer opinions. Student contentment and feedback is gaining larger importance with mushrooming higher education institutions in India. This paper illustrates a method to analyse student feedback obtained from undergraduate and postgraduate students to assess the Student Satisfaction Index. The feedback is taken on overall infrastructure facilities, academic environment, services offered by the college, additional activities for overall development, quality of experiences and outcomes. This paper gives detailed information about the methodology, calculation and outcome of the exercise utilizing Likert scale analysis. With the recent emerging trends, this innovative method offers flexibility to integrate more parameters, group certain parameters to get feedback on a particular issue and transmute the type of questions with changing environment and structure. The analysis is done using a statistical method. The sample result directly highlights the importance and flexibility of method to evaluate overall satisfaction, satisfaction cognate to a single parameter and satisfaction for questions grouped together underlining some paramount aspects of higher education.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurial Learning in Higher Education: Perceptions, Realities and Collaborative Work from the Stakeholder Point of View

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 255
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Marques ◽  
Ana Isabel Couto ◽  
Paula Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Entrepreneurial Learning ◽  
Entrepreneurial Spirit ◽  
Formal And Informal Learning

In recent years, Portuguese universities have diversified their strategies for the promotion of entrepreneurial education among (under/post) graduates, both through formal education and non- formal and informal activities. Indeed, Higher Education Institutions can provide entrepreneurial learning opportunities for students, stimulating new attitudes and behaviours towards entrepreneurship. In terms of non-formal and informal learning, various types of activity are of particular significance, and include entrepreneurship promotion and skills-based training, as well as monitoring of the development of ideas and projects. These activities are undertaken by various higher education stakeholders and key-actors, who contribute to the construction of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and increase entrepreneurial spirit in (under/post) graduates. The research reported here is based on the main findings gathered from the ongoing project "Entrepreneurial Learning, Cooperation and the Labour Market: Good Practices in Higher Education (POAT-FSE)", focusing particularly on the results of a survey questionnaire completed by a diverse sample of entities linked to Portuguese public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and working to promote non-formal and informal entrepreneurial activities, as well as a set of case studies carried out regarding examples of best practice in Portuguese Higher Education. In doing so, this paper aims to highlight the importance of non-formal and informal learning, and to contribute to reflection on the added value of inter-organizational cooperation and collaborative work.

Comprehensive quality assessment of Czech higher education institutions

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 138-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaroslav Nenadál
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Assessment Methodology ◽  
Pilot Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Assessment Approach

Purpose – The paper aims to sum up the principal and original set of information related to the special project covered by Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, which was oriented to quality assurance and assessment at Czech higher education institutions. It brings main results and lessons learned from comprehensive quality assessment methodology pilot testing. Design/methodology/approach – Brainstorming conferences, seminars, comparative analysis, interviews, design review and validation were used by the expert team to develop and to test the comprehensive quality assessment methodology. Findings – The EFQM Excellence Model is the most comprehensive tool for quality assurance and quality assessment. It is pragmatic and practical, but it is necessary to adapt this model for effective use at Czech higher education institutions as a set of assessment criteria. The comprehensive quality assessment approach does not only examine what universities and other higher schools have achieved in the past (through lagging indicators), but it also includes assessment of their potential for the future through the so-called leading indicators. Research limitations/implications – The pilot testing of designed methodology of comprehensive quality assessment was performed within 12 Czech higher education institutions, but the lessons learned have common validity for any Czech higher education institution. Originality/value – The proposed methodology of comprehensive quality assessment is a quite new approach from the point of Czech higher education institutions view. It offers new and efficient tool for next higher schools and universities development.

scholarly journals SOFT SKILLS FORMATION OF THE NON-PEDAGOGICAL SPECIALTIES STUDENTS IN THE PROCESS OF STUDYING THE COURSE «PEDAGOGY»

2021 ◽  
pp. 267-271
Author(s):  
Halyna Meshko ◽  
Oleksandr Meshko
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Empirical Observation ◽  
Professional Self

The purpose of the article is to identify ways to form soft skills of future professionals in higher education, to clarify the role of the author’s course «Pedagogy» for students of non-pedagogical specialties in this aspect. Research methods applied: theoretical − analysis of scientific sources, psychological and pedagogical literature and educational literature, comparison, systematization, generalization, modeling; empirical − observation, analysis of educational and professional training programs for bachelors of non-pedagogical specialties, generalization of pedagogical experience. The article analyses the state of development of this problem in psychological and pedagogical science and practice of higher education institutions. The essence of the concept of «soft skills» of future specialists, types of «soft» skills, ways of their formation in a higher education institution are clarified. The developed author’s program of the course «Pedagogy» for preparation of students of non-pedagogical specialties, in particular, 242 Tourism 101 Ecology 103 Earth Sciences, 106 Geography studying at the Faculty of Geography of Ternopil V.Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University is presented. The program is aimed at developing skills of productive interpersonal interaction and constructive conflict resolution; mastering models of successful activity, development of emotional intelligence; formation of creative and critical thinking; mastering the technology of personal and professional self-education and self-development; increasing the level of professional stress resistance; assistance in harmonizing the personality of the future specialist; strengthening resources that will increase resilience to life’s hardships and occupational difficulties. Methods and forms of work on practical classes of the course «Pedagogy» that promote the formation of soft skills of students of non-pedagogical specialties are characterized. The importance of using elements of psychological and pedagogical training in practical classes in pedagogy in the formation of soft skills of students (performance of psycho-drawings, psychological games, and exercises, role-playing situations, methods of nonverbal interaction. Relaxation exercises, use of parables, and others) is shown. The necessity and possibility of involving students in personal and professional growth trainings, anti-stress trainings, anti-burnout trainings, which are held in the Centre of Pedagogical Consulting, are indicated. Prospects for further research are identified, which are to substantiate and develop a system of formation of «soft skills» of future professionals by means of formal and non-formal education in the socio-cultural environment of higher education institutions using digital technologies.

Analyzing the factors that can limit the acceptability to introduce new specializations in higher education institutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 530-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wasim Abbas ◽  
Munir Ahmed ◽  
Rizwan Khalid ◽  
Tehreem Yasmeen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Education System ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Higher Education System

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive view of barriers that restrict the adoption of new specializations and courses in the higher education institutions of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative methods were used to get the responses from the respondents of different institution of target areas. Results were further analyzed with the help of statistical tools. In total, 203 respondents were approached to fill the carefully designed questionnaire. Findings Results of the study clearly show four major factors, including internal barrier, external barrier, cultural barrier and leadership barrier, that are restricting the introduction and adoption of new specialization courses in higher education institutes of Southern Punjab. Suggestions at the end are made to address the restrictions. Research limitations/implications The current study states only six higher education institution of Southern Punjab, which is a kind of limitation itself. This study is conducted by taking into account the needs and trends of the businesses and markets; student perspective is not taken about the situation in this study, which is an another limitation of the study. To get more accurate and validated results, the higher education institutions located in other areas of Pakistan could be studied, which was not done in this study because of time and resource limitations. Practical implications This study may prove worthy to bring a positive and practical shift in the Pakistani higher education system. This study may also prove beneficial to show the actual picture of the situation to national leaders, academician and policy maker so that things are taken seriously to actually align the Pakistani higher education system with the emerging market demands and trends. Suggestions made in this study may provide comprehensive guidelines to the academic strategists to uplift the higher education institutions of Pakistan up to the international standards and requirements, so the Pakistani higher education institutions can get a respectful place in the international academic rankings. Originality/value The paper highlights the restrictions and helps the institutions to introduce new specialization courses.

scholarly journals Rethinking competition-based entrepreneurship education in higher education institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayleigh Watson ◽  
Pauric McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Business Plan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Model ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus with the university-based business plan competition (BPC) and proposes how the theory of effectuation might inform a new model. Such a purpose is timely given the under-challenged nature of the BPC methodology. Design/methodology/approach Extant literature pertaining to business planning and the business plan within entrepreneurship education and effectuation is reviewed; numerous conceptual issues which undermine BPC provision in its traditional form are then identified. In response to these identified issues, a series of principles which could underpin the introduction of an effectuation-led business coopetition (EBC) are outlined. Findings Strong emphasis on business plan production within a conventional BPC model raises questions about its capacity to release the entrepreneurial potential of the higher education institution student and provide them with an authentic and relevant entrepreneurial learning experience. Through using the ideas of effectuation to rethink provision, the action of business plan production can usefully be replaced with the action of business implementation. As well as facilitate a beneficial shift from competition to coopetition-based entrepreneurship education. Originality/value This paper valuably critiques the efficacy of a commonly employed yet under-challenged methodology for entrepreneurship education; the BPC. The propositions offered can guide competition provision in a more authentic, realistic and relevant way that is potentially better suited to inspiring and supporting entrepreneurial new venturing amongst students and graduates now rather than in the future. The paper thus has practical value to those designing and delivering competition-based entrepreneurship education.

Information and knowledge management in higher education institutions: the Polish case

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 1209-1227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Deja
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Information Culture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
Adopted Model ◽  
Information And Knowledge Management

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problem of information and knowledge management (IKM) in higher education institutions. The research aims to determine the way in which the knowledge resources of a higher education institution are managed. The author intends to define how the information system is shaped and how information and knowledge are used in the reporting processes and for decision-making efficiency. Design/methodology/approach In total, 38 university administration employees from six higher education institutions in Poland participated in the study. Information barriers and benefits resulting from the implementation of the central reporting system “POL-on” were identified by using the sense-making technique. The purpose of the interviews was to determine the procedural and behavioural conditions of the reporting and decision-making processes in higher education institutions in Poland. Findings This paper suggests four characteristics of IKM in higher education institutions. A link between the information culture of the institution, its size and structure as well as the adopted model of IKM is demonstrated. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper is to introduce a framework for studying the IKM in higher education institutions from the perspective of information culture. Higher education institutions have developed different styles of striving for efficiency regarding decision making and reporting in administration. The IM and KM are now proved to be an integrated process in administrative activities of higher education institutions.

Moonlighting in Ghana's higher education institutions: exploring lecturers' experiences at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Kojo Sakyi ◽  
Kingsley Senyo Agomor
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Public Administration ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Public Higher Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis paper aims to examine lecturers' experiences of moonlighting in the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was used. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 purposively selected informants. Data were transcribed and analyzed thematically.FindingsThe findings are that moonlighting is common at GIMPA, and the institutional environment is conducive for the practice. Knowledge of the practice is unclear. However, moonlighting serves as a source of additional income for lecturers, which a significant majority describe as enabling their continuing employment at GIMPA, but many pointed out the negative effects as well. Lack of a policy to control the behavior has been cited as a reason for the problem, which left lecturers to self-determine what to do. Moonlighting practice is affecting the quality of teaching and support to students by the lecturers.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of the respondents who participated in the study is small and limited to 18. Their views cannot be generalized to all higher education institutions. But, the results show the seriousness of the problem and its implications.Practical implicationsMoonlighting is prevalent in GIMPA. It suggests that employees of other public higher education institutions are no immune to it.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind to explore the practice of moonlighting in a quasi-public higher education institution in Ghana. It has added to the empirical literature on the practice and the effects on the institution.

Entrepreneurial education exposure: a comparative investigation between technical and nontechnical higher education

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayotunde Adetola Adelaja
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Comparative Investigation ◽  
Entrepreneurial Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Students ◽  
The Difference

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the significance of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial intention between students of technical and nontechnical higher education institution after exposure to entrepreneurial education.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts the TPB model and tests the difference in intention between two different samples after they have been exposed to entrepreneurial education. Therefore, the data were analyzed using linear regression and students T-test. Data were collected from students studying at technical and nontechnical higher education institutions in Nigeria at the end of the semester to verify that they have been exposed to entrepreneurial education.FindingsThe findings reveal a weak significant relationship between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intention among nontechnical students, and no significant relationship was found among technical students after entrepreneurial education exposure. Further findings reveal no significant relationship between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intention when the samples are combined.Practical implicationsIn response to the volatile economy and uncertain employment opportunities for graduates in Nigeria, the ministry of education and the management of higher education institutions (universities and polytechnics) have to integrate into the entrepreneurial education curriculum change of mindset, needed entrepreneurial skills, capabilities and entrepreneurial competence that is able to nurture the intention of students toward entrepreneurship opportunities identification and exploration in their immediate and extended markets.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive empirical evidence of effectiveness of entrepreneurial education and intention between students with technical and nontechnical education background after entrepreneurial education exposure. This study is among the first that will put the survey timing into consideration. Therefore, fills important gap in the entrepreneurship literature.

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