Exploring the educational needs of adult learners: A study of three universities in Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaw Owusu-Agyeman ◽  
Magda Fourie-Malherbe ◽  
Liezel Frick

Adult learners have unique educational needs that require attention from Higher Education Institutions, facilitators and industry. While several theories and policies have been developed to address the bourgeoning educational challenges confronting adult learners in Higher Education Institutions, not much has been achieved in the wake of growing knowledge and skills demands of employers. Using a mixed method approach, a survey (n = 200) and focus group discussions (n = 27) were conducted among adult learners who were also professionals studying engineering programmes in three diverse universities in Ghana. Additionally, interviews were conducted with representatives from industry and from the three engineering departments in the three universities. The study revealed that while the development of separate programmes for adult learners in Higher Education Institutions is not plausible in meeting the educational needs of adult learners, a different pedagogy could be used in addressing the unique knowledge and skills needs of adult learners. We present the implications of our study in relation to theory, practice and further research.

Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar

Cheating in academics has been on the increase and it reflects a lack of integrity on the part of students. If no efforts are made to prevent academic misconduct/dishonesty, it will contribute to the image and standing of higher education institutions (HEIs). Cheating is not only an ethical concern, but it also leads to lesser knowledge and competencies acquisition. Equally, when students cheat the faculty feel cheated and efforts wasted. The resultant may be low morale of educators which is dangerous. Hence, HEIs are making efforts to reduce cheating and strengthen academic integrity (AI) through polices, rules, and procedures. Nevertheless, the focus seems to be more on bolting the stable after the horse has left or is largely administrative in nature. Therefore, adopting a mixed method approach the core of this chapter is to focus on preventing cheating through academic approach. The objective is to discuss how student-centered teaching strategies can prevent academic misconduct with focus on management disciple.


SAGE Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 215824402094744
Author(s):  
Amal Said Al-Amri ◽  
Priya Mathew ◽  
Yong Zulina Zubairi ◽  
Rohana Jani

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly being held accountable for maintaining quality in their activities by governments, industry, students, and the community as a whole. Accreditation agencies formulate assessment criteria covering the entire range of HEI activities so that the quality of HEI activities can be measured. However, as the perceptions of stakeholders varies of what makes a good HEI, it is crucial to investigate their opinions about the standards set by these agencies. This study uses focus group discussions involving Omani HEI stakeholders, including students, HEI staff, and employers, to gain insights into their perceptions on the most significant standards set by Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA) in measuring the quality of HEIs. It was found that stakeholders’ views of the key standards that measure HEI quality varies. Students were in favor of the standards related to the quality of teaching and learning. Students also show a good level of awareness about employers’ priorities. Employers were more concerned about the research skills of graduates and their industry and community involvement. There was also some agreement between staff and employers on the importance of governance and management. This study provides HEIs, OAAA, and partner universities insights into stakeholder priorities and concerns.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah West ◽  
David Heath ◽  
Henk Huijser

This paper presents a dialogical tool for the advancement of learning analytics implementation for student retention in Higher Education institutions. The framework was developed as an outcome of a project commissioned and funded by the Australian Government’s Office for Learning and Teaching. The project took a mixed-method approach including a survey at the institutional level (n = 24), a survey of individual teaching staff and other academics with an interest in student retention (n = 353), and a series of interviews (n = 23). Following the collection and analysis of these data an initial version of the framework was developed and presented at a National Forum attended by 148 colleagues from 43 different institutions. Participants at the forum were invited to provide commentary on the usefulness and composition of the framework which was subsequently updated to reflect this feedback. Ultimately, it is envisaged that such a framework might offer institutions an accessible and concise tool to structure and systematize discussion about how learning analytics might be implemented for student retention in their own context.


2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-126
Author(s):  
E. P. Tudzi ◽  
J. T. Bugri ◽  
A. K. Danso

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which aims at the eradication of poverty by 2030 has as its fourth goal the need to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all. Nonetheless, less than two per cent of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana are able to attain higher education. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether libraries, which are major components of Higher Education Institutions, are physically accessible to even the limited number of PWDs in such Institutions. This study was undertaken in 2015 using the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) in Ghana as a case study. A mixed method approach was used that involved a desk study, interviews and a physical audit of the KNUST Library System using a checklist developed from international  accessibility standards. In all, 16 libraries were assessed. The study concluded that the libraries at KNUST were generally not physically accessible and this served as a deterrent to PWDs in their academic pursuits. Recommendations which include the need for retrofitting the libraries were made to help make the libraries accessible and in consequence help toward the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with respect to Ghana.Keywords: Accessibility; Higher Education Institutions; Libraries; Persons with disabilities (PWDs); Universal design principles


This research particularly aimed to examine mediating roles of Information Technology (IT) innovation under the influences of IT governance to improve competitive advantages of institutions. For this primary goal, it was conducted both quantitatively and qualitatively. Apart from an empirical survey with active participation of 85 private schools of informatics management and computing in Indonesia, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were applied. Heads of respective schools became the informants. Quantitative data results emphasize that IT governance has indirect influences on competitive advantages. Mediating roles of IT innovation, however, positively and significantly improve such advantages. This paper suggests the essence of IT governance and IT innovation in improving higher education institutions in developing and developed countries.


Author(s):  
Suwithida Charungkaittikul ◽  
Archanya Ratana-Ubol ◽  
John A. Henschke

The study proposes strategies to reorient higher education institutions toward lifelong learning to serve lifelong adult learners in Thailand. The Ethnographic Delphi Futures Research (EDFR) approach was used for data collection. Additional research instruments used were in-depth interviews, a questionnaire “Measurable Performance Indicators [MPI] for Lifelong Learning,” SWOT Analysis form, focus group discussions, and a strategic assessment form. The results revealed five national and seven institutional strategies with several sub-details for each strategy. Finally, the suggested strategies could help higher education institutions world-wide to strengthen the policies, processes, and change apparatuses.


INFORMASI ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 215
Author(s):  
Dyna Herlina Suwarto

After the long period of the cinema industry decline, the number of audience who visit cinema increases significantly. However, the research to examine the phenomena of audience segmentation is very few. Therefore the study aim is to investigate cinema audience segmentation in Yogyakarta on the basis of the aspects that affects the audience film choice. Furthermore the mix-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative method in sequence was employed to attain the research objective. For the first step, three focus group discussions that involve 20 informants. The second step, survey was conducted involving 454 respondents. The result indicates that there are two different audience segments according their behaviors. The first segment visits the cinema as fun activities in their spare time meanwhile the second segment considers the activity as a cultural interest in order to enjoy the narrative and artistic aspects of a film


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2.29) ◽  
pp. 1053
Author(s):  
Fadillah Ismail ◽  
Zulida Abdul Kadir ◽  
Lutfan Jaes

The growth of construction industry in Malaysia is stimulated by various mega infrastructure projects. Due to this, the competent construction workers become the catalyst in realizing the goals. Using mixed method approach in explanatory research, this study aimed to analyze the training needs based on 300 Indonesian construction workers’ competency. Findings showed that there are significant differences between knowledge and skills possessed by the Indonesian workers, based on two types of training; theory and practical. However, the training on skills is considered critical as it is a need for the Indonesian workers to fulfil the job requirements in Malaysia.  


Author(s):  
Donna Jacqueline Dey ◽  
Angela Lindsay ◽  
Patricia Thomson

Transitions can affect students throughout their time at university. This study aims to show the potential of an additional, non-assessed placement in supporting MA3 Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students with skills thought to benefit transitions. Much of the research around student transitions focuses upon transitions into and out of higher education. In addition, within the MA ITE programme, students perceive challenges in transitioning into Professional Practice during their four year programme. A pilot study was undertaken to support third year MA ITE students in developing skills and attributes associated with the enhancement theme of student transitions in higher education: self-efficacy; reflection; and connectedness. The study involved MA3 students visiting an Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) setting in one local authority, one afternoon a week for eight weeks, the aim of the placement being for them to gain experience in playing and communicating with younger children, prior to their official early years placement. Initial findings from student focus group discussions suggest that students perceived that the study did help to support them in further developing transition skills and attributes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Susana Sabarni ◽  
Lidia Laksana Hidajat

Latar Belakang : Pesatnya perkembangan teknologi informasi, memudahkan remaja mengakses semua hal yang berhubungan dengan informasi seputar seks. Dengan kemudahan yang dimiliki untuk mengakses teknologi informasi ini, remaja seringkali terekspos oleh konten-konten pornografi. Secara langsung maupun tidak langsung akan memengaruhi sikap remaja terhadap perilaku seks pranikah.Tujuan : Mengetahui peran nilai pribadi, nilai budaya dan nilai religius dikaitkan dengan sikap remaja perempuan di Maumere dan Larantuka terhadap perilaku seks pranikah serta mengetahui sikap remaja perempuan terhadap perilaku seks pranikah.Metode : Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan mixed method, pengukuran sikap melalui pengisian kuesioner dan diskusi kelompok terarah (FGD) untuk mengetahui gambaran sikap remaja perempuan terhadap perilaku seks pranikah yang dikaitkan dengan nilai pribadi, nilai budaya dan nilai religius. Kegiatan penelitian dilakukan pada empat SMA di Maumere dan Larantuka. Jumlah partisipan 120 orang, diperoleh dengan teknik accidental sampling. Sebagai informasi tambahan dilakukan wawancara dengan tokoh budaya di Maumere dan tokoh agama di Larantuka. Hasil dan pembahasan : Berdasarkan pengolahan data terhadap pengukuran skala sikap diperoleh gambaran bahwa pada dasarnya remaja perempuan di Maumere dan Larantuka tidak menyetujui hubungan seks pranikah, meskipun telah terjadi pergeseran nilai. Sikap ini berdasarkan pada nilai-nilai pribadi yang diyakini remaja yaitu pertimbangan etika dan moral, dampak kehamilan, aborsi atau penyakit menular seksual. Dalam konteks budaya, pertimbangan remaja adalah sanksi sosial yang akan diperoleh dari kehamilan di luar nikah. Sedang dalam konteks religius, remaja mempertimbangkan tentang dosa. Berdasarkan diskusi kelompok terarah (FGD) disimpulkan bahwa nilai religius dirasakan sangat penting oleh partisipan karena dapat menumbuhkan iman dan memberi dorongan,arah dalam bertingkah laku. Nilai-nilai religius juga berperan dalam memberi motivasi dan membimbing seseorang untuk melakukan perbuatan yang baik. Dalam konteks budaya, para partisipan berpendapat bahwa budaya sangat penting karena dalam budaya diajarkan tentang perilaku yang pantas dan tidak pantas dilakukan. Oleh karena itu dibutuhkan pendampingan orangtua dalam mendidik dan menanamkan nilai-nilai moral dan etika.Kesimpulan : Pernyataan sikap tidak setuju terhadap perilaku seks pranikah merupakan internalisasi nilai-nilai budaya dan religius yang akhirnya membentuk sikap remaja di Maumere dan Larantuka Kata kunci : Peran nilai pribadi, nilai budaya dan nilai religius, sikap remaja perempuan, perilaku seks pranikah, Maumere dan Larantuka, Nusa Tenggara Timur Susana Sabarni, Lidia Laksana HidajatABSTRACT Background: The rapid development of information technology, making it easier for teenagers to access all things related to information about sex. With the ease they have to access this information technology, teenagers are often exposed to pornographic content. Directly or indirectly will influence teen attitudes towards premarital sex behavior.Objective: To acknowlegde the role of personal values, cultural values and religious values associated with the attitudes of adolescent girls in Maumere and Larantuka towards premarital sex behavior and also to acknowlegde  the attitudes of teenage girls to premarital sex behavior.Methods: The study used a mixed method approach, attitude measurement through filling out questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGD) to describe the attitudes of adolescent girls towards premarital sex behavior which is associated with personal values, cultural values and religious values. Research activities were carried out on four high schools in Maumere and Larantuka. The number of participants 120 people, obtained by accidental sampling technique. For additional information, interviews with cultural leaders in Maumere and religious leaders in Larantuka were conducted.Results and discussion: Based on data processing on attitude scale measurement obtained an illustration that basically girls in Maumere and Larantuka do not approve premarital sex, even though there has been a shift in values. This attitude is based on personal values believed by adolescents, namely ethical and moral considerations, the impact of pregnancy, abortion or sexually transmitted diseases. In the context of culture, adolescent considerations are social sanctions that will be obtained from pregnancy outside of marriage. While in a religious context, teenagers consider sin. Based on focus group discussions (FGD) it was concluded that religious values were felt to be very important by participants because they could foster faith and give encouragement, direction in behaving. Religious values also play a role in motivating and guiding someone to do good deeds. In the cultural context, the participants thought that culture was very important because in the culture it was taught about appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Therefore, parents are needed to assist in educating and instilling moral and ethical values.Conclusion: A statement of disagreement with premarital sex behavior is an internalization of cultural and religious values that ultimately shape their attitudes Keywords: The role of personal values, cultural values and religious values, attitudes of adolescent girls, premarital sexual behavior, Maumere and Larantuka, Nusa Tenggara Timur


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document