Policy actors’ perceptions of qualitative research in policymaking: the case of higher education rulemaking in the United States

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca S. Natow
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
The United States ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Actors ◽  
Target Populations ◽  
The Us

Background: As calls for evidence-based policymaking become increasingly common, qualitative research has much to offer the policy community. However, policymakers frequently evidence a preference for quantitative research. By discounting the importance of qualitative research in the policymaking process, resulting policies and their target populations miss out on the benefits that qualitative research uniquely offers.Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine how qualitative research has been perceived and used in the US government’s rulemaking process for creating higher education regulations.Methods: This qualitative case study included data from semi-structured interviews with 34 policy actors involved in higher education rulemaking, rulemaking documents, and research reports cited in several key higher education regulations.Findings: Many policy actors viewed qualitative research favourably, but qualitative studies have seldom been cited in higher education rulemaking. Several respondents discussed validity concerns and some policymakers’ misunderstandings regarding qualitative methods. Moreover, storytelling can influence policy actors’ perspectives about the content of policies, and qualitative research was viewed as effective at identifying compelling stories. Thus, narratives derived from qualitative research may provide an opportunity for qualitative researchers to have their work considered in policymaking processes.Discussion and conclusion: Qualitative research faces challenges with gaining visibility and influence in the development of regulatory policy. However, this study has shown that qualitative research has the potential to be both useful and persuasive to policymakers. Studies that discuss relevant stories may be particularly compelling.

The good principal: A case study of early-career charter principals’ role conceptualizations

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 157-165
Author(s):  
Felicia R. Truong
Keyword(s):  
Charter School ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
The United States ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Charter School Principals ◽  
Service Training

Up to 75 percent of charter principals in the United States leave the role within five years. Understanding how early-career principals conceptualize the role could help strengthen principal preparation and in-service training. This study analyzed early-career charter principals’ descriptions of the principalship in order to understand their framework for what it means to be a good principal. A qualitative case study was used, focused on semi-structured interviews with 15 charter school principals. Charter school principals in this study primarily defined being a ‘good’ principal using examples and descriptions of soft skills and personality traits.

scholarly journals Case Study Research, Philosophical Position and Theory Building: A Methodological Discussion

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 72-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thakur Prasad Bhatta
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Philosophical Position ◽  
Study Research

Case study research though increasingly popular in social sciences for positivist and intrepretivist research, a kind of confusion is prevalent when it is used ignoring its philosophical position. Arguably, the case study research is considered more appropriate for qualitative research because of its foremost strength ˗ the in-depth study of complex issues. This paper, drawing from the literature, discusses the philosophical position of case study research and argues that qualitative case study research is appropriate for theory building. For theory building, this paper follows the inductive approach guided by qualitative research paradigm and argues that it is not appropriate to assess theory building from the perspective of quantitative research. Very similar to other research methods, it is natural that the case study research has certain challenges; however, most of the challenges and misunderstandings overlap causing difficulty to understand the role of case study research. Hence, this paper aims to contribute to the understandings of the challenges and misunderstandings associated with the theory building from case study research. This paper argues that most of the challenges associated with theory building from case study can be addressed employing appropriate research strategies particularly clear understanding of philosophical stance and selection of appropriate case. The misunderstandings, on the other hand, are arisen due to the differences in the researcher’s perspectives particularly positivistic thinking of them rather than the shortcomings inherent in the qualitative case study research design.

scholarly journals Empowering Students as Agents of Religious Moderation in Islamic Higher Education Institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-76
Author(s):  
Zaenal Mustakim ◽  
Fachri Ali ◽  
Rahmat Kamal
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Hate Speech ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Religious Texts ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Violent Extremism ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Muslim Intellectuals

Promoting moderate Islam in the education sector to prevent radicalism and violent extremism, particularly in Indonesia’s Islamic universities has been considered important. This study demonstrated how values of moderate Islam empower student to prevent radicalism and violent extremism in university. This research is qualitative case study. Eight students and two teachers at a public Islamic university in Central Java, Indonesia were recruited to participate. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observation. The result of the study shows that the values of tolerance, inclusivity, flexibility, and objectivity in understanding religious texts were internalized to empower students as agents of religious moderation. The presentation of learning materials were adopted from national journals, reputable international journals, websites, and official social media platforms for moderate Muslim intellectuals. The materials contributed significantly to the prevention of hate speech and hoaxes. 

scholarly journals Multicultural Engagement Activities to Support Internationalization of Bilingual Higher Education Programs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirullah Abduh ◽  
Muhammad Basri ◽  
Muhammad Rapi ◽  
Rosmaladewi Rosmaladewi
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Internationalization Of Higher Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Bilingual Programs ◽  
Key Participants

In this paper, we aim to offer multicultural engagement activities to support the internationalization of higher education. This research applies the interpretive qualitative case study with twelve key participants from three different bilingual higher education programs. The study used semi-structured interviews to investigate multicultural engagement activities. The findings of the study show that two important patterns emerged from the data: national multicultural engagement activities and international multicultural engagement activities. The national multicultural engagement can be held in the contexts of formal multicultural engagement activities, semi-formal multicultural engagement activities, and project-based multicultural engagement activities. In addition, the international multicultural engagement activities can be short-term, mid-term, and long-term international overseas multicultural engagement activities. The implication of this study is that multicultural engagement activities can be a model for other bilingual programs in higher education contexts.

FOSTERING STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN ENGLISH WRITING WITH MICROBLOGGING IN TWITTER

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Pham Thi Thu Hien
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Qualitative Research Methodology

Twitter and Microblogging are two separate entities but completes each other. Both of them can be used as language learning tools and their potential has been proved by several scholars. This study tries to examine students’ experiences in integrating microblogging with twitter. It is also study about the beneficial roles of microblogging with Twitter in language learning, its relation to writing, and its appropriateness in language learning. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, and case study as its research design. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were employed in this study to find out about participants' views about microblogging and Twitter. From this study, it can be concluded that the participants of the study underwent various experiences during the implementation of microblogging with Twitter. They also felt that microblogging with Twitter at some point advantages them to systematically arrange their ideas, and allows them to choose appropriate diction of their ideas. They also stated that Twitter can be an appropriate means in language learning, especially in English writing<em>.</em>

Gendered differences in emigration and mobility perspectives among European researchers working abroad

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Scheibelhofer
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
The United States ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
The Future ◽  
Highly Skilled

This paper focuses on gendered mobilities of highly skilled researchers working abroad. It is based on an empirical qualitative study that explored the mobility aspirations of Austrian scientists who were working in the United States at the time they were interviewed. Supported by a case study, the paper demonstrates how a qualitative research strategy including graphic drawings sketched by the interviewed persons can help us gain a better understanding of the gendered importance of social relations for the future mobility aspirations of scientists working abroad.

Management of Records in Adapted Buildings as Records Centres in Zimbabwe

Mousaion ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson Mutsagondo ◽  
Getrude Maduyu ◽  
Godfrey Tsvuura
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Personal Observation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Professional Management ◽  
The Government

This paper discusses the challenges of records management that arise from the use of adapted buildings as records centres in Zimbabwe, despite the advantages of using such buildings. A qualitative research approach was used as well as a case study research design. Data were collected from seven officers of the Gweru Records Centre through semi-structured interviews. Personal observation was used to triangulate findings from interviews. It was found that the use of adapted buildings as records centres was a cheaper and quicker way of establishing records centres throughout the country. However, a number of preservation, security and management challenges cropped up as the conditions of the buildings and the environment of the adapted buildings were not conducive to the proper and professional management of records. This study is important in that it explores the prospects and challenges of using adapted buildings as records centres in Zimbabwe, an area that has not been researched by many authors. This provokes archival authorities and the government to seriously consider establishing purpose-built records and archival centres.

A Qualitative Case Study of Exemplary Principal Leadership in the United States Virgin Islands: An Application of Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

2021 ◽  
pp. 194277512199005
Author(s):  
Suetania Emmanuel ◽  
Clinton A. Valley
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Principal Leadership ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
United States Virgin Islands ◽  
The United States ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Exemplary Leadership ◽  
Five Practices

Effective leadership is foundational to the success of all organizations. This qualitative case study aimed to explore exemplary principal leadership in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). The study was based on Kouzes and Posner’s model of exemplary leadership. Interviews were held with school principals, teachers, and nonteaching staff members in three schools in USVI. The principal leaders in the USVI were found to exhibit the five practices of exemplary leadership as postulated by Kouzes and Posner. The study recommends that the Education department in USVI should develop guidelines and professional development opportunities to enhance exemplary leadership practices among principals.

Can India’s Higher Education Improve Through Better Management of Human Resources: A Comparative Study of India and the United States

2021 ◽  
pp. 006996672110638
Author(s):  
Jai Mohan Pandit ◽  
Bino Paul
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Other ◽  
Hrm Practices ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Global Standards ◽  
The Us ◽  
Education In India ◽  
Recruitment And Selection

This study investigates human resource management (HRM) practices in higher education institutions (HEIs) based on a comparative analysis of India and the US. Although higher education in India has grown over the decades, its quality, in general, has not kept up with global standards. On the other hand, many US universities have performed consistently well in international university rankings. Based on qualitative research collected from principal stakeholders of HEIs in India and the US, HRM practices and policies followed by them are presented and discussed. Data collection for the research study was through web interviews during the period August–October 2020. The study reveals that Indian public HEIs do not have professional HRM teams. Also, they are in a formative stage in autonomous and private institutions. On the other hand, many HEIs in the US have developed mature HRM systems. This difference resonates in attributes such as structure of HRM, recruitment and selection processes, training and development programmes, performance management, career progression and talent retention.

Framing the role of higher education in sustainable development: a case study analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanna Elmassah ◽  
Marwa Biltagy ◽  
Doaa Gamal
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Educational Leaders ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Study Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis

Purpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) should play a fundamental role in achieving the international 2030 sustainable development (SD) agenda. Quality education is the fourth of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and one of the targets related to this is to ensure that by 2030 all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote SD. Therefore, the SDGs provide a motive for HEIs to integrate SD concepts into their day-to-day practices. This study aims to introduce a framework for HEIs’ sustainable development assessment. Such a framework guides HEIs and educational leaders to support their countries’ commitments to achieving the SDGs. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the results of a case study analysis of the role and successful techniques of HEIs in achieving SD in three countries, namely, Germany, Japan and Egypt. Primary data was collected by semi-structured interviews with three Cairo University officials, while secondary data was collected by reviewing the universities' official websites, reports, publications and related papers. This study introduces a novel framework for HEIs' SD analysis and assessment, which guides HEIs and educational leaders to support SD to fulfill their countries' commitments to achieving the SDGs. This framework is based on the following five categories: strategic direction and institutional working practices, supporting students, supporting university staff competencies, supporting society's stakeholders and networking and sustainable campus. Consideration is given to the potential role of HEIs to support SD in each of these areas. Findings Cairo University could learn from the novel and pioneer practices of the Leuphana University of Lüneburg, and the University of Tokyo to fill in the gaps it has in different roles. It can also put more effort into adopting the suggested higher education programs of Egypt's Vision 2030. Research limitations/implications This paper is limited to a case analysis comparing three countries, Germany, Japan and Egypt. Second, this study has not considered school education, which is equally essential in countries' SD. Practical implications HEIs can use the framework and the findings in this paper to evaluate their current roles in supporting SD, identify the gaps and take actions accordingly to address their weaknesses. Originality/value The paper compares three universities, one in each of the case study countries. It draws conclusions that identify ways in which the paper's framework and findings can guide SD practice in HEIs internationally, especially those in the developing world.

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