Students' Independent Professional Activity in Pedagogical Practice

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-58
Author(s):  
Aina Strode
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Professional Activity ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Criteria And Indicators ◽  
Study Process

Students' Independent Professional Activity in Pedagogical PracticeThe topicality of the research is determined by the need for changes in higher education concerned with implementing the principles of sustainable education. The article focuses on teacher training, highlighting the teacher's profession as an attractive choice of one's career that permits to ensure the development of general and professional skills and an opportunity for new specialists to align with the labour market. The empirical study of students' understanding of their professional activity and of the conditions for its formation is conducted by applying structured interviews (of practice supervisors, students, academic staff); students and experts' questionnaire. Comparative analysis of quantitative and qualitative data and triangulation were used in case studies. As a result, a framework of pedagogical practice organisation has been created in order to form students' independent professional activity. The criteria and indicators of independent professional activity have been formulated and suggestions for designers of study programmes and organisers of the study process have been provided.

scholarly journals Study environment in the context of HEI study quality assurance: Case study at Daugavpils University (Latvia)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Davidova ◽  
Irena Kokina
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Global Education ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Internal Quality ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Keywords Quality Assurance ◽  
Study Process

In recent years the system of higher education quality assurance has undergone several essential changes: a greater emphasis is being laid on the qualification framework, on student-centered learning and study results, the development of the teaching staff, active students’ participation in the assessment of the study process. The given study is oriented towards studying students’ opinions about the quality assurance of a study process at Daugavpils University (DU), Latvia. The participants of this study were 60 students from 12 master and doctoral study programs at Daugavpils University. The analysis of structured interviews with the students made it possible to identify the typical characteristic features of DU internal quality assessment. The research showed that students assess highly lecturers’ personal qualities (attitude to their profession, personal interest in students’ success, empathy, striving for cooperation) and their professional qualities (knowledge of the subject, didactic and communicative competence, and ability to get the feedback from students as well). To promote the cooperation between the students and the academic staff of DU, it is useful to practice trans-disciplinary out-of-study forms, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the study content, of topicalities in global education and possibilities of synergetic thinking in cooperation with students and lecturers. Keywords: quality assurance, higher education institution

scholarly journals Innovative and Traditional Elements in the Work of Academic Staff: The Views of Pre-service Teachers

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-90
Author(s):  
Inese Jurgena ◽  
Dagnija Cēdere ◽  
Ingrīda Keviša
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Educational Management ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Study Process ◽  
Implementation Of Innovations

Abstract The academic staff of the institutions of higher education plays a key role in the implementation of innovations in the study process. This article aims to analyze the views of students, pre-service teachers, on the role of innovations and traditions in the work of the academic staff at their institution of higher education. The survey data from 192 full-time and part-time first year students at Riga Teacher Training and Educational Management Academy show that readiness for innovative activity and active involvement in the creation, acquisition and implementation of innovations is an essential factor in the work of the academic staff. The results indicate that according to the views of pre-service teachers, in the context of pedagogy, the term ‘innovation’ refers to the process of renewal, educational reforms, selection of the most appropriate teaching material, and the elaboration, adoption and utilization of innovations in the pedagogical practice.

scholarly journals Para um perfil do conhecimento gramatical da geração do milénio

2020 ◽  
pp. 37-54
Author(s):  
Joana Batalha ◽  
Ana Luísa Costa
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Secondary Education ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Grammatical Knowledge ◽  
Grammar Learning ◽  
European Portuguese ◽  
Prescribed Curriculum ◽  
Academic Year

The academic year 2019/20 is marked by the arrival at university of students born in the new millennium. When this generation of students began to ‘learn grammar’ at school, teachers and other specialists were debating the terminology for basic and secondary education and the place of grammar in the curriculum was changing. In this article, we propose to contribute to a description of the knowledge about language to which millennials had access, more than a decade after the Terminological Dictionary (DT) became official (DGE, 2008). Assuming that there is a prescribed curriculum and a real curriculum, we start from the question what is the place of grammar in the curriculum to offer a comparative analysis of the discourse prescribed for the teaching of grammar in official curricular documents approved between 2000/01 and 2019/20. From this analysis, we present an empirical study assessing the grammatical knowledge in European Portuguese of 65 students entering higher education in 2019/20. For this study, we used a diagnostic instrument, assessing knowledge of different grammatical topics, mainly in the domains of morphology and syntax. The results obtained, which update data from previous studies on students’ difficulties in grammar learning, suggest that terminological standardization and changes in the prescribed curriculum have not solved all the problems in the teaching of grammar.

scholarly journals Implementation of Student-Centred Education Principles in a Master’s Study Programme: An Exploration of the Experience of Academic Staff

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanita Baranova ◽  
◽  
Baiba Kaļķe
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Well Being ◽  
European Higher Education Area ◽  
Standards And Guidelines ◽  
European Higher Education ◽  
Study Process ◽  
Common Understanding

The paradigm shift in higher education pedagogy and policy has been a subject of discussion for 30 years, during which time the emphasis has been placed on the transition to student-centred education. The implementation of this approach requires the democratisation of the study process and a shift towards performance-based outcomes, thus promoting students’ research capacities, well-being, personal growth, and quality of life. The most important document on the subject, which was developed in collaboration with the leading organisations of the Bologna Process, is the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area. This describes the common understanding of student-centred learning, teaching, and assessment. The standards and guidelines are also incorporated into the Latvian higher education quality assurance regulations. The authors of the present study are involved in the development and approbation of a new master’s study program, in which special attention is paid to the implementation of the principles of student-centred education. The central aim of the present study was to study the experience of lecturers in the implementation of the principles of student-centred education in the programme. The relevant literature and documents were surveyed and data from questionnaires (distributed to programme participants) were analysed. Using the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area and the Science, Technology Development and Innovation Guidelines 2021−2027 approved by the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science, the present study sets out 10 basic principles of student-centred education. A survey was created for lecturers who are implementing the newly created master’s programme over one semester. Seventeen lecturers participated. The analysis of the questionnaire results indicated that promoting mutual respect in student−academic staff relations and students’ active engagement in the study process were considered to be the most important principles. The results also revealed that lecturers applied every student−centred principle, but it is necessary to promote a common understanding by developing a mechanism for evaluating them and to improve the competence of teachers in implementing them.

Generational Encounters with Higher Education

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennie Bristow ◽  
Sarah Cant ◽  
Anwesa Chatterjee
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Coming Of Age ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Prospective Students ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Observation Study ◽  
Personal Investment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The 21st century has witnessed significant changes to the structures and policies framing Higher Education. But how do these changes in norms, values, and purpose shape the generation now coming of age? Employing a generational analysis, this book offers an original approach to the study of education. Drawing on a British Academy-funded study, comprising a policy review, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with students and with academics of different generations, and an analysis of responses to the Mass Observation Study, the book explores the qualitative dimensions of the relationship between academics and students, and examines wider issues of culture and socialisation, from tuition fees and student mental health, to social mobility and employment. The book begins with a discussion of the emergence of a ‘graduate generation’, in a context where 50 per cent of young people are encouraged to go to University, on the basis that this is a personal investment in their future careers. Subsequent chapters review the policy changes that have led to this framing of Higher Education as an increasingly individualised experience, where ‘student choice’ is operationalised as the means by which Universities are funded and held to account; historical differences in the experience of Higher Education; and the impact of these changes on the role and status of academic staff and the experience of current and prospective students.

scholarly journals Euphemisms of Corruption among Students of Higher Institutions in South West Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-82
Author(s):  
Olumuyiwa K. Ojo ◽  
Olusola Ayandele ◽  
Sunday A. Egbeleye
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
South West ◽  
Euphemistic Language ◽  
Higher Institutions

Corruption is a pervasive practice in Nigeria that is commonly associated with government officials who divert public funds for private use, while minimal attention is paid to acts of corruption in the educational sector. This study, which is part of research on how language is used to drive and conceal corruption in Nigeria, aims at revealing some corrupt practices in Nigerian higher institutions that are concealed because of the euphemistic language used by students to describe and help perpetuate corrupt practices in their relationships with academic and non-academic staff of different institutions. Four institutions of higher education in south-west Nigeria were purposively selected and focus group discussions were conducted with 54 conveniently selected students of these institutions to collect qualitative data on the explanation of linguistic codes derived from the first phase of this study. The findings revealed extensive usage of ‘runs’ as a superordinate code for diverse acts of corruption including: sex for marks, cash for marks, sex/cash for grade alterations, examination malpractice, and the use of fake documents. Parents and guardians need to listen closely to the language of students in higher education for early detection of assimilation and acceptance of corrupt practices as a way of life.

scholarly journals nnovative Educational Technologies: Professional Development Programs for University Staff

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 9023-9029
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Educational Technologies ◽  
Professional Activity ◽  
University Staff ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
Executive Staff ◽  
The University

A key role in improving the quality of higher education belongs to the executive staff, teaching employees, and academic staff as direct performers. The purpose of the article is to analyze the possibilities of advanced training of university academic staff using innovative educational technologies based on information and communication technologies (ICT). The article notes the relevance of the search for new approaches to the organization of the professional development of the higher education system employees, as well as analyzes the experience of European countries in the professional development of university academic staff. The authors specify the requirements for the meaningful components of methodical system of training at the university, the prospects of ICT use in professional activity of academic and administrative employees of the university, training areas of university staff of different professional orientation, as well as highlight innovation areas of professional development of the academic staff in Russian universities.

Conceptualizing language, culture and intercultural communication in higher education languages programs

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-213
Author(s):  
Paul J. Moore ◽  
Adriana Díaz
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Intercultural Communication ◽  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Approaches To Teaching ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Australian Universities

Abstract Languages curricula are an important, yet underutilized, site for students’ development of intercultural knowledge, awareness and skills in higher education, though there has been little related empirical research. Given the key role teachers play in student learning, in the context of two Australian universities, this study explores language teaching academics’ perspectives on language, culture and intercultural communication, and how these are reflected in their teaching approaches. As part of a larger needs analysis project into the teaching of languages and intercultural communication, this article reports on semi-structured interviews with ten academic staff engaged in teaching and/or researching languages, and one study abroad coordinator with a language teaching background. Interpretations of the key concepts varied, as did participants’ reported approaches to teaching, from critical to instrumental. Teachers’ interpretations and approaches were influenced by their teaching and learning histories, and while there were a range of approaches to the incorporation of the (inter)cultural in the teaching of languages, this was approached more critically than reported in previous studies. Contextual features which may limit such integration of language and culture are discussed, as is the contribution of languages teachers to students’ development of intercultural competence.

scholarly journals Factors relating to the attraction of talented early career academics in South African higher education institutions

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorcas L. Lesenyeho ◽  
Nicolene E. Barkhuizen ◽  
Nico E. Schutte
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South African ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Intellectual Stimulation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Employer Branding ◽  
African Higher Education ◽  
South African Higher Education

Orientation: South African higher education institutions (HEIs) are facing significant challenges in attracting talents to academic positions.Research purpose: The main objective of this research was to determine factors that will attract early career academics to South African HEIs.Motivation for the study: Currently there exists limited research on factors that attract early career academics to HEIs as preferred employers.Research approach, design and method: A qualitative approach was adopted for this study; semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain data. The study participants comprised of 23 academic staff members from various merged South African HEIs.Main findings: The findings show that nine themes are related to the attraction of early career academics to HEIs: career development and advancement, opportunities to make a contribution, employer branding and prestige, job security, flexible working hours (work–life balance), intellectual stimulation, innovation, opportunity to apply skills and autonomy.Practical/managerial implications: The results also challenge HEIs to develop a superior employer brand with a strong employee value proposition (EVP) that would attract, develop and reward early career academics for their work efforts.Contribution/value-add: The study provides important practical guidelines that could assist HEIs to attract talented early career academics and become an employer of choice.

scholarly journals APPLIED MANAGEMENT POST-COVID19: IMPLICATIONS FOR ACADEMIC MANAGERS IN PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION, BEYOND CRISES

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hedda Martina Šola ◽  
Fayyaz Hussain Qureshi ◽  
Sarwar Khawaja
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Education Sector ◽  
Private Higher Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Part Time ◽  
The Uk

<p>The outbreak of COVID-19 caused severe disruption to most sectors of the global economy, creating a spectre of fear, anxiety and uncertainty. The education sector has been one of the worst affected by the pandemic. The education sector is one of the heavily affected sectors. The pandemic forced educational institutions worldwide to close, cancel classes and shift towards remote working and online teaching. The purpose of this study is to investigate the implication of the COVID-19 pandemic on private higher education. Moreover, the study's main objective is to assess the pandemic's academic management, especially in private higher education. For this, different landscapes were examined, including pre, during and Post COVID-19, focusing on the post-COVID-19 implications. In addition, various publications and surveys have been analysed to find out about the COVID-19 followed-up changes happening in higher education and its management. For this particular study, qualitative research was employed by conducting nine semi-structured interviews with academic managers working in the private higher education sector in the UK to capture their experience insights about the implications, advantages, disadvantages, and challenges faced during the pandemic. The findings showed that workplace accessibility was the most affected factor; during the lockdown, the private higher education institutions (PrHEIs) could recruit highly qualified and experienced part-time academic staff, as they need to teach online. However, most of these part-time academic staff wanted to quit when face-to-face teaching starts, as they live far from their institutions. Only online teaching motivated them to join during the lockdown because it provided ease and convenience, no travelling time &amp; cost, freedom and autonomy. In addition, the online teaching amazingly increased the student attendance; higher pass rates but difficulties in engaging students in group activities. Another one of the challenges was the immediate adoption of online teaching and training of academic staff. Moreover, the reinvention of a new workplace approach and the high level of technology implementation to abide by the safety regulations will permanently transform the work routine. Therefore, most of the employees want to continue remote working in future.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0891/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

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