scholarly journals Basic and Advanced Skills They Don’t Have: The Case of Postgraduate and Literature Review Writing

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuang Ching Hei ◽  
Maya Khemlani David
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Public University ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Student Selection ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Reading And Writing ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Advanced Skills

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the difficulties postgraduate students face in writing the literature review for their thesis and dissertation.   Methodology – Seventy postgraduate students from 9 faculties in one public university in the Klang Valley consented to participating in this study. They were 49 Masters candidates and 21 doctoral (PhD) candidates attending a workshop on academic writing. Among them, 31 were Malaysians and 39 were foreigners with majority being Arabs and Africans. After an icebreaking session, participants were asked what their writing diffi culties are when doing their literature review. They were told to write their responses in English in a paper. A linguistic analysis was then applied to the written phrases and expressions which denote their diffi culties. These were then categorised under common themes and manually counted in terms of the frequency.   Findings – A total of 37 categories of diffi culties were detected. They encompassed basic and advanced skills in reading and writing including ‘not knowing what to read’, ‘how to read’, ‘how to start writing’, ‘organising’, ‘doing a critical analysis’, ‘summarising’ and ‘synthesising’.   Significance – The fi ndings imply that most of the participants do not possess the necessary skills of reading and writing which are required in most postgraduate programmes. Thus, it is imperative that institutions of higher learning develop stricter criteria for student selection. Alternatively, a programme providing support in reading and writing may enable these postgraduate students to raise their level before being admitted. This kind of support can help to mitigate the burden imposed on supervisors as well as develop better quality postgraduate students.  

The Role of Moral Education on the Dress Code in the Higher Learning Institution

Sains Insani ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-14
Author(s):  
Ira Meilita Ibrahim ◽  
Taufik A. Latif ◽  
Afi Roshezry Abu Bakar ◽  
Muthualagan Thangavelu
Keyword(s):  
Moral Education ◽  
Private University ◽  
Public University ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Private Institutions ◽  
Dress Code ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
The World ◽  
Definition Of

The advancement of European dress to the rest of the world was linked to the definition of civilization as “a stage of social development considered to be more advanced” and “polite and good-mannered”. The widespread of their fashion style in the 19th and 20th centuries influenced the way the rest of the world attire. The fashion trend and dressing style thus change the purpose of dressing through time. The dressing style in campuses especially in private institutions of higher learning is under particular scrutiny, as it is often said to be inappropriate for a learning environment. This study looked at the importance of moral education, and its role in implementing the dress code for students among university students especially between two types of university i.e. public university and private university. It looked on the dressing style of students, both male and female, and the factors that lead to their dressing pattern which is common among students. This study also advocated the students’ understanding of the content of dress codes in their learning institution and the role played by moral education in regard to dress code. The overall study highlighted students’ perception towards the implementation of the dress code and punishment in their learning institution. The methodologies used to carry out this study are questionnaires and interviews. This study will therefore ascertain the important of dress code among students at higher learning institution and the role of moral education in cultivating values in order to dress properly or decently. Key Words: moral education, dress code, higher learning institution, civilization.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Challenges in Research Supervision at South African Universities

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
King Costa
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
South African ◽  
National Development ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Research Supervision ◽  
Knowledge Based Economy ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning

Postgraduate students in South Africa and other parts of the world, particularly in developing nations struggle to complete the research component of their studies. According to the National Development Plan ( 2013) it has become a requirement for South African institutions to play a pivotal role in knowledge production so as to transform South Africa from a resource-based economy towards a knowledge-based economy.  In pursuit of meeting this requirement and further to increase subsidy from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), South African institutions of higher learning have been on the drive for recruiting postgraduate students en masse. One of the main problems facing South African institutions is that the number of students enrolled does not correspond to those who graduate at the end of the postgraduate programme study period.  This study is a systematic review of literature on challenges in postgraduate supervision and further proposes a possible solution.  Five South African institutions of higher learning’s postgraduate throughput data is carefully studied and substantiated by previous research on postgraduate supervision challenges on these particular institutions. Study findings present challenges related to research capacity development and burden of supervision at these institutions.  Collaborative methods of supervision such as the C.O.S.T.A model are hereby proposed as possible solutions to the current throughput problem in South Africa.

Micro factors influencing use of electronic information resources among postgraduate students in institutions of higher learning in Kenya

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisha Ondieki Makori
Keyword(s):  
Return On Investment ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Electronic Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Electronic Information Resources ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
The University

Purpose – To purpose of this paper is to evaluate micro-factors influencing use of electronic information resources among postgraduate students in institutions of higher learning in Kenya, and suggest strategies to enhance and improve the utilization of these vital sources in the university learning environments. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses document or desk review analysis, professional opinions and ideas and case examples regarding utilization of electronic information resources. Findings – The study indicates how practices such as information literacy and learning skills, consultative or partnership meetings, use of portable brochures and guides, research, teaching and learning approaches, seminar and workshop trainings, public relations and attitudes influence the use of electronic information resources. Among the strategic measures that are instrumental for effective utilization of these vital knowledge resources, it is the ability to provide tailor-made programmes targeting postgraduate students and reaching out or going to where the students are through regular meetings and social media advertisements and announcements. limitations/implications – This study is confined to postgraduate students in institutions of higher learning inclusively using document review guides and case examples of utilization and non-utilization of electronic resources. Practical implications – Possible strategies and solutions that enhance and improve use of electronic information resources among the postgraduate students include the need to integrate the use of information communication technology in research, teaching, learning and community services of the university, provision of compulsory literacy programmes to the students and regular partnership meetings with the faculty members, librarians and postgraduate fraternity. Social implications – Widespread use of electronic information resources in universities is proof enough that the libraries are proactively involved in advancement and creation of knowledge among the postgraduate students. One critical aspect of electronic information resources is the ability to facilitate return on investment if only the materials are effectively and efficiently used in supporting the goals and objectives of libraries and universities. These result in higher customer satisfaction, and better return on investment, leading to increased use of information services in the universities. Originality/value – Institutions of higher learning including libraries and universities are in a new dispensation of modernity and post-modernity increasingly dependent on electronic or digital information systems. In the modern knowledge and learning environment, information professionals, postgraduate students and other stakeholders need to agree to the simple rule that electronic information resources are the backbone of academic services in universities perhaps more than ever before. In the academic and educational quest in universities, electronic information resources fundamentally supplements print materials because most universities lack the necessary technological infrastructure.

scholarly journals RHETORICAL STRUCTURE OF INTEGRATED RESULTS AND DISCUSSION CHAPTER IN MASTER’S DISSERTATIONS ACROSS DISCIPLINES

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Shirian Dastjerdi ◽  
Helen Tan ◽  
Ain Nadzimah Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Academic Writing ◽  
Public University ◽  
Rhetorical Structure ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Novice Writers ◽  
Style Of Writing

Writing a dissertation is the most challenging task for students, especially the IntegratedResults and Discussion chapter. One solution would be to offer them a template of therhetorical flow of this chapter. However, to date, a limited number of studies have beenconducted on the rhetorical movement of this chapter. Therefore, the rhetorical units ofIntegrated Results and Discussion chapters of 40 Master’s dissertations in the hard and softscience disciplines obtained from a Malaysian local public university were investigated.The findings indicated that this chapter focused predominantly on presenting the resultsfollowed by commenting on them. Disciplinary variation was observed in the use of‘referring to previous research’ and ‘making overt claims or generalizations’ which wereobserved more in the dissertations in the soft sciences. Besides, ‘invalidating results’ wasfound more in the dissertations in the hard sciences. To conclude, knowing the prevalentmoves may heighten the awareness of novice postgraduate students to align their writing tothe academic writing conventions. Furthermore, awareness on the disciplinary variationsof the use of certain rhetorical moves would sensitize novice writers to the preferreddisciplinary style of writing Integrated Results and Discussion chapter.

Institutional Support for Postgraduate Study In Malaysia

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Gurnam Kaur A/P Gurdial Singh ◽  
Sarjit Kaur ◽  
PECK CHOO LIM ◽  
Yuen Fook Chan ◽  
Lai Fong Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Institutional Support ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Postgraduate Study ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning

The twin forces of globalisation and internationalisation witnessed the global democratisation of higher education leading to the mushrooming of institutions of higher learning alongside with the rapid increase in student enrolments at all levels including postgraduate study. Despite the rapid developments in higher education, postgraduate study has been plagued with high attrition and low completion rates. Consequently, there is a need to look into delivery systems to ensure students are not short-changed and quality education and delivery systems are maintained at all times. This paper aims to investigate institutional support provided for postgraduate study in Malaysia. This descriptive study involved a total of 121 supervisors and 209 postgraduate students from two public universities in Malaysia. Data for the study were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that students and supervisors were moderately satisfied with the information support provided by their respective institutions with regards to postgraduate study and courses. Nevertheless, students felt that institutional support was lacking in terms of facilities, professional development and opportunities for setting up learning communities. Supervisors too expressed the need for better postgraduate facilities, professional development and sought for more transparency in terms of grant and fellowship applications. Both groups also voiced concern regarding the knowledge, skills and attitude of administrators and clerical staff. These findings have implications for the need of quality delivery systems, especially institutional support for postgraduate study. Keywords: Institutional Support, Postgraduates, Postgraduate Study

Imperatives in Leading Institutions of Higher Learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Contextual Analysis ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Roller Coaster ◽  
Academic Leaders ◽  
Academic Leader ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Public Scrutiny

Being an academic leader is a tough job and leading institutions of higher learning is definitely challenging in current scenario. It has become more challenging due to shrinking of budgets, rise in public scrutiny and expectations, commercialisation, massification. Responsibilities continue to grow for academic leaders. But leading a B-School which is also an institution of higher learning is more than a tough job. It is in fact a roller coaster ride. So what is that makes leading B-School so bewildering and what are the imperatives in leading a B-School is the focus of this paper? Adopting in depth literature review and contextual analysis of secondary published data, reports and deep observation as a part of B-School for nearly two decades the paper also proposes a holistic framework to lead a B-School to achieve its rightful place, become more responsible for ensuring sustainability and growth in the context in which it operates.

Opportunities and Challenges of Using Big Data Applications in Institutions of Higher Learning Libraries and Research Institutions

2021 ◽  
pp. 107-122
Author(s):  
Josiline Phiri Chigwada
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Data Accuracy ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Big Data Applications ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
Accuracy Data ◽  
Structured Literature Review

The chapter documents opportunities and challenges experienced when using big data applications in libraries. The objective of the study was to examine the big data applications that are used in libraries. The big data concept is new, and some librarians are not aware of it while others do not have the knowledge and skills of using big data applications. A structured literature review was done to examine how libraries use big data. The search terms that were used were “big data AND libraries.” The findings revealed that libraries are generating big data. The challenges that are experienced include data accuracy, data confidentiality and security, lack of skills to deal with data reduction and compression, and the unavailability of big data processing systems and technology in libraries. The author recommends the up skilling of librarians so that they are able to deal with the challenges of working with big data applications.

Academic writing essentials: A guide for postgraduate students

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azlina Murad Sani
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Review Paper ◽  
First Language ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Postgraduate Level ◽  
Organizational Features

Academic Writing Essentials is a writing reference for masters and doctoral students whose first language is not English.This book will assist you in adjusting to the expectations of writing in English for a higher degree.It offers guidance on strategies and conventions that apply in most forms of postgraduate-level writing. Features: Planning writing, Developing ideas, Integrating sources,Documenting sources, Synthesizing literature, Writing analytically Highlights: Research proposal, Article review, Case analysis report, Literature review paper. Academic Writing Essentials is designed to facilitate self-study.Annotated examples from journal articles, writing frames and simple explanations help you to understand language, style and organizational features, and to apply the knowledge directly in your own writing.

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