Lived experiences of nursing students regarding learning in large classes and its effects on teaching and learning at the University of Namibia

In line with South Sudan’s vision of a self- governing community, much hope was invested in the English speaking world thereby making a shift from Arabisation from the North. As a result, the English language was adopted a marker of identity and opposition to Arabic, language of government, education as well as international communication. As part of South Sudan’s look south policy, English was made to be a second language as opposed to a foreign language. In tandem with this country’s vision the University of Juba is not spared from the adoption of English as the language of instruction and a learning subject. Due to the democratisation of schooling and education for all, enrolment in the learning of English is increasing and resultantly large classes are emerging. In view of this, the paper therefore examines and provides preliminary results on the nature and feasibility of some teaching and learning of English in large classes at the University of Juba. This was done in light of the principles and concepts of Richards and Rodgers’ (2001) Communicative Language Teaching approach. It emerges from the findings that in the absence of a teaching framework there is no uniformity on the strategies that being adopted by both learners and teachers in the learning and teaching of English as a second language.

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Analysing the Situation of ESL Teaching and Learning in Large University Classes in Pakistan

International Journal of English Linguistics ◽

10.5539/ijel.v10n5p250 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 250

Author(s):

Abdul Hameed Panhwar ◽

Shah Nawaz Barich ◽

Syed Khuram Shahzad

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

English Language ◽

Esl Teachers ◽

Large Classes ◽

Language Support ◽

Teacher Student ◽

Large Size ◽

Teachers And Students ◽

The University

The present study is based on a chapter of the PhD project conducted by the main researcher. It aims to explore the ESL teaching and learning practices in a Pakistani university by focusing on difficulties perceived and confronted by learners and teachers, and solutions suggested by them. One of the most significant issues at the university is large classes-exceeding to 100 and more students on average. The main researcher, being an ESL teacher at the target university, faced the same problem of large size and found it difficult to teach these classes. He embarked on analysing the situation so that he might come across some solutions through the suggestions and experiences of the ESL teachers and students of the same university. The design of the study is descriptive and the results of the present study come from the quantitative data collected through student and teacher questionnaires. The Student-participants were 300 undergraduate students from various major subjects attending English language support classes and 22 ESL teachers teaching these English language support classes at different institutes of the university. The data were analysed descriptively and presented with help of the boxplots. The views, commonly held by teachers are supported by the study’s findings i.e., large classes are likely to endorse teacher-centred approaches of teaching; very little significant student-student and teacher-student interaction is practised because of the inadequate physical environment; majority of learners remain off-task and appear to be unruly and they are given little, if any, feedback on their in-class and home tasks. Conversely, many teachers and learners reported that the adoption of group/pair work is likely to be an effective technique to use in these classes. Albeit a few teachers revealed having adopted group work infrequently, none used it all the time.

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Benefits and Challenges of Online Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic at Rundu Campus of the University of Namibia

European Journal of Educational Sciences ◽

10.19044/ejes.v8no4a53 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 53-64

Author(s):

Emilia N Mbongo ◽

Anna N Hako ◽

Takaedza Munangatire

Keyword(s):

Online Teaching ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Psychosocial Support ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Learning Tools ◽

Online Teaching And Learning ◽

Large Classes ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

Crucial Information ◽

The University

This paper presents the benefits and challenges of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by educators at the Rundu Campus of the University of Namibia. Researchers used a structured interview guide to collect data from 14 conveniently selected lecturers from a population of 65. Findings of the study indicate that the benefits of using online teaching and learning include flexibility, ability to teach large classes; increased interaction and engagement between lecturers and students; and increased learning opportunities for lecturers. The study further found that some of the significant challenges lecturers experienced with online teaching and learning include lack of information and technology skills, internet connectivity and availability; poor student attendance; and loneliness. The study provided crucial information on lecturers' progress within the framework of online teaching and learning mode. The paper recommends that lecturers receive formal training on online teaching and learning tools to minimise the limitations. The study also suggests increased psychosocial support for lecturers to curb feelings of isolation and loneness during this time.

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Learning styles and intelligence types versus academic performance of nursing students of the University of Zambia

Journal of Nursing Education and Practice ◽

10.5430/jnep.v7n10p83 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. 83

Author(s):

Patricia Katowa-Mukwato ◽

Fabian Chapima ◽

Brenda Nambala-Sianchapa ◽

Victoria Mwiinga-Kalusopa

Keyword(s):

Academic Performance ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Learning Styles ◽

Negative Correlation ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Correlation Study ◽

Nursing Program ◽

Questionnaire Version ◽

Level Of Significance ◽

The University

Background: Learning styles are inherent personal attributes that determine the preferred teaching and learning method(s) for individual while an intelligence type is an individual’s levels of aptitude in various content areas as there is no one individual who is universally intelligent. An understanding of the two concepts is essential for designing suitable teaching approaches.Methods: This was a descriptive correlation study which explored the relationship between two variables; learning styles and intelligence types and academic performance of nursing students enrolled in the conventional nursing program at the University of Zambia. Data on learning styles was collected using the Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing and Kinesthetic (VARK) questionnaire version 7.8 as proposed by Neil Fleming while Gardner’s questionnaire for assessing multiple intelligences was used to collect data on the students’ intelligence types. Results for the end of 2015/2016 academic year were used to determine academic performance.Results: Almost two thirds 64 (65.4%) of the participants’ academic performance was at credit level, 32 (32.7%) were at pass while only 2 (2%) were meritorious students. Participants had wide-ranging learning styles from unimodal, to bimodal and tri modal styles, although the majority were unimodal learners 81 (82.6%). Among the unimodal learners, majority 35 (35.5%) were kinaesthetic. On the other hand, 37 (37.8%) had logical mathematical intelligence, followed by bodily-Kinaesthetic 27 (27.6%). Both learning styles and intelligence types showed negative correlation and no significant association with academic performance. The Pearson r correlation and level of significance between learning styles and academic performance was -.092 and 0.372 respectively, while that for intelligence types and academic performance were -.027 and 0.790. Of the three demographic variables of age, gender and year of study, only age showed a positive correlation and significant association with academic performance (p = .002, and r = .144).Conclusions: The negative correlation between learning styles and intelligence types and academic performance may be an indication that the teaching methods utilized for nursing students are varied and therefore capable of promoting learning across different styles and intelligence types without necessarily favouring a specific style or type or that there is simply no association between learning styles and intelligence types and academic performance.

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Irish Nursing Students Perceptions of a Technology Enhanced Blended Approach to Teaching and Learning

10.28945/3366 ◽

2009 ◽

Author(s):

Kevin Johnson ◽

Claire O Donnell ◽

Kathleen Markey ◽

Brian Lake

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

Health Informatics ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Approaches To Learning ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Face To Face ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Positive Outlook ◽

The University ◽

Near Future

Health informatics is becoming increasingly important for healthcare professionals and strategies to promote health informatics development are becoming increasingly popular in undergraduate professional programmes. With this in mind, a blended or hybrid learning approach was piloted with an undergraduate BSc nursing module in the university. The aim of this pilot was to design, develop, implement and evaluate the students’ perceived reactions to learning, teaching and assessment incorporating several online components. Blended learning is the combination of multiple approaches to learning such as a combination of technology-based materials and face-to-face sessions used together to deliver instruction. A branded version of Sakai (the university’s Learning Management System [LMS]) was used. The students interacted with the system on a weekly basis and their perceptions were codified with the aid of an online questionnaire based on the preferred COLLES format. Additionally, a touch screen based recording suite was availed of permitting the students to record themselves performing a task and later review the footage. The initial findings appear to provide a positive outlook towards the use of technology within the course and the potential for further expansion in the near future.

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A report on the development and implementation of a preceptorship training programme for registered nurses

Curationis ◽

10.4102/curationis.v36i1.106 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

June D. Jeggels ◽

Annelene Traut ◽

Florence Africa

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

Learning Strategies ◽

Clinical Supervision ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Clinical Teaching ◽

Clinical Skills ◽

Training Programme ◽

Provincial Government ◽

Western Cape ◽

The University

Background: Clinical supervision represents an important aspect in the development of nursing students’ clinical skills. At the School of Nursing (SoN) the clinical supervisors employed by the University of the Western Cape (UWC) have limited contact sessions with students in the clinical setting. However, with the increase in student numbers a need was identified to strengthen the support given to nursing students in the service setting. Objective: A preceptorship training programme for nurses was developed in 2009, aimed at improving the clinical teaching expertise of professional nurses. The planning phase, based on a preceptorship model, represents a collaborative undertaking by the higher education institution and the nursing directorate of the Provincial Government Western Cape.Method: A two-week, eight credit, short course was approved by the university structures and presented by staff members of the school. The teaching and learning strategies included interactive lectures, small group activities and preceptor-student encounters in simulated and real service settings. Some of the course outcomes were: applying the principles of clinical teaching and learning within the context of adult education, understanding the preceptor role and managingResults: To date, fifty-four participants have attended the course. Following an internal review of the pilot programme in 2010, relevant adjustments to the programme were made.Conclusion: It is recommended that all the stakeholders be involved in the development and implementation of a contextually relevant preceptorship training programme. It is further recommended that the school embarks on an extensive programme evaluation.

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Factors that hinder the academic performance of the nursing students who registered as first years in 2010 at the University of Namibia (UNAM), Oshakati Campus in Oshana, Namibia

Journal of Nursing Education and Practice ◽

10.5430/jnep.v7n8p63 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. 63 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lusia N. Pinehas ◽

Ester Mulenga ◽

Julia Amadhila

Keyword(s):

Academic Performance ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Time Frame ◽

Economic Factors ◽

Related Factors ◽

Internal Factors ◽

Nursing Science ◽

The University ◽

Socio Economic Factors

The University of Namibia (UNAM) is the only national university in Namibia that was established in 1992. It offers diploma and degree courses. The Bachelor of Nursing Science (Clinical) (Honours) was introduced in 2008 after the Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing Science was phased out. This degree is offered over the period of four years full-time. Students are allocated to the clinical practice throughout the training to acquire the relevant nursing skills. At the time of research the course was offered at two campuses only namely Windhoek and Oshakati. The total number of students who were admitted in 2010 was 83, but at the time of the research when they were in their fourth year, there were only 59. The difference of 24 was the students who could not make it to the fourth year and finish in the prescribed time frame. The lecturers were concerned with the poor performance of the students, the increased number of students with some modules behind, and the overcrowding of some classes. The purpose of the study was to identify, explore and describe the factors that hinder the academic performance of the nursing students at the UNAM Oshakati campus. The study was conducted among nursing students who registered for the Bachelor of Nursing Science (Clinical) (Honours) in 2010. The study was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature using non-probability purposive sampling. The findings revealed that the academic performance of student nurses at the University of Namibia Oshakati campus is influenced by both internal and external factors. However, external factors are many compared to internal factors. External related factors comprise of teaching and learning, insufficient resources, lack of university accommodation, curriculum related and socio-economic factors. Teaching and learning related factors include use of one teaching strategy, language barriers, inadequate support and labeling of students by lecturers. On the other hand, insufficient resources are unavailability of the bookshop on campus, insufficient prescribed textbooks, poor internet facility, lack of space and less equipped library. Curriculum related factors include overloaded examination time table, huge scope of test, study day system and module pre-requisites, while socio-economic factors are problems in relationships, peer influence, financial problems and pregnancy while studying. Internal factors comprise of students’ attitude and lack of self-discipline among some students. Those factors result in increased number of students with some modules behind, overcrowding of some classes, increased student-lecturer ratio and some students not completing their studies within the prescribed time frame.

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Hindrance to the Integration of e-learning Adoption in Nigerian Universities

GIS Business ◽

10.26643/gis.v14i5.8466 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (5) ◽

pp. 21-28

Author(s):

Abasiama G. Akpan ◽

Chris Eriye Tralagba

Keyword(s):

Teaching And Learning ◽

Case Study Research ◽

University Education ◽

Learning Approach ◽

University System ◽

Electronic Learning ◽

E Learning ◽

Nigerian University ◽

The University

Electronic learning or online learning is a part of recent education which is dramatically used in universities all over the world. As well as the use and integration of e-learning is at the crucial stage in all developing countries. It is the most significant part of education that enhances and improves the educational system. This paper is to examine the hindrances that influence e-learning in Nigerian university system. In order to have an inclusive research, a case study research was performed in Evangel University, Akaeze, southeast of Nigeria. The paper demonstrates similar hindrances on country side. This research is a blend of questionnaires and interviews, the questionnaires was distributed to lecturers and an interview was conducted with management and information technology unit. Research had shown the use of e-learning in university education which has influenced effectively and efficiently the education system and that the University education in Nigeria is at the crucial stage of e-learning. Hence, some of the hindrances are avoiding unbeaten integration of e-learning. The aim of this research is to unravel the barriers that impede the integration of e-learning in universities in Nigeria. Nevertheless, e-learning has modified the teaching and learning approach but integration is faced with many challenges in Nigerian University.

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Modifikasi Sistem Asistensi dan Responsi Kelas Kecil pada Praktikum Parasitologi Blok Digestif dan Hematoimunologi Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Riau

Jurnal Ilmu Kedokteran ◽

10.26891/jik.v8i1.2014.46-51 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 46

Author(s):

Suri Dwi Lesmana ◽

Esy Maryanti

Keyword(s):

Large Class ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Learning Activities ◽

Small Class ◽

Laboratory Practice ◽

Large Classes ◽

Average Value ◽

Competency Based

Faculty of Medicine University of Riau has been implementing Competency Based Curriculum (KBK) with theProblem Based Learning (PBL) since 2007 with the implementation of teaching and learning activities of the systemconsists of a tutorial activities, skillab, expert lectures, independent and practical. However, there are still manyproblems in the implementation of the KBK on preclinic degree. One part of the block that is identified to be one ofthe causes of low graduation exam block is less efective coaching laboratory practice. Parasitology is one part of thetask is to provide laboratory practice in several blocks on the stage of preclinic especially digestive and hematoimunologyblock. This study aimed to compare the results of the evaluation of parasitology laboratory practice in hematoimunologyand digestive assistance and posttest in large classes with small class. Assistance and posttest in large class performedon the digestive block implementation and hematoimunologi in 2011 while assisting and posttest of small classes ona block implementation in 2012. Average value of small class digestive laboratory practice was not significantlylower than the large class but the proportion of the value of quality B and C more many in small classes. The meanvalue of the block hematoimunologi laboratory practice significantly higher on small class assistance and posttest aswell as the proportion of the value of quality A, B and C was higher in small classes than large classes.

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Book review: Jansen, J. 2017. As by Fire: The End of the South African University. Cape Town: Tafelberg.

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in the South ◽

10.36615/sotls.v1i1.18 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 117

Author(s):

Jared McDonald

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

South African ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Cape Town ◽

The South ◽

Scholarship Of Teaching ◽

Creative Commons ◽

Vice Chancellor ◽

The University

Dr Jared McDonald, of the Department of History at the University of the Free State (UFS) in South Africa, reviews As by fire: the end of the South African university, written by former UFS vice-chancellor Jonathan Jansen. How to cite this book review: MCDONALD, Jared. Book review: Jansen, J. 2017. As by Fire: The End of the South African University. Cape Town: Tafelberg.. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in the South, [S.l.], v. 1, n. 1, p. 117-119, Sep. 2017. Available at: <http://sotl-south-journal.net/?journal=sotls&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=18>. Date accessed: 12 Sep. 2017. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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