Creating Conditions for Student Success: Social justice perspectives from a South African university

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South African ◽  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
University Environment ◽  
Education Environment ◽  
Success In Higher Education ◽  
Social Theories ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The University ◽  
University Setting

The various chapters of this book have brilliantly provided perspectives on creating conditions for success in higher education from a wide variety of stakeholders within a university environment. The rich content comes from varying fields of study as well as academic development and student affairs directorates within the institution. This is what is exciting about the book. The diversity of focus in chapters makes the book relevant to anyone with interest in higher education matters. From the opening to the closing chapter, students are making a contribution on what the university has done or is doing for them to succeed or what it should consider doing to improve its service to students. This touches on every environment that students find themselves in a university setting, from residences, to the classroom to commuter or off-campus students. The book’s extended use of the capabilities approach and critical social theories has enabled it to provide nuances on not only the success of students, but, more importantly, about how the higher education environment can transform itself to practices relevant for the sector today. The various research studies in this book can benefit similar university contexts nationally and internationally.

scholarly journals Building capabilities for higher education prior to entry

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 5-31
Author(s):  
Karen MacFarlane
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
First Generation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
University Environment ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Participation In Higher Education ◽  
The University ◽  
University Setting ◽  
The Capability Approach

Inequality of participation in higher education persists despite a wealth of research and interventions. This has led to calls to rethink what it means to be university ready , especially for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation students. This paper explores the efficacy of a unique widening participation model based on immersing learners in the university environment prior to entry to HE in Scotland. Data from interviews with 30 students who participated in the programme are mapped to Wilson-Equitable Transitions to University (2016) which is based on the Capability Approach. Capability theorists contend that an appropriate approach to widening participation would address what students need to be able to do and to be (their capabilities) to successfully make the transition to HE. Evidence from this study suggests that the experience of studying HE level qualifications within a university setting whilst still at school provides learners from disadvantaged backgrounds with the capabilities for an equitable transition to university. A key finding is that when capabilities for equitable transitions are fostered prior to entry, learners identify as university students. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge at the nexus of widening participation, transition and capabilities.

A CUSTOMISED FRAMEWORK FOR EFFECTIVE PODCAST INTEGRATION IN A SOUTH AFRICAN HIGHER EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-32
Author(s):  
Shane Pachagadu ◽  
Liezel Nel
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
South African ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning Environment ◽  
Education Environment ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
African Higher Education ◽  
South African Higher Education ◽  
Effective Integration

Numerous studies have explored the potential of podcast integration in teaching and learning environments. This paper first presents and organises perspectives from literature in a conceptual framework for the effective integration of podcasting in higher education. An empirical study is then discussed in which the guidelines presented in the framework were evaluated for applicability in a selected course at a South African University of Technology. Since the results of the study revealed a number of aspects not accounted for in the conceptual framework, the framework was customised to make it more applicable for the particular higher education environment. The customised framework identifies four principles and a series of related guidelines for the effective integration of podcasts in a South African higher education teaching and learning environment. This framework can become a valuable resource for effective podcast integration in similar environments.

Gender Inequality and Intersectional Disadvantage among Students in South African Universities

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-172
Author(s):  
Oliver Tafadzwa Gore ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South African ◽  
Higher Education Policy ◽  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Education Policies ◽  
Higher Education Policies ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
South African Higher Education

Although policies to widen participation have been implemented in South African higher education since 1994, inequality of achievements persists in universities. The failure of the higher education policy to clearly define ‘disadvantage’ in various interventions seems to have contributed to the continuing inequalities. This study theorises disadvantage using the capabilities approach pioneered by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum and argues for a more nuanced definition of disadvantage by exploring the opportunities, agency and achievements available to students in universities. The theorisation is based on findings from a qualitative case study of 26 semi-structured interviews conducted with students from one South African university. Using empirical findings, the theorisation in this study shows how the conversion factors intersect, resulting in some students achieving fewer functionings, which put them at a disadvantage. While gender equality seemingly has been achieved through enrolment figures that show parity levels, some female students are still disadvantaged through subtle forms of discrimination and sexual harassment in universities. This study therefore recommends that higher education policies should consider an expansive definition of disadvantage that encompasses the various dimensions of student wellbeing for all students to have flourishing lives.

scholarly journals Theology and higher education: The place of a Faculty of Theology at a South African university

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaco Beyers
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South African ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Interreligious Dialogue ◽  
Faith Communities ◽  
African Society ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
South African Society ◽  
University Of Pretoria ◽  
The University

In 2017, the Faculty of Theology celebrates its centenary at the University of Pretoria. Celebrating a centennial is as much as looking back as looking forward. In a changing world with changing paradigms how does one remain relevant? Different challenges and expectations presented to tertiary institutions of education in a new dispensation puts all concerned with higher education in South Africa under pressure. The question addressed in this article is how will a Faculty of Theology (in this case at the University of Pretoria) remain relevant to such an extent that it is continued to be viewed as desirable to have such a faculty present at a university, participating in the academic process and simultaneously continues to contribute to the well-being of the South African society. The author suggests the following guidelines for consideration. In order to remain relevant for the next couple of hundred years the Faculty of Theology should engage contextually with society, practise interdisciplinary Theology, engage in interreligious dialogue while still remaining connected to faith communities. A paradigm of post-foundationalism enables Theology to exercise Theology in a relevant and meaningful manner.

Online Higher Education for Nontraditional Adult Students

2021 ◽  
pp. 265-285
Author(s):  
Junghwan Kim ◽  
Heh Youn Shin ◽  
Kim L. Smith ◽  
Jihee Hwang
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Adult Students ◽  
Career Planning ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
State University ◽  
University Of Oklahoma ◽  
Online Higher Education ◽  
Education Environment ◽  
The University

This chapter examines two U.S. four-year public universities, the Pennsylvania State University World Campus and the University of Oklahoma Outreach, that have successfully developed online adult education system/programs for adults. Using the principles of effectiveness for serving adult learners, the integrated review reveals not only how they advance online higher education environment for adults, but the types of challenges they have. Key findings highlight that, under a strong tradition of distance education, “self-assessment system,” “financial independence,” and “diverse active supports for life and career planning” play a critical role in increasing the academic engagement and retention of adult students. However, they also have several challenges: “high tuition rates and limited scholarship options,” “monitoring students' experience,” “learning outcome assessment,” and “commitment of faculty members.” The authors close with practical/academic implications and future research agendas.

Using Trigger That Instant Messaging to Improve Stakeholder Communications

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Joan Richardson ◽  
Brian Corbitt
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Information Transfer ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Comprehensive Description ◽  
University Environment ◽  
Sms Reminders ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
The University ◽  
University Setting ◽  
Technology Review

This case describes the key issues when an instant messaging prototype called TriggerThat was piloted and reviewed in a university environment. Short Messaging Service (SMS) was a popular technology amongst students and had previously been used in the university sector to push information to students (McCrindle 2006). This prototype and pilot conducted provided a more flexible use of SMS technology, enabling two-way push-pull SMS information transfer between academics and students. The push facility was used by academics to send assessment reminders, marks and alerts to their classes. Students were given the option of registering into TriggerThat to enable receipt of SMS reminders for information available on the university intranet. Surveys and focus groups were used to provide a comprehensive description of student uptake and usage of the technology. Review data and project documentation was used to create models to predict uptake and usage costs. Through the use of role plays in focus groups, which included all stakeholders, upgrades to system features, such as trigger words, were recommended. This case describes the experience of piloting SMS in the university setting and includes the functionality and tested trigger words used.

scholarly journals Are We Ready to Go Live with Our Team Projects?

10.28945/3482 ◽  
2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Whatley
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Technology Project ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
Team Projects ◽  
Team Working ◽  
Information Technology Project ◽  
The University ◽  
University Setting

[The final form of this paper was published in the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology.] Project work forms a large part in work undertaken by graduates when they enter the workforce, so projects are used in higher education to prepare students for their working lives and to enable students to apply creativity in their studies as they present a solution to a problem, using technical skills they have learned in different units of study. Projects, both at work and in higher education, may be completed in teams, thus providing experience and the opportunity to develop team working skills. The team projects presented in this paper have been provided by external organisations, so that students work in a team on a real life problem, but with the support of their tutors, in the university setting. In this way the projects more closely resemble the sorts of problems they might encounter in the workplace, giving an experience that cannot be gained by working on tutor devised problems, because the teams have to communicate with an external client to analyse and solve an authentic problem. Over the three years that the Live Projects have been running, feedback indicates that the students gain employability skills from the projects, and the organisations involved develop links with the university and benefit from output from the projects. A number of suggestions for improving the administration of the Live Projects were suggested, such as providing clients with information on timescales and providing students with more guidance on managing the projects.

scholarly journals Adapting to a Dynamic Higher Education Environment – How the University of Glasgow Library Is Taking Up the Challenge

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Susan Ashworth
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Research Assessment ◽  
Institutional Repository ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Education Environment ◽  
Scholarly Communications ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

The University of Glasgow Library is continuously developing space and services to meet the need of students and researchers in an evolving higher education landscape. We are an evidence-based organisation and have used tools such as ethnography, surveys and focus groups to understand how users interact with the physical and virtual library. We have also introduced new roles and created new partnerships across the University, particularly in the context of the United Kingdom Government’s policy on open access and funder requirements for the management of research data. This paper will focus on how the University of Glasgow Library is adapting to both the dynamic scholarly communications environment and the demands of our national research exercise and evidence from users and changing student needs. Every six years in the UK, there is a national research assessment exercise called the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and measurement of the performance of research outputs is a key part of that exercise. From 1st April 2016, in order to be eligible for the next REF, the accepted final version of journal articles and conference proceedings must have been deposited into an institutional repository within three months of the date of acceptance and made open access. Many research funders, such as the Wellcome Trust, also have policies on open access. The Library, in close partnership with the University’s Research Office, has taken the lead in publicising these policies to ensure that researchers are aware of their responsibilities. It has also developed new functionality in Enlighten, our institutional repository service to support compliance. In 2015, the Library commissioned an in-depth ethnographic study to help us more readily understand the changing needs of students and how they use library space. An overview of the results of this work and our next steps will demonstrate how we are “enabling progress”.

scholarly journals PEDAGOGICAL EDUCATION FOR FUTURE UNIVERSITY TEACHERS: DETERMINANTS OF EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION

2020 ◽  
pp. 60-66
Author(s):  
O. K. Logvinova ◽  
V. K Vittenbek ◽  
G. P Ivanova
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Group Method ◽  
University Environment ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Higher Education Pedagogy ◽  
The University ◽  
Focus Group Method

The study is aimed at identifying and analyzing the determinants of effective pedagogical education for future university teachers. Research interest in this issue stems from world wide dramatic changes in higher education caused by interdependent processes of globalization, massification and digitalization, which in turn foregrounds the problem of effective teaching in a more diverse and complex university environment. The research is based on both theoretical analysis and comparison of modern approaches to the problem under study, generalization of pedagogical experience and empirical investigation. The authors focused on students’ expectations and perceptions regarding real and ideal university teachers. Data collection involved the qualitative approach with the use of focus group method as well as focused interviews. The findings obtained helped to substantiate key determinants of effective pedagogical education for future university teachers, namely an opportune content and teaching methods updating, relevant forms of training, consideration of students’ expectations. The results of the research are of interest to a wide range of experts in the field of higher education and can be applied within the courses of “Pedagogy of Higher Education”, “Pedagogy and Psychology of Higher Education”, “Methods of Teaching at the University”, etc.

scholarly journals An investigation of students’ experience of service quality delivered by administrative staff at one site of a South African comprehensive university

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Mxolisi Walter Ntoyakhe
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
South African ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Administrative Staff ◽  
Comprehensive University ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Perceptions And Expectations ◽  
The University

Over the last decade the institutional framework within which most universities in South Africa operate has undergone major transformation forcing the higher education sector to become more competitive in its approach to attracting and retaining quality students. Against this background, service quality has been put forward as a critical determinant of competitiveness. Higher Education Institutions are increasingly placing greater emphasis on meeting students’ expectations and needs. As institutions of higher learning become more student orientated, student perceptions of higher educational facilities and services are becoming more essential. It is clear that there is a need to measure students’ experience of service quality in order to develop innovative academic structures, facilities and services to retain and attract new students. Therefore, this study used a mixed research approach and a nonprobability sampling technique to identify the sample size. The purpose of this study was to investigate the students’ experience of service quality delivered by administrative staff at one site of a South African Comprehensive University. Underpinned by the Gap Model of service delivery and an adapted SERVQUAL instrument, this study sought to determine perceptions and expectations of service quality across five dimensions, namely: tangibles; reliability; responsiveness; assurance; and empathy. Questionnaires were used as data collection instrument to collect data from two hundred and sixty (260) registered students; twelve (12) academic departments, residence and library administrative staff members. Questionnaires were used to gather data from administrative staff of academic department, library and residence; and registered students in one comprehensive university in South Africa. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data. Statistical tools that include frequencies, mean scores and tabulations were utilized to present the data from findings. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was also utilized to further analyse the significance of the gaps. Various gaps between students’ perceptions and expectations indicating dissatisfaction with administrative services particularly among the students were identified. The findings from the study indicated that, a negative service quality gap exists at selected site of Comprehensive University in SA. The findings further suggested that issues such as service quality planning and monitoring, establishing recovery mechanisms for service failures, and student- driven service design and standards need to be high on the agenda at higher education institutions to ensure service quality. All five dimensions of SERVQUAL indicated a negative score or quality gap suggesting that the administrators of selected departments need to urgently close the gaps that exist at their institution; key recommendations were thus made to improve the gaps identified. Frequent interaction between the administrators and the students is recommended for the university as it provides important information on student expectations and perceptions. Continuous employee training to improve the existing skills is also recommended for comprehensive university employees as it can have a good impact on meeting the students’ expectations of the service quality dimensions. The study therefore, concluded that the university needed urgent intervention in terms of developing proper academic support structures, facilities and quality services that would satisfy the needs of students.

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