Mentor-Mentee Experiences Amidst COVID-19: A Teaching Practice Case Study

Preparing student teachers for the world of work is seen globally as a challenge. This research aims to explore mentors and mentees experiences in teaching practice during the COVID-19 period. In order to explore the challenge in this study, the following research question guided the paper: What are the teaching practice experiences of mentors and mentees at a school during COVID-19? The research question is a result of limited research done on the experiences of two groups during COVID-19. Informed by the realist social theory, we generated data via telephonic interviews with mentors and mentees in one school. The data was generated through semi-structured Interviews and thematic analysis was a method employed in the analysis of the data. The results present challenges experienced by mentees which, amongst others, include a feeling of inadequacy or a lack of confidence in their abilities to bring about order to the classroom and a feeling of being excluded in meetings and extra-curricular activities. On the other hand, mentors receive mentees without any prior warning or without arrangements made to accommodate them and the absence of the university officials except for assessment. Based on the results, a collaborative approach should be employed to deal with some of the challenges experienced by mentors and mentees.

The state of the art in the incorporation of sustainable development goals in Nepalese Universities

Purpose This paper aims to assess the state of the art of quality of education, research and governance to incorporate sustainable development goal 4 (SDG 4) in Nepalese higher education institutions (HEIs). In particular, it raises questions to initiate a discourse on HEIs to achieve SDG 4. Design/methodology/approach The idea of undertaking this research is heavily borrowed from scientific literature and policy documents. It is an exploratory study that assesses the current status of quality of education, research and governance and suggests policy measures to inculcate SDGs culture in Nepalese HEIs. This study follows a qualitative approach. The analysis is based on the opinions of 113 HEIs stakeholders and high-ranked university officials. Discussions among stakeholders have been organized using online facilities such as Zoom and Team. Findings Nepalese universities had not incorporated SDGs in their policy, planning, budget and curriculum. The research finds that even after the government’s commitment to SDGs, HEIs are not honestly involved in academic discourse on these goals. From the conversation with university officials, it appears that Universities have understood it as a government policy for development, rather than incorporating it as their sectoral responsibility to ensure the quality of education for future generations. Research limitations/implications Nepalese universities had not incorporated SDGs in their policy, planning, budget and curriculum. Even with the government’s commitment to SDGs, HEIs are not honestly involved in academic discourse to conceptualize SDGs. From the conversation with university officials, it appears that universities have conceptualized it as a government policy for development, rather than incorporating it as their sectoral responsibility to ensure the quality of education for future generations. Practical implications This paper prescribes policies to inculcate SDGs culture practically throughout the university structure and operations and opens the floor to discourse on the sectoral role to reach SDG 4. Second, this research suggests activities and policies integrated toward the common good agenda. Originality/value The paper is the first of its type in the context of a least developed country, Nepal, to raise the issue of HEIs for SDGs. This paper also represents the situation of HEIs for SDGs of similar countries.

“Stick to Sports”? First Amendment Values and Limitations to Student-Athlete Expression

The resurgence of political activism by student-athletes raises the specter of increased constitutional challenges to public university regulations on student-athlete speech. This article explores the special regulatory environment situating student-athletes and gleans the First Amendment values underpinning cases where student-athletes challenge institutional regulations on their freedom of expression. Analysis of the legal discourse suggests that courts are more likely to apply increased scrutiny to university officials’ attempts to regulate expression on public issues versus speech that address personal or private matters. This article ends with some suggestions for practitioners and scholars to consider when evaluating regulations on student-athlete speech.

Media and Information Literacy among Postgraduate Students

Aim: This study aimed to determine the MIL level among postgraduate students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Method: This descriptive-analytical research was conducted among 490 postgraduate students in 2020 at a medical sciences university. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that was used before in previous studies. The link of the web-based questionnaire was placed in the student's groups on WhatsApp social media, and was asked to complete it to collect the data. Finally, 227 questionnaires were completed and collected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean score of MIL was moderate. Among the factors related to MIL, the "use" factor obtained the highest means score (3.80±0.50), and the "evaluation" factor obtained the lowest mean score (2.54±0.84). There was a significant relationship between the MIL of students and their gender, age, school, and level of family income. "Learn new content," "earn a good grade, pass a course or upgrade your academic rank,"; and "writing in a way that leads to new knowledge" obtained the highest mean scores among the options. The lowest mean scores were related to "pay attention to the author's reputation (for example, his work experience, degree or place of work)"; "paying attention to the reputation of a publisher or media producer," and "Pay attention to which organization supervises the distribution and dissemination of the intended media and what are the rules about it?" Conclusion: Since the students were studying at the postgraduate level, it requires special attention to improve their literacy level. University officials should hold classes and workshops, and even conferences on topics related to the evaluation of media and information, including critical thinking, problem-solving, questioning, and identifying credible media resources to improve the level of MIL of students.

Media and Information Literacy among Postgraduate Students

Aim: This study aimed to determine the MIL level among postgraduate students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Method: This descriptive-analytical research was conducted among 490 postgraduate students in 2020 at a medical sciences university. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that was used before in previous studies. The link of the web-based questionnaire was placed in the student's groups on WhatsApp social media, and was asked to complete it to collect the data. Finally, 227 questionnaires were completed and collected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean score of MIL was moderate. Among the factors related to MIL, the "use" factor obtained the highest means score (3.80±0.50), and the "evaluation" factor obtained the lowest mean score (2.54±0.84). There was a significant relationship between the MIL of students and their gender, age, school, and level of family income. "Learn new content," "earn a good grade, pass a course or upgrade your academic rank,"; and "writing in a way that leads to new knowledge" obtained the highest mean scores among the options. The lowest mean scores were related to "pay attention to the author's reputation (for example, his work experience, degree or place of work)"; "paying attention to the reputation of a publisher or media producer," and "Pay attention to which organization supervises the distribution and dissemination of the intended media and what are the rules about it?" Conclusion: Since the students were studying at the postgraduate level, it requires special attention to improve their literacy level. University officials should hold classes and workshops, and even conferences on topics related to the evaluation of media and information, including critical thinking, problem-solving, questioning, and identifying credible media resources to improve the level of MIL of students.

Role of Organizational Commitment in Mediating between Budget Participation and Managerial Performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of organizational commitment in mediating the relationship between budgetary participation and managerial performance in academic officials at private universities in Bandung. This type of research is explanatory research. The sample in this study was 132 private university officials in the city of Bandung. In this study, the data collection method was a questionnaire, and the data analysis used in this study was simple linear regression analysis. The results show that. Budget participation, organizational commitment, and managerial performance are in a suitable category and positively affect. While organizational commitment can mediate the relationship between budgetary participation and managerial performance, one of the commitment dimensions does not affect, namely, continuity commitment.

Evaluation of WASH at Sana’a University as per IWRM Perspective

The Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is considered to be a key in achieving a sustainable improved WASH sector. Water supply and sanitation are among the most essential sectors of development Enhancement of community water supplies and sanitation results in improved social, economic conditions and health. Students are likely to be affected in different ways by inadequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) conditions in schools and universities, so this may contribute to reduce in getting the right learning opportunities. Due to the importance of the WASH sector in improving the community’s level and standards, this paper will help to assess the WASH at Sana’a University.A multi-disciplinary approach to reach the objective targeted in this paper has been used; an intensive literature review has been done, a closedended questionnaire was developed with the help of some INGOs standards such as WHO, UNICEF and Sphere to collect the required data from the beneficiaries, a checklist was developed and used to acquire the requireddata and information from the fields and meet face-to-face with the key informants of each faculty, and all the collected data and information are analyzed with the help of Kobo Toolbox. The findings of the research showed that water shortages and inadequate sanitation were due to weak infrastructure although its own a very strong infrastructure; systems were not repaired or maintained and fell into disuse. In addition, the water supply shortages were also due to insufficient water capacity, physical contaminatedexisting water sources, lack of communication between university officials, and the obstacles to (WASH) sector which include lack of human resources, lack of financial resources, and unclear roles and responsibilities. The recommendation was based on the findings and related issues with water institution, water sector and resource, sanitation, and hygiene in addition to NGOs to support the university WASH infrastructure.Keywords: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Sana’a University, KoboToolbox and IWRM.

Building a “Double First-class University” on China's Qing-Zang Plateau: Opportunities, Strategies and Challenges

Situated in the broader context of educational aid for Tibet and higher education reform in China, this article examines efforts to develop higher education in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Based on document analyses, observations and interviews, we interrogate the thoughts and actions of university officials in the TAR when responding to the state's call for the creation of “double first-class” (shuangyiliu 双一流) universities and disciplines. Our study identifies two main strategies adopted by university officials: capitalizing on the plateau's unique geography and China's system of preferential ethnic policies. University administrators hope to use the TAR's unique and strategic location as a springboard for curriculum and research development, while drawing on aid and assistance from the central government and partner universities. We conclude that the future of higher education in the TAR is highly dependent on external assistance and that the region faces an uphill battle in building a truly world-class university.

Examining the Links Leading to Behavioral Support for Change: An Expectancy Theory Perspective

Purpose of the study: An individual’s support for change is a critical factor in successfully and effectively implementing change. Therefore, identifying possible antecedents and mechanisms leading to one’s behavioral support for change is necessary. The study aims to unpack this avenue of research empirically by examining the role of both person and context as factors in promoting behavioral support for change. Methodology: Data was collected from 292 academic staff members of six public sector universities in Pakistan via cross-sectional means. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect responses from the desired sample. SPSS 25 and AMOS were used to analyze the data for its relevance to the objectives of the study. Main Findings: Results revealed a positive impact of change-efficacy on academic staff members’ behavioral support for change. Moreover, change-valence provides an effective intervening mechanism to translate the effect of change-efficacy on both dimensions of behavioral support for change, that is, compliance and championing behavior. Research limitations/implications: The study contributes to the existing literature on organizational change, particularly in the university setting, by examining and empirically validating the factors of both person and context as significant predictors of behavioral support for change among academic staff. However, more research is needed in other organizational and work contexts to further apply the study’s implications within these diverse contexts. Novelty/Originality of this study: The study offers useful insights for senior university officials intending to build support for change by enhancing academic staff levels of efficacy and positive expectations regarding such change and enables them to successfully execute the change-related tasks into viable actions.