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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Fang Zhao

The quality of online higher education is often subject to scepticism and criticism. Is the quality of teaching and learning in the virtual classroom the same as in the…

6231

Abstract

The quality of online higher education is often subject to scepticism and criticism. Is the quality of teaching and learning in the virtual classroom the same as in the conventional classroom? That is the question often raised by the stakeholders of universities. The present literature review has found that there has been a great deal of research about technology implementation in online education with regard to cost and efficiency savings, along with a number of studies on online pedagogy. Drawing on the current principal literature, this study explores a range of issues affecting the quality of online higher education; examines a variety of perspectives on criteria for quality online teaching and learning; and proposes a methodological framework for the measurement of both the process and outcomes of online teaching and learning. Considers that the enhancement of quality and effectiveness of online higher education requires a framework to be implemented within universities. The proposed framework provides a practical guide to the stakeholders of universities in the assessment of quality of the online teaching and learning.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2016

Francisco José Fernández Cruz, Inmaculada Egido Gálvez and Rafael Carballo Santaolalla

Quality management systems are being used more frequently in educational institutions, although their application has generated a certain amount of disagreement among education…

1692

Abstract

Purpose

Quality management systems are being used more frequently in educational institutions, although their application has generated a certain amount of disagreement among education experts, who have at times questioned their suitability and usefulness for improving schools. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this discussion by providing additional knowledge on the effects in educational institutions of implementing quality management systems. Specifically, this study investigates teachers’ and managers’ perception of the impact that quality management systems have on one essential dimension of schools, the teaching–learning processes, with impact being understood as sustained medium- and long-term organisational change.

Design/methodology/approach

The responses were analysed and classified into a set of sub-dimensions linked to quality management processes in a total of 29 Spanish primary and secondary education schools that have used such systems for at least three years.

Findings

The results showed that, according to the respondents, the following sub-dimensions were improving as a result of implementing quality management plans: teaching and learning processes, the analysis of student results, tutoring, consideration of attitudes and values and assessment processes. Conversely, quality management systems did not seem to have a clear impact on the teaching methodologies used by teachers or on family involvement in student learning. In fact, the perceived impact in these sub-dimensions varied among teachers of public and private schools as well as when comparing different regional autonomous communities.

Originality/value

As the main objective of a school is to guarantee student learning, one of the essential purposes of school quality assurance systems is to perform all the activities aimed at ensuring high levels of student performance.

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2021

Yarhands Dissou Arthur, Courage Simon Kofi Dogbe and Samuel Kwesi Asiedu-Addo

This study explored the effect of mathematics teaching quality on mathematics achievement among undergraduate students, using the SERVQUAL model.

Abstract

Purpose

This study explored the effect of mathematics teaching quality on mathematics achievement among undergraduate students, using the SERVQUAL model.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised of 320 first-year undergraduate students of a public university in Ghana. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was run in Amos (v.23) to test the various hypotheses.

Findings

The study concluded that the tangible aspect of the SERVQUAL model (service quality), which is very instrument in some service industries such as the airline, had no significant effect on mathematics achievement. Mathematics teaching reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy, however, had significant positive effects on mathematics achievement among undergraduate students.

Research limitations/implications

The study assessed the effects of the individual dimensions of SERVQUAL on mathematics achievement, and it was realized that the tangible dimension had no significant effect. Tangibles may however compliment the other dimensions and is therefore imperative to also assess the effect of service quality (as a higher/second order variable) with the five dimensions as its first-order variables.

Practical implications

Human resources (lecturers) were seen as a strategic tool in enhancing students' academic performance and mathematics performance to be specific. Management of universities is therefore expected to invest in building, training and developing their human resources for an enhanced academic performance of students, especially in mathematics.

Originality/value

Although some past studies have applied SERVQUAL to teaching and learning researches, attention was largely focused on the measurement or assessment of teaching quality using SERVQUAL, with little attention on the effect of SERVQUAL on an outcome variable.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 January 2019

Trudi Cooper

The purpose of this paper is to explore: why the concept of teaching excellence has been uncritically accepted into the lexicon of university management; and how it has been used…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore: why the concept of teaching excellence has been uncritically accepted into the lexicon of university management; and how it has been used to co-opt university teaching staff into supporting the myth that teaching quality can be maintained as financial support for teaching has declined.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual and analytical rather than empirical and a critical management perspective is adopted.

Findings

Per capita funding of university teaching has declined steadily. The concept of teaching excellence has been used to distract attention away from discussions about funding and the conditions required to promote good teaching in universities. The construction of teaching excellence as an attribute of individual teachers has co-opted university teachers into supporting the illusion that teaching quality can be maintained, despite falling organisational support and decreased funding.

Research limitations/implications

Teaching in universities can only be improved through changes to the management approach and maintenance of per capita funding, and ultimately democratisation of universities. This will require changes to the regulatory framework, and national policy.

Practical implications

The author concludes that teaching excellence is unhelpful as a concept. Instead the focus of discussion needs to return to ensuring that the necessary conditions for responsive teaching are in place.

Social implications

Democratise the workplace and management methods; adopt matrix management structures; Rebalance to focus on social benefit and public good.

Originality/value

This paper uncovers tensions, contradictions and missing elements in current policy and concludes with suggestions for change.

Details

International Journal of Comparative Education and Development, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2396-7404

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 October 2015

Gerald K. LeTendre and Alexander W. Wiseman

Research has already uncovered a great deal of evidence about the individual and organizational qualities that enhance effective teaching and the kinds of qualifications…

Abstract

Research has already uncovered a great deal of evidence about the individual and organizational qualities that enhance effective teaching and the kinds of qualifications (attributes) that are associated with effective teaching and learning. From a research perspective, increased precision and specificity in the definition and refinement of specific concepts (e.g., pedagogical content knowledge) will increase academic knowledge about the relationship between teacher characteristics, working conditions, and the quality of instruction that takes place. This knowledge may have little effect on policy formation. From a policy perspective, a holistic or organic conception of teacher quality will be critical for effective policy formation and implementation. At some point, academic knowledge about different aspects of effective or “qualityteaching need to be connected to a general concept of a quality teacher in order to be effectively inserted into policy debates and the general media. Systematic use of academic knowledge is often hindered by either the narrow focus of the research, or by its limited application to actual teacher practice. In spite of these limitations in academic research, there are areas where academics, policymakers, and practitioners have achieved consensus or are converging on shared constructs of promise. In other areas, both academic and political debates seem locked into conflict over constructs related to teacher quality. Identifying these three broad categories of consensus, convergence, and conflict provides a broad framework to assess the kinds of research and the kinds of reform that need to be carried out in order to promote and sustain teachers’ development and implementation of their professional skills in the classroom.

Details

Promoting and Sustaining a Quality Teacher Workforce
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-016-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1995

Priscilla Chadwick

TQM in higher education, as in other professions, is a commitmentto continuous improvement. Explores issues involved in enhancing thequality of teaching and learning in higher…

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Abstract

TQM in higher education, as in other professions, is a commitment to continuous improvement. Explores issues involved in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in higher education. In 1992 the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education was introduced to accredit formally the work done by new lecturers. The course included survival teaching skills, assessment, course design, equal opportunities issues, information technology and multimedia. The course proved popular and more than half of the newly‐appointed staff continued into the second year. Supported by trained mentors, they became increasingly confident in sharing good practice with academic colleagues; staff development within schools was enhanced. Developments in information technology, resource‐based learning and student learning support have further improved the quality of teaching and learning.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2023

Maryam Ikram, Husaina Banu Kenayathulla and Syed Muhammad Umer Saleem

This research aims to determine the levels of education quality (EQ), technology usage (TU), students' satisfaction (SS) and the impact of EQ on SS. Also, it seeks to find out how…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to determine the levels of education quality (EQ), technology usage (TU), students' satisfaction (SS) and the impact of EQ on SS. Also, it seeks to find out how TU as a moderator affects EQ and SS in Pakistani private higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 440 postgraduate students at eleven private universities in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, participated in empirical research and data were obtained through the use of an online questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to choose participants and partial least square structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings revealed that Pakistani private HEIs have a medium level of EQ, TU and SS. Furthermore, the data reveal the existence of a significant positive relationship between EQ and SS, whereas TU as a moderator was found to negatively affect EQ and SS.

Research limitations/implications

Postgraduate students of private HEIs in Pakistan were considered for this investigation and this study was limited to testing only in Punjab province. Another limitation of this study is that it was based on a research framework from previous research and literature. This study employed questionnaire surveys to conduct evaluations of teachers' teaching quality by university students. Furthermore, the questionnaire employed student self-evaluations to assess the quality of teaching. The research data would be more detailed if it were possible to include teachers' self-evaluations of their teaching quality.

Practical implications

The current study provides key insights for policymakers, higher education commission and HEIs. The results suggest leveraging the identified medium levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in Pakistani private HEIs. In an effort to boost the medium levels, policymakers are encouraged to enhance the teaching and learning experience by robustly integrating Web 4.0 technologies. Institutions can intervene strategically by investing in infrastructure and innovative tools aligned with students' technological needs. Likewise, policymakers and institutions can optimize learning management systems (LMS) by developing and implementing policies that encourage their adoption and optimization across HEIs. This may contribute to the accomplishment of the United Nations' sustainable development goal of providing quality education. Moreover, with the help of this research HEIs can establish minimum quality standards regarding academic teaching and learning materials. Implementing the above-mentioned practical implications might boost student satisfaction in HEIs which would benefit not only students but also the institutions.

Originality/value

The novelty of the article lies in the fact that it addresses the gap in the existing literature by exploring the levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in the context of private higher education in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study investigated whether TU served as a moderator in the relationship between student satisfaction and UNESCO-recommended EQ. This study elaborates on EQ indicators recommended by UNESCO in Pakistan’s private higher education sector.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 October 2015

Stephanie L. Knight and Richard A. Duschl

This chapter reframes the notion of teacher quality to encompass teacher qualities and teaching quality in the context of current demands on teacher and student learning. The…

Abstract

This chapter reframes the notion of teacher quality to encompass teacher qualities and teaching quality in the context of current demands on teacher and student learning. The chapter includes an exemplary case study of a program that depicts the kinds of qualities and practices that would be needed for effective teaching and learning in an era characterized by the need for higher-level skills and knowledge. The final section presents the implications for pre-service and in-service professional development to address the challenges the reconceptualization of teacher quality presents.

Details

Promoting and Sustaining a Quality Teacher Workforce
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-016-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1993

Phil Race

The word “quality” is increasingly used in the contextof education and training. Performance indicators are sought which maybe used to measure evidence on which to make judgements…

Abstract

The word “quality” is increasingly used in the context of education and training. Performance indicators are sought which may be used to measure evidence on which to make judgements about high quality. The quality of teaching is on the agenda, and links are made to appraisal procedures and promotion mechanisms. However, the quality of teaching is at least as elusive as the quality or research, and the appraisal of teaching quality is – to say the least – difficult. Aims to alert readers to the importance of something almost as intangible – the quality of learning – i.e. the richness and effectiveness of the provision of successful learning experiences. As a means of pinning down quality indicators connected to learning, proposes a straightforward model of learning, which enables tangible criteria for high‐quality learning to be formulated.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Lynne Leveson

Studies have highlighted the influence of how students perceive their learning environment in shaping their attitudes to learning, their approach to learning and ultimately with…

1530

Abstract

Studies have highlighted the influence of how students perceive their learning environment in shaping their attitudes to learning, their approach to learning and ultimately with the quality of their learning outcomes. Although far less extensively researched, it appears that how academics perceive their teaching environment influences both what and how they teach. The nature and effect of these perceptions has important implications for the recruitment and retention of key personnel and for the quality of teaching, learning and campus work life in general. This paper reports the results of a study that investigates the perceptions of a group of Australian and New Zealand academics of their work environment. The aim of the study is to identify those factors perceived as negatively affecting teaching, the key themes underlying these factors and the relationships between perceptions and choice of teaching approach. The results and their implications for the quality of university teaching are discussed.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

21 – 30 of over 83000