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Article
Publication date: 11 January 2024

Yalalem Assefa, Melaku Mengistu Gebremeskel, Bekalu Tadesse Moges and Shouket Ahmad Tilwani

The current synthesis study was conducted to locate comprehensive perspectives about the transformation of higher education institutions from being the only places where formal…

Abstract

Purpose

The current synthesis study was conducted to locate comprehensive perspectives about the transformation of higher education institutions from being the only places where formal education programs are offered into settings where lifelong learning can be integrated. This demands an inquiry through not only instance investigation but also a more comprehensive evidence upsurge which has great importance in obtaining lessons and drawing conclusions from existing facts to show how higher education institutions can be places where lifelong learning is promoted for the good of both individuals and societal advancement.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a meta-synthesis methodology, a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in the area of higher education institutions' role in promoting lifelong learning was synthesized.

Findings

The study identified wide-ranging lifelong learning conceptualizations, potential beneficiaries, learning contents and ways of delivery that can be applied in higher education institutions. Furthermore, the practical challenges, partnership and coordination concerns and policy and reform issues towards promoting lifelong learning were addressed.

Originality/value

This meta-synthesis provides crucial evidence for higher education policymakers and practitioners seeking to guide the transformation of their institutions into settings where lifelong learning is integrated with other forms of educational programs, thereby optimizing individual's professional development and societal progress.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 October 2023

Yalalem Assefa, Melaku Mengistu Gebremeskel, Shouket Ahmad Tilwani, Bekalu Tadesse Moges and Yibeltal Aemiro Azmera

The main purpose of this study is aimed to estimate the mediating role of student engagement in the structural relationships between students' field of study choice, learning…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is aimed to estimate the mediating role of student engagement in the structural relationships between students' field of study choice, learning readiness and academic competence of undergraduate students in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study process, a correlational design was employed. Data were collected from 419 participants who were selected through a simple random sampling technique. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study findings showed neither field of study choice nor learning readiness has a significant direct effect on student's academic competence. However, when student engagement, entered the relationships between “field of study choice and academic competence” as well as “learning readiness and academic competence”, the indirect effects became significant. Both conditions, therefore, suggesting student engagement had a full mediation role in the structural relationship models.

Originality/value

Based on the results, it can be concluded that student engagement is shown as one of the key variables used to comprehend how students develop competence in the teaching-learning process. Hence, teachers and academic administrators could use engagement as a strong instrument to optimize students' learning and academic competence to enhance their academic success.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2024

Bekalu Tadesse Moges, Melaku Mengistu Gebremeskel, Shouket Ahmad Tilwani and Yalalem Assefa

The purpose of this study is to examine effects of classroom-level and student-level factors on student engagement in the context of a higher education system vertically…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine effects of classroom-level and student-level factors on student engagement in the context of a higher education system vertically differentiated into research, applied and comprehensive university types.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional multilevel design to explain student engagement based on class and student variables. Specifically, the study collects data from 656 students and 61 randomly selected teachers at both levels and uses multilevel modeling to explain relationship patterns.

Findings

The results show that institutions vary significantly in student engagement scores. In addition, while a significant variation is found at the student and classroom level, the effects of academic achievement, instructional quality, teaching experience and teacher qualifications on student engagement vary across classrooms in institutions. However, the interaction effect of classroom and student-level variables on student engagement remains non-significant.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this lies in the explanation of student engagement using classroom and student level factors in a vertically differentiated higher education system using multilevel modeling. Student engagement varied in classrooms research universities applied and comprehensive universities.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2024

Yalalem Assefa, Bekalu Tadesse Moges and Shouket Ahmad Tilwani

Given the importance of teacher leadership in influencing, motivating and inspiring student learning engagement and associated learning outcomes, a robust instrument to assess…

Abstract

Purpose

Given the importance of teacher leadership in influencing, motivating and inspiring student learning engagement and associated learning outcomes, a robust instrument to assess this construct is critical. Although there are some teacher leadership instruments available in existing literature, efforts to adapt robust psychometric instruments to measure teachers' leadership practices in Ethiopian higher education institutions have been limited. Therefore, this study attempted to address this gap by adapting the Teacher Leadership Scale (TLS) based on the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X) and validating its psychometric properties for use in higher education settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional design, the study involved 409 undergraduate university students who were randomly selected from public universities. Factor analytic methodologies, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), were used to analyze the data collected.

Findings

The result confirmed a set of 36 items arranged in nine factors, which have a theoretically supported factor structure, excellent model fit and robust evidence for validity, and reliability and measurement invariance. These results demonstrate that the scale is a strong psychometric tool for measuring the leadership profile and practice of higher education teachers.

Originality/value

It can be concluded that the TLS can assist stakeholders in several ways. Researchers can benefit from the scale to measure teachers' leadership practices and predict their influence on student learning outcomes. In addition, the scale can help practitioners and policymakers collect relevant data to rethink teacher professional development initiatives, leadership training programs and other practices aimed at improving teacher leadership effectiveness.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2023

Yalalem Assefa, Bekalu Tadesse Moges and Shouket Ahmad Tilwani

Lifelong learning has become one of the most interesting areas of research. Hence, the current study was aimed at developing and validating a tool that helps to study how well…

Abstract

Purpose

Lifelong learning has become one of the most interesting areas of research. Hence, the current study was aimed at developing and validating a tool that helps to study how well people working in higher education institutions are engaged in lifelong learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of theories in the literature and experts' consultation were used to develop a pool of items and validate the self-assessment instrument for measuring lifelong learning. The study employed factor analytic methodologies such as principal component analysis, varimax rotation and exploratory factor analyses.

Findings

The study yielded a reliable and valid lifelong learning measurement scale made up of 18 items and four underlying factors that are theoretically supported.

Originality/value

The significant information is that, the current study aimed at developing a tool that could help to measure the engagement in lifelong learning of higher education institutions workers. The study found this tool to be important because lifelong learning is considered essential for personal and professional growth, and having a sound way to measure it can help individuals and organizations identify areas for improvement.

Details

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

Keywords

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