Education Commons^™

A Case Study Of Online Discussion Boards For First Year College Students: A Qualitative Case Study, Eric Cummings

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand first-year college students’ perspectives on online discussion boards in the context of learning, via the community of inquiry framework. The theory guiding this study is Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which identifies how learners create their own learning experiences in the classroom. The theory’s value comes from it being used to understand student thought in discussion boards, which is the study’s focus. A case study was the design, and the goal was to gather empirical data from discussion board experiences from students. The central research question was What are the experiences of …

Policies For Place: How To Make Sustainable Investments In Communities, Kathleen Bolter, Timothy J. Bartik, Brad J. Hershbein, Michelle Miller-Adams, Lee Adams, Brian J. Asquith, Alfonso Hernandez, Kyle Huisman, Iryna V. Lendel, Gabrielle Pepin, Bridget F. Timmeney, Beth C. Truesdale, Yulya Truskinovsky

Reports

No abstract provided.

A Phenomenological Study: The Academic Experiences Of Low-Socioeconomic-Status Esl Learners Enrolled In A Mid-Sized Urban Community College, Anna Buck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the academic experiences of low socioeconomic status ESL learners enrolled in a mid-sized urban community college located in Pennsylvania. The theory that guided this study is Walberg’s theory on educational productivity, as it looks at how learners’ psychological characteristics and the psychological environments in which they live influence academic outcomes and their ability to succeed academically. Walberg’s theory of educational productivity provided a framework to answer the central research question and three sub-questions: (A) What are the academic experiences of low socioeconomic status ESL learners? (B) What are the socioeconomic …

Unequal Usage: Geographic Disparities And The Michigan Reconnect Program, Kyle Huisman, Kathleen Bolter

Reports

No abstract provided.

Best Practices Of Exceptional College Professors Who Program Relevance Into Online Distance Learning Courses: A Phenomenological Study, Keri Ann Palasz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this proposed transcendental phenomenological study was to describe specifically the experience of exceptional professors who convey relevance to students in online distance learning higher education courses. The theory that guided this study is Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory (ALT), as it clarifies the relationship between course design and delivery and the characteristics of adult learners. This study addressed four research questions posed to a sample of award-winning college professors who teach online distance learning courses in the American field of higher education to understand better what these professors do to convey relevance in a way that appeals to …

Staying The Course: Factors Affecting The Progression Of Access Foundation Students At Technological University Dublin, Annette Forster, Fiona Faulkner, Mark Prendergast

Books/Book Chapters

This study examined the factors affecting the progression of Access Foundation students to undergraduate studies, as there is little research on the progression of such students in the empirical literature. Access education has been developed for marginalized students who are traditionally under-represented in higher education. A pragmatic, mixed-methods approach was used to determine the factors that affect the progression of Access Foundation students at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) over three academic years (2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using a range of descriptive and inferential …

Air Force Intelligence Professionals And Higher Education: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Nicholai Ivaschenko

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of Air Force intelligence professionals who decide to pursue a college degree. The study focused on the experiences of 10 current Air Force intelligence professionals who have completed an intelligence studies (or related) program and are currently serving in an intelligence operations group. The philosophical foundation used in this study was Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenology, and the secondary theoretical framework that was applied was the expectancy-value theory, which provides the underlying constructs and propositions for how Air Force intelligence professionals make sense of their careers. Lived experiences of …

Seik: Sustainable Event Industry Knowledge, Creating Oers For Event Management Students, Samantha Morris

Case Studies

Presentation describing the Sustainable Events Industry Knowledge project funded by TU Dublin Impact, National Forum of Teaching and Learning and the Higher Education Authority. Presented at the EdTech 2021 Conference hosted by The Irish Learning Technology Association.

Emergency Management In Higher Education During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenology Inquiry Comparing A Developed And Developing Country, Saira Hanif Soroya, Mohsin Abdur Rehman, Zuhair Abbas, Farhan Mirza, Khalid Mahmood, Muhammad Aboidullah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

No abstract provided.

Mlearning: Powerful Learning Tools For Eap In Higher Education, Rania M Rafik Khalil

English Language and Literature

In many of today’s private higher education institutions, it is difficult to find students without a mobile phone, a PC tablet, or an ipad. At the same time, it is even more difficult to find students in higher education who use their mobile devices for academic purposes. Research indicates that English language instructors in higher education are not necessarily advocates of mobile use in the teaching classroom (Dashtesatani, 2016; Ally, 2013; Stockwell, 2012). However, in recent, years, higher education institutions are advocating the use of mobile learning for English language learning and promoting it as a “powerful learning aid” (Chen …

Public Goods And Public Policy: What Is Public Good, And Who And What Decides?, Ellen Hazelkorn, Andrew Gibson

Articles

Higher education is usually seen as serving the public good, especially when funded directly by the state, and because of the ‘social benefit efficiency gains and potential equity effects on opportunity and reduced inequality’ (McMahon, 2009, p. 255). Calhoun (2006, p. 19) argues that public support for higher education is only given and maintained according to its capacity, capability, and willingness, to ‘educate citizens in general, to share knowledge, to distribute it as widely as possible in accord with publically articulated purposes’.

Maximising Universities’ Civic Contribution : A Policy Paper., Ellen Hazelkorn, John Goddard

Other resources

Civic engagement is widely used but often lacks a common understanding. This report provides clarity and context for civic mission in Welsh higher education. • The concept of “the public good” underpins Welsh public policy; actions to strengthen universities’ civic mission builds upon that commitment. • Universities’ potential for civic engagement in Wales is shaped by several factors: institutional origin and subsequent development, the Welsh, and UK, higher education policy context and the globalisation of higher education and the economy at large. • Within Wales, the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act has an important role to play in shaping civic …

“The Accountability And Transparency Agenda: Emerging Issues In The Global Era, Ellen Hazelkorn, Andrew Gibson

Other resources

When global rankings first appeared in 2003, rankings in general were little known despite the fact that collecting statistical information on individual academic institutions had begun by the U.S. Bureau of Education in the late 19th century (Snyder, 1993). This was followed by various attempts to measure and compare the performance of faculty members and correspondingly their institutions by focusing on the schooling and characteristics of birth of such “Geniuses” or “Great Men”. This early focus on "distinguished persons" dominated rankings to the 1950s but effectively excluded most public universities, such as Land Grant universities, because they were newer institutions …

The Impact And Influence Of Rankings On The Quality, Performance And Accountability Agenda, Ellen Hazelkorn, Andrew Gibson

Other resources

When global rankings first appeared in 2003, rankings in general were little known despite the fact that collecting statistical information on individual academic institutions had begun by the U.S. Bureau of Education in the late 19th century (Snyder, 1993). This was followed by various attempts to measure and compare the performance of faculty members and correspondingly their institutions by focusing on the schooling and characteristics of birth of such “Geniuses” or “Great Men”. This early focus on "distinguished persons" dominated rankings to the 1950s but effectively excluded most public universities, such as Land Grant universities, because they were newer institutions …

Retention In A Bachelor Of Education (Early Childhood Studies) Course: Students Say Why They Stay And Others Leave, Gillian Kirk

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The literature suggests that student attrition at the university level has been of growing concern in many countries. Student attrition has a number of implications for universities, chief amongst them are losses to revenue and investment in higher education. While many studies have examined causes for attrition from an institutional perspective, this study examines how the Bachelor of Education (Early childhood studies) that sits within the School of Education can support the retention of students from the students’ perspectives. Using a qualitative methodology that recorded up to 40 hours of interviews with 20 students provided insights into why they stay …

Professional Development Of Staff In Assessment & Feedback: A National Approach, Roisin Donnelly

Other resources

No abstract provided.

Professional Development Celebration., Roisin Donnelly

Other resources

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Relevance Of The Pdf For Library Professionals., Roisin Donnelly

Other resources

No abstract provided.

Making Digital Badging Work: Lessons From An Irish He Context, Roisin Donnelly, Colin Lowry, Terry Maguire

Other resources

No abstract provided.

Overview Of Professional Development Framework For All Staff Who Teach In Higher Education & What Is Being Learnt From The Initial Implementation., Roisin Donnelly

Other resources

No abstract provided.

Pilot Studies Implementation Of The National Professional Development Framework For All Staff Who Teach In Higher Education And The National Digital Badges Initiative., Roisin Donnelly

Other resources

No abstract provided.

Research Brief: "Experiences Of Veterans Transitioning To Postsecondary Education", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study found that more than 500,000 veterans are currently enrolled in post-secondary education (PSE), with more expected to enter as active duty deployment is scaled back, while there are three major challenges: repurposing their military experience, reconstructing their civilian identity, and navigating PSE. In practice, veterans enrolled in post-secondary education (PSE) should continue utilizing services available to them both on and off campus. In policy, policymakers might consider allocating additional funds to VRCs on university campuses, and the Department of Defense (DoD) might offer additional resources to transitioning service members to help smooth the process. Suggestions for future study …

What Does Global Higher Education Mean For University Leaders?, Ellen Hazelkorn

Other resources

The world is changing, and fast. The “widening, deepening and speeding up of connections across national borders” is transforming the way we live and work (OECD, 2016). The growing demand to participate in higher education and to leverage its benefits for individuals and society is changing what, where, when and how we learn. The impacts of societal challenges, previously easily ignored, now flow easily and quickly between and across boundaries with positive and negative effects. Whether we recognise it or not, we are all global citizens, moving across countries and borders, and connected to each other through trade and technology.

Global Science, National Research, And The Question Of University Rankings, Ellen Hazelkorn, Andrew Gibson

Articles

Science has always operated in a competitive environment, but the globalisation of knowledge and the rising popularity and use of global rankings have elevated this competition to a new level. The quality, performance and productivity of higher education and university-based research have become a national differentiator in the global knowledge economy. Global rankings essentially measure levels of wealth and investment in higher education, and they reflect the realisation that national pre-eminence is no longer sufficient. These developments also correspond with increased public scrutiny and calls for greater transparency, underpinned by growing necessity to demonstrate value, impact and benefit. Despite on-going …

Extensibility - Validation Of Workplace Learning In Higher Education - Examples And Considerations, Deirdre Goggin, Stephen Cassidy, Irene Sheridan, Phil O'Leary

Conference Papers

The importance of effective curriculum design and development in structuring and supporting learners in their knowledge attainment has been outlined in the writings of Tyler (1949) [1] which supports the approach adopted in European Higher Education stemming from the 1999 Bologna Declaration (European Commission, 2009). These structures are assisted in part by national and European qualification frameworks and the Dublin descriptors which are explicit of the variances in knowledge, skill and competence as one progresses in higher education and training. In addition, the inclusion of learning outcomes and programme objectives in the development of comprehensive curricula has been linked to …

The Cit Extended Campus Model, Irene Sheridan, Daithí Fallon, Deirdre Goggin

Conference Papers

In 2006 the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in Ireland released a call for proposals under its Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). The OECD (2004) review of higher education in Ireland had made a compelling case for reform of third and fourth level education in Ireland. In the context of increasingly difficult economic circumstances the SIF became an important driver for investment and reform of higher education. One projects funded under the SIF was the Education in Employment project focused on ensuring that higher education can serve the learning needs of those in the workplace, in a partnership model which recognises the …

A Current Overview Of Recognition Of Prior Learning (Rpl) In Irish Higher Education, Phil O'Leary, Deirdre Goggin, Irene Sheridan

Conference Papers

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process whereby learning that has taken place prior to enrolment on a programme of study is explored, recognised and given value in the context of a destination award. In general terms this includes the recognition, evidencing and valuing of relevant and current formal, non-formal and informal learning. A broad aim of RPL is to encourage people to enter or re-enter formal education and to achieve qualifications through sensitive and accessible pathways. This is very much in keeping with the concept of lifelong learning as defined by Behringer and Coles (2003) as ‘learning activity …

E-Learning In Higher Education For Adult Learners In Singapore, Guan Chong, Ding Ding, Kong Weng Ho

Research Collection School Of Economics

Countries across the world have witnessed tremendous expansion of adult education and dramatic growth of adult learners. Moreover, with the growing importance of life-long learning, online learning has become a popular tool which is well received by adult learners. In order to enhance adult learners’ learning experience, we have conducted an exploratory research on online learning for adult learners to understand the challenges faced by them in their pursuit of higher education. The results suggest that technical trainings or preparations are needed prior to e-learning and infrastructure needs to be improved. The findings also emphasize on the importance of using …

An Exploration Of Rpl In Higher Education In Ireland With Particular Focus On Quality Assurance, Deirdre Goggin, Irene Sheridan, Phil O'Leary

Conference Papers

This paper focuses on examining the practice of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) a provision which allows a learner present previously acquired relevant learning for assessment for credit. In general all forms of learning are formally recognised within an RPL system which includes informal, non formal and formal learning. The key misconception within higher education can be that RPL requires a different quality assurance system than that of conventional assessment methods.

This paper explores current assessment policies and practices in Ireland with a particular focus on the structural realities required to deliver good practice with RPL provision for summative purposes. …

Research Brief: "Empty Promise: Black American Veterans And The New Gi Bill", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study found that despite the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 expanding educational benefits for military veterans who have served since September 11, 2001, African American veterans are utilizing GI benefits less than other ethnic groups. In practice, institutions of higher education (IHE) must recognize that veterans have acquired life skills that can be assessed and worthy of academic credit, and employers should seriously consider African American veterans as potential employees, regardless of whether they have competed a college degree. In policy, the DoD and the VA might partner together to better ensure that African American service members …