Exploring the Effectiveness of Conferences in Building up the Teachers’ and Students’ Outreach at the University Level

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Mr. Rab Nawaz
Dr. Nasrin Akhter
Mr. Iqbal Javed

Abstract

This research explored the role and effectiveness of conferences in developing outreach and the difficulties in participating in conferences through the teacher's and students’ views. University graduates need to make themselves apprised of the isolation of a university to enrich themselves with innovative research ideas. The conferences offer valuable networking opportunities by bringing together individuals from various backgrounds and promoting collaboration. The mixed methods approach was used to conduct this research. The questionnaire was conducted among 300 graduates conveniently from graduate students of various departments. Moreover, the 10 teachers and 15 students with purposive sampling were contacted from different departments of the university and were interviewed to get their in-depth perceptions. Data showed that all the participants appreciated the role of conferences in building up outreach as conferences serve as platforms for experts, researchers, and professionals to share knowledge, and discuss innovative ideas. The majority of the participants agreed that conferences are valuable for both teachers and students. Data revealed that conferences the students and teachers agreed that conferences focus on specific areas of interest within a country provide innovative ideas, and the opportunity to build networks. Although the organization of conferences comes up with challenges of budget, security issues, high expenses, cost of internet, digital equipment, and traveling. It is found that new and low-budget universities cannot afford and conduct conferences easily despite their worth. The study recommended that universities should organize conferences despite low budgets and should reduce the limitations to the development of teachers’ and students’ outreach and networking.

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