Journal of Educational Research and Social Sciences Review (JERSSR)

Professional Development of HoDs at University Level: Needs, Opportunities and Challenges

Laiba Malik, Dr. Muhammad Amin — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to find out about the departmental heads' professional development (PD) needs, the PD opportunities they pursue, and the PD challenges they face. An interpretive paradigm and a qualitative research methodology were used in this study. This study is exploratory. Heads of department interviews have been conducted using the semi-structured interview protocol. Ten interviews in total, five from the University of the Punjab and five from the University of Education, Lahore, have been conducted. The sample was chosen using a convenient sampling technique. The data have been analyzed using a thematic approach. The study's key findings are as follows: It has been discovered that each department head has different standards for professional growth to ensure the success of their job. Additionally, with the right training, it is possible to improve related traits like risk-taking, decision-making, and initiative-taking as well as skills like management, negotiation, administration, and leadership.

It has been discovered that the university offers no opportunities for professional development to HoDs as Department Heads, and there is no PD program for department heads. However, it has been discovered that HoDs participate in PD opportunities provided to them as faculty members. An intriguing finding is that before granting someone the position of Head of Department (HoD), the university administration does not provide any type of training to HoDs; as a result, the HoD is immediately thrust into a situation in which they must manage multiple departmental concerns without any training. Department heads face several challenges in their professional development, including heavy workloads, time management issues, a lack of opportunities for PD activities, and difficulty achieving a work-life balance.

The study suggests that the university must provide specialized PD training for department heads (HoDs). The university administration should offer Pakistan-based and technologically advanced PD training programs and activities. This study suggests that department heads could benefit from skilled personnel to reduce their workload and effectively complete departmental work. Furthermore, it is suggested that professional development (PD) activities be planned for times when the semester is not in session, allowing department heads to focus on PD without the burden of teaching.

A Comparative Study of Public and Private University Faculty about the Utilization of Innovative Instructional Strategies with the Use of Technology in Teacher Education

Muhammad Sheraz, Dr. Hukam Dad — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The current research study aimed to compare the usage of technology in the classroom environment, of public and private sector university faculty regarding innovative instructional strategies concerning the technology used at the university level in teacher education programs. A quantitative study was conducted to investigate the perception of faculty regarding using technology in the classroom. The population of the study was all the public and private sector university faculty, especially in teacher education programs of the Punjab province, Pakistan. In addition, 10 public and 10 private universities, offering teacher education programs, were taken as samples randomly. The study sample comprised 202 faculty members, including 144(70.3 %) from public sector universities and 58(28.7 %) from private sector universities. These faculty members specifically teach the education department. A self-developed questionnaire Likert-type survey having five options, agree, disagree, undecided, strongly agree, and strongly disagree was used to collect quantitative data. The alpha reliability usability of technology was 0.78. To compare the difference between private and public sector teachers, the independent samples t-test was applied. The findings of the study revealed that the Private sector university faculty have a capable workforce in the utilization of technology as compared to the public sector. The study recommended that the provision of technological tools and technology-based training for faculty of teacher education programs is a must for making teacher training programs effective and successful.

Investigating Academic Achievements in Chemistry at the Secondary School Level through a Laboratory-Centred Instructional Approach

Misbah Ijaz, Dr. Shafqat Ali, Dr. Muhamad Amjad Javaid — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the improvement of Chemistry education in secondary schools through laboratory-centered instruction, contrasting it with traditional classroom methods. Science education had traditionally relied on lectures and textbooks, but laboratory instruments were considered a more immersive approach. The research, conducted in Pakistan, validated laboratory-centric lesson plans and assessed their impact on academic achievement. A group of sixty 9th-grade students participated, with their learning outcomes evaluated through tests. The findings revealed that laboratory-based learning significantly improved students' performance in Chemistry. Gender-based differences in learning styles were also noted, underscoring the importance of tailored teaching approaches. This study demonstrated that incorporating laboratory experiments into the curriculum could substantially enhance Chemistry education in secondary schools, shedding light on the efficacy and benefits of this approach. This study helps us understand that doing things in a lab can make learning Chemistry easier and more effective for students in secondary schools.

Examine the Online Learning Challenges at the University Level amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dr. Sunble Bibi, Humaira Abbasi, Huma Zafar — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of society. Governments worldwide temporarily shifted physical classes online to curb the virus's spread, seriously disrupting the global education system. The main objective of the study was to highlight the challenges faced by university students during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was descriptive. Students enrolled in university-level courses made up the population of the current study. A sample of 200 students was. This was accomplished using the simple random sampling technique. Data were gathered using a student questionnaire that was self-developed. The results were presented using frequency tables. The study's findings show that pupils face a lot of challenges while learning online. Challenges include technological barriers, environmental distractions, emotional well-being concerns, resource accessibility issues, and academic hurdles. In light of the findings, it may be recommended to introduce a course relating to the use of information technology or the holding of specific training sessions before online classes may be recommended. To better understand the difficulties experienced by college students, instructors, and administrators, further research may be conducted in the future.

Research Reproducibility Ethics of Scientific Research in Higher Education

Muhammad Naseem Abid, Abdul Malik, Sidra Sarwar — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Research reproducibility is a critical aspect of scientific research that has been gaining increasing attention in recent years. In higher education, it is considered a crucial issue that requires attention due to the significant implications for public health and safety. Despite the growing awareness of the need for greater transparency, rigor, and ethical principles in scientific research, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed. This research article aims to explore the ethical considerations related to research reproducibility in higher education. Specifically, we examine the current state of research reproducibility in higher education, the challenges and opportunities for improving research reproducibility, and the implications for ethical principles in scientific research. To address these challenges, we propose adopting open science practices, sharing data and code, and promoting greater collaboration and openness in research practices. By doing so, we hope to contribute to the ongoing discussions around research reproducibility and promote greater transparency, rigor, and ethical principles in scientific research.