This study examined the dissatisfaction among Chinese medical students with online medical English courses, which overemphasize grammar yet fail to provide practical opportunities related to medical situations. This study compared co-teaching’s effects, involving native and non-native instructors, with a single-instructor (traditional) model on student satisfaction in online medical English courses. Using a qualitative design, pre- and post-course interviews were conducted with 49 second-year medical students across seven classes, exploring their perceptions of instruction, curriculum, and course satisfaction. The findings indicated that the co-teaching model improved student engagement and satisfaction, not specifically due to the native English-speaking instructor but likely because of the focus on more interactive and discussion-oriented strategies. In contrast, the single-instructor model maintained the traditional grammar-focused instruction, leading to lower satisfaction levels. Both instructional models faced limitations related to their reliance on textbooks for delivering core material needed for the course’s comprehensive exam. These results suggest that the instruction design and approach, rather than the native instructor alone, was the main driver of positive outcomes in co-teaching. The study’s findings suggest a need for curriculum reforms that reduce textbook dependence and incorporate more practical, interactive learning strategies. Future research should consider applying various research techniques, such as mixed-method approaches, longitudinal studies, and experimental designs, to comprehensively assess the long-term effects of instructional strategies and curriculum innovations on student outcomes.
This work presents a review of Mexican Higher Education during the decade of education for sustainable development and how today it faces the commitments made for the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. By portraying the agreements that support the UN’s Development Program in advising higher education institutions, the SDGs which can be served through universities and their by-products, the success stories of some universities are shown. This case study addresses the theoretical value of quality of life and harmony of the environment, remarking on how different universities in Mexico have approached this matter as a key part of their curricula, policy, and research. Showcasing a special emphasis given to the work carried out by the University of Sonora, specifically for their institutional practices for sustainability and the study of sustainability from the perspective of Environmental Psychology.
The progress of a country can be directly related to the education level of its countrymen. Over a time period, the internet has become a game changer for the world of disseminating education. From 2000 onwards, the scale of online courses has increased manyfold. The main reason for this growth in online learning can be attributed to the flexibility in course delivery and scheduling. Through this study, the authors analyzed the challenges in adopting Online degree programs in higher education in management in India. The authors used Focus Group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and in-depth interviews to collect the data from the various stakeholders. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the responses. Considering the challenges and constraints in India, the authors proposed a sustainable model for implementation. Based on the viewpoints of the different stakeholders, the authors find that online degrees can be instrumental in bringing inclusivity in higher education. There are obvious constraints like a lack of IT infrastructure, the inexperience of faculty in online pedagogy, and the need for more expertise in the administration of online programs by existing universities. However, using SWAYAM as a platform can overcome most of these constraints, as it reduces the burden on individual universities. Hence, the authors proposed models where SWAYAM (technology platform) and Universities (academic partners) can come together to provide a sustainable education model.
This article explores the transformative journey of universities in Kazakhstan, focusing on the results of recent research on the quality of higher education. The study delves into the significant reforms and innovations implemented in the Kazakhstani higher education system, assessing their impact on academic standards, student performance, and institutional efficiency. Through comprehensive data analysis and expert interviews, the research highlights the strides made in improving educational quality, fostering international collaborations, and integrating modern technologies in teaching and learning. The findings underscore the critical role of government policies, industry partnerships, and community participation in driving these transformations. This article provides valuable information on the challenges and successes experienced by Kazakhstani universities, providing a blueprint for further advances in the sector of higher education. The key factors contributing to the success of these reforms include strong government support, international collaboration, robust quality assurance mechanisms, a focus on research and innovation, and professional development for educators. While challenges remain, the future of higher education in Kazakhstan looks promising, provided that these efforts continue and are further refined to address existing gaps.
The study aims to explore the impact of examination-oriented education on Chinese English learners and the importance of cultural intelligence in second language acquisition. Through a questionnaire administered to postgraduate students majoring in English in China, the research discovered that the emphasis on test scores and strategies in China’s higher English education system has led to a neglect of cultural backgrounds and cross-cultural communication. The findings underscore the necessity for reforms in English teaching within Chinese higher education to cultivate students’ intercultural intelligence and enhance their readiness for international careers in the era of globalization.
Adult vocational training of higher education institutes has great potential to help workforce coping with uncertainties of the fast-changing Labor market in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0. However, the lack of clarity regarding strategies for effectively establishing adult vocational training in higher education institutes may hinder progress. The aim of this study was to develop agreed strategies of adult vocational training for higher education institutes in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The 3-round Delphi method used semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to explore and reach an agreement on the future direction of the strategies. The semi-structured interview was used in the first round to explore the ideas in relation to such strategies. the questionnaires were used in the second and the third rounds to explore further and reach the consensus on expert opinions defined at interquartile range (IQR) ≤ 1. Besides that, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods were used to calculate the weights of each consented statements. Through Delphi method, the comprehensive strategies have been articulated with the highlights of 1 vision, 6 goals and 40 actionable strategies. furthermore, the experts commonly highlighted that the vision of future adult vocational training shall prioritizes cultivating skilled professionals with industrial needs, offering everyone accessible opportunities for career development. Besides that, the result also showed that reskilling and upskilling and extending the leaners’ interpersonal networks have been ranked as the two most important goals for future adult vocational training in higher education institutes.
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