Research Based Pedagogy to Enhance Quality of Learning: A Study Among Selected Higher Education Institutions in the UAE
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Date
2024-07
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The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
The present research focuses on the quality of education and relies on the teaching and learning approaches that would lead to the desired learning outcomes. The vision 2071 of education in the UAE is promoting the establishment of a researching culture and innovations. The role of universities has expanded from graduating students with a degree only, but also to obtain high skills of researching. Consequently, the government is expecting the universities to attract National and International Scholars and researchers. Research Based Pedagogy has become the teaching and learning approaches adopted by the universities and higher education institutions in the UAE. Research Based Pedagogy is referred to as a significant concept that would facilitate in creating research culture and to graduate students with high cognitive thinking order. The government of the UAE is viewing research as an investment that would enhance the quality of life and solve complex future problems. Learning research in the university would enhance, self-efficacy, critical thinking skills, analysis, synthesis, and complex cognitive skills. Accordingly, the impact on quality of learning outcomes is expected to be positive and impressive. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of Research-Based Pedagogy (RBP) in enhancing the quality of learning in Higher Education in the UAE. The study employed Mixed Methods Research Approach and Concurrent Triangulation design to collect and analyze the data. For qualitative data collection, sampling selection was purposely implemented in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the opinions of six faculty members (N=6) working, and teaching in Higher education Institutions in the UAE on RBP. The interviewees vary on their year of experience on RBP and researching in Higher education. Thematic coding analysis was applied in data analysis. For quantitative data collection, convenient sampling was implemented for this study, the questionnaires were distributed to 200 (N=200) undergraduates who were studying and conducting research in selected Higher Education Institutions in the UAE. The majority of students are Emirati who are studying and conducting research as part of their learning. One institution is the federal government and another one is semi-government, and both are research-based universities. Findings from the questionnaire of 200 students (N=200) revealed the influence of research-based pedagogy (studying research methods and conducting research) in higher education on students’ overall quality of learning. Some students exhibited joy while conducting research, others referred to their success to their instructor’s feedback and guidance. The questionnaire results underlined that studying and conducting research for undergraduate students have an influence on their skills. Enhancing quality of learning, is defined as the engagement of students in knowledge creation, communication and establishing. In addition, students have acknowledged the importance of researching in developing the maturity of their judgment. This was demonstrated by 43 % who strongly believe in the influence of studying and conducting research on their personal life. In another word, studying research and conducting it have helped students to value different perspectives. Furthermore, the study has also revealed that RBP has an impact on enhancing complex thinking skills such as critical and analytical skills which was demonstrated by 72%. The outcome of the study revealed that there is a common ground agreement among faculty members on the positive impact of research-based pedagogy learning and teaching on enhancing the quality of learning experiences of students. Faculty members strongly believe researching can improve decision making and are actively engaged in creating knowledge. However, there is also a concern on the seriousness of students on continuing learning through researching. The study has also revealed significant concerns of faculty on the authenticity of the research conducted by students. Faculty members’ perceptions of students are generally lower than their expectations based on their experience with their students and the number of years they have been teaching research or supervising students' research papers. The study outcome of this dissertation will help the decision makers to understand the current practice of research-based pedagogy on learning and its quality in the Higher Education institutions. Consequently, further plans and policies can be determined to create an excellent educational hub for researchers in the UAE. Furthermore, to evaluate the tools and learning experiences of undergraduates on researching and areas of improvements.
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Keywords
research-based pedagogy, higher education, learning outcomes, research skills, knowledge, quality, learning, motivation, creation, thinking skills