Student Engagement in Public Universities in Ethiopia: University Students', Instructors', and Officials' Perspectives

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Student Engagement in Public Universities in Ethiopia: University Students', Instructors', and Officials' Perspectives
Language: English
Authors: Abebaw Minaye, Fantahun Admas (ORCID 0000-0003-3748-0434), Taglo Kassa, Fiseha Teklu, Kassahun Habtamu, Seleshi Zeleke, Tamirie Andualem, Yekoyealem Desie
Source: Cogent Education. 2024 11(1).
Availability: Cogent OA. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Learner Engagement, Public Colleges, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, College Faculty, College Students, Universities, Administrators, Administrator Attitudes, Foreign Countries, Semitic Languages, Gender Differences, Rural Urban Differences, Intellectual Disciplines, Values, Influences, Barriers
Geographic Terms: Ethiopia
DOI: 10.1080/2331186X.2024.2403275
ISSN: 2331-186X
Abstract: Student engagement is conceptualized differently in different contexts and educational levels. The conception of student engagement in the Ethiopian context is not well established. To examine conceptions and practical experiences related to student engagement, we conducted a qualitative study of university students, instructors, and officials. Using topic guides prepared for this purpose, we carried out focus group discussions with 84 students (8 FGDs). In addition, 40 instructors and 20 officials were interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire. Perspectives of participants were analyzed using a codebook approach to thematic analysis. The findings indicated that conceptions of engagement span from studying for examination to involvement on non-academic activities such as participating in clubs. In terms of the level of engagement, participants believe that the overall status of student engagement is not satisfactory. In connection with this, the facilitators of and barriers to student engagement were identified. Among the facilitators, good laboratory and library resources, instructional methods, tutorials and friendly university environments and policies are worth mentioning. The major barriers to student engagement are grouped under macro, meso and micro levels, such as the political and economic situation of the country, the declining value for education, placement in universities and excessive social media use. The study contributes to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working on higher education, specifically on ways of improving the engagement levels of public university students.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1454320
Database: ERIC
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