Gulnaz Zahid and Siobhan Neary
This study explores faculty members’ (FMs’) perceptions of the internationalization of curriculum (IoC) at the undergraduate level through the collection of data from two…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores faculty members’ (FMs’) perceptions of the internationalization of curriculum (IoC) at the undergraduate level through the collection of data from two countries: Pakistan and the UK. The similarities and differences in internationalization strategies were explored. Historical and existing educational ties between the two contexts and an equally emerging focus on internationalization at home (IaH) provided a major cornerstone for this study.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative data were collected from two universities using a cross-sectional and comparative research design by employing a reliable and valid scale with three subscales: curriculum embedded in labor market information, curriculum embedded in employability skills and curriculum embedded in global citizenship (CGC). A comparison between the perceptions of these two universities, by taking perceptions of FMs across their disciplines, and experienced and less experienced FMs was made.
Findings
The findings indicate a global influence on the local context for IaH and the importance of experienced FM. Various disciplines in these universities are congruent with respect to these three subscales, except for one, the CGC for engineering and design. The findings reveal the global influences on the local contexts in the internationalization of curriculum and the relevance of experienced FMs in terms of curriculum and labor market experiences rather than years of service. The findings examine the importance of IaH in both contexts. Since the study was quantitative in nature, an in-depth understanding of FMs’ experiences could not be obtained.
Practical implications
Globalization and intercultural ties have led to IaH, as intercultural ties and connections seem to contribute to IoC. Context- and discipline-related differences provide implications for IoC, considering sociocultural and institutional factors.
Originality/value
This study provides a new perspective to help understand the influence of globalization on internationalizing higher education.
Details
Keywords
This interventional study aims to test the effectiveness of thek training approach for higher education faculty members to facilitate students with disabilities (SwD) to promote…
Abstract
Purpose
This interventional study aims to test the effectiveness of thek training approach for higher education faculty members to facilitate students with disabilities (SwD) to promote inclusion in higher education by operationalising approaches on the basis of the social action model. It presents an evidence-based training model created on recognised theories and strategies in the field of disability.
Design/methodology/approach
The study follows a single-case pre/post-test intervention design in which data were analysed quantitatively, followed by a thematic analysis of participants' feedback and trainer's reflections. Training sessions were aligned to the social action model, the perspective of reasonable accommodations and introduction to technological support for teaching-learning and policy issues. Eighty faculty members from different schools of a multi-disciplinary Pakistani university participated in these sessions. Data from only 63 faculty members were available for analyses.
Findings
Teacher Perceptions of Facilitating Students with Disabilities (TP-FSD) scale served as a pre- and post-test measure. The quantitative assessment revealed knowledge and attitudinal gains after brief trainings. However, when findings were interpreted considering effect sizes and supported by qualitative findings, moderate effectiveness level was evident. Effectiveness can be interpreted by the internal and external validity checks and findings of multiple assessments.
Practical implications
This study can be replicated by adapting the training approach and by considering its strengths and shortcomings mentioned in detail in the discussion section.
Originality/value
The study tested the effectiveness of brief faculty training to support SwD in a multi-disciplinary university having faculty with varied education and training experience.
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Keywords
Sahar Rana, Ishfaq Ahmed and Gulnaz Shahzadi
Despite growing interest in workplace spirituality (WPS) and its impact on employee behaviors, there is a dearth of literature discussing an underlying mechanism of how it affects…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite growing interest in workplace spirituality (WPS) and its impact on employee behaviors, there is a dearth of literature discussing an underlying mechanism of how it affects adaptive performance. Against this backdrop, this study aims to develop and test a comprehensive model that examined the effects of WPS on adaptive performance through serial mediation of job satisfaction and emotional labor strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a multi-stage sampling technique, the data is collected from 390 faculty members of the higher education institutions in two-time lags.
Findings
The findings indicate that spirituality practices at the workplace help to increase the adaptive performance of employees through serial mediation of job satisfaction and emotional labor strategies.
Research limitations/implications
This study offers important implications to researchers as well as practitioners and highlights the significance of WPS in increasing the adaptive performance of employees.
Originality/value
This research is among the initial attempts to assess the impact of WPS on adaptive performance through serial mediation.