Abstract:
This study examines the status of research-teaching link in higher education institutions of Ethiopia by
taking Jimma University as a case point. Cross sectional survey research design was employed for this
study. Data were collected from sample instructors, department heads, and students through
questionnaires and semi-structured interview. The results reveal that higher learning instructors are not
involved in disciplinary research, they did not allocate time for research, the department and college
environment is not facilitative to conduct research, except incorporating small scale
assignments/review literature/ in their courses, instructor did not use different methods to link research
with teaching such as involving students in their research, teaching research skills in each course and
so on. Similarly, students had no experience of involvement in research except reading research papers
or reports written by staff members. In addition, students and instructors have no pronounced opinion
about the relationship between research and teaching. Students believe that staff involvement in
research have both positive and negative impacts on students learning
