Investigating teachers’ teaching effectiveness and its implication on quality of student’s learning at university of hargeisa

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the teachers’ teaching effectiveness and its implications on quality of student’s learning at UOH. The study particularly treated the dimension of successful teachers in developing effective teaching methods and conducting learner centered methodology in teaching learning process and creating conductive suitable and healthy environment for learning. Professional skill development, performance evaluation and adaptation to changing environment and factors that affect quality of student learning in higher education. To accomplish this purpose, the study employed a survey method which was carried out at UOH. From the total population of 256 teachers and 2000 students, 102 teachers and 400 students were randomly selected for this study. Four department heads were selected using availability sampling, 6 college deans, and 10 teachers from different faculties were selected by using purposive sampling for interviews. Questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection. Semi structured interview was also utilized to substantiate the data gained through the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as percentage, frequency and the Statistical Package for Social Science [SPSS] computer software programs was utilized to analyze the questionnaire. The result of the study revealed that teachers were highly arranging consultation hours, using examples, illustrations and demonstrations to explain and clarify the lessons or contents they teach, and informing the lesson objectives. They were also giving summary at the end of the lesson and using attention gaining activities, ideas, concepts, and devices while teaching. Furthermore, the study revealed that teachers use rewards and rein forcers to motivate students who were performing well and creating situations in which appropriate learning was taking place. It was also noted that teachers were not allowing their students to give constructive feedback on each others’ work, etc. Finally, recommendations were drawn based on the above findings. The point of the recommendations include: awareness on the part of the University management and teachers to focus on quality not on quantity through seminars and discussion forums about teaching methodologies teacher’s use and their implications on quality of student's learning in order to create and practice effective teaching, to improve their professional growth and instructional practice. Moreover, suggestions were forwarded to alleviate the factors that hindered proper implementation of teaching learning methods. For instance, use of the English language as medium of instruction, lack of motivation (because of teachers are paid least), lack of certification in some short-term training conducted by MoE, etc.