Research-Teaching Link in Higher Education Institutions of Ethiopia: the case of Jimma University

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