Conflicting practices in higher education : a practitioner’s perspective

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to provide insights into the challenges faced by academics at a previously disadvantaged university of technology in Durban. The challenges academics face has been divided thematically in terms of learning and teaching challenges; workload including administrative challenges; research and individual challenges including mentorship, supervision and student challenges. A systems thinking lens was used throughout the ethnographic study. The soft systems methodology diagramming technique was used to construct a rich picture to unravel the problematical situation with a view to constructing a framework of enquiry for the study. A living theory paradigm with the aim of improving my practice was maintained throughout the study by the practitioner-researcher using action research. It is the researcher’s intention that the thesis is a new, serious contribution to a critical understanding of the university of technology sector because it offers empirically-based research analysing and dissecting existing challenges at a specific institution that can provide a basis for further research in the sector. The findings of the study can be of assistance to university leadership and management as well as politicians, policy makers and practitioners not only to understand and absorb the harsh reality of a concrete environment but to think, plan, design and implement strategies and tactics leading to a better institution.