Effective Academic Leadership of Learning and Teaching in Malaysian Higher Education

Abstract

This study provides an in-depth look at the practices of leadership in selected Malaysian Universities that have been identified as academic leadership. The findings of this study support the fundamental elements that have been previously identified by researchers and professional organizations, as academic leadership. Specifically, academic leaders focus on learning and teaching for students in relation to instructor development.This study employs a qualitative research approach. Thematic method was used to analyze the data. Data were collected through in-depth interview. Based on the findings of this study leadership works towards the future of the university through the development and involvement of instructors to facilitate teaching and learning at Malaysian universities.Based on the obtained results, Malaysian universities planned through sustained programs of educational development to use principles of learning and teaching effectively in designing learning environments for students. Secondly, academics need a supportive culture to put these principles into practice. To date creating learning culture depends not only on well-educated, well-meaning individual academics, but also on an academic community working together to create a student-centered attitude.

Online Teaching Vs Face to Face (F2F) - Insight from Lecturers and Students of Manipal International University

“…Universities have become business oriented. They are affected by high expectations and changing demands from the student population (Fahimirad et al, 2016). All stakeholders expect a more wholesome teaching and learning experience which caters to the needs of industry's expectations of having more outcome-based performance.…”

“…However, the main barriers to using the mixed method are lecturers' behaviour, lecturer's outlook and institutions' regulations. Most times, self-imposed procedures can complicate the delivery of knowledge which then deprives students and lecturers of creativity (Fahimirad et al, 2016).…”

The Influence of Leadership in Academia on The Standard of Teaching in Malaysian Private Universities

“…Previous research has proven that academic leadership has a substantial impact on improving the teaching and learning quality in institutions which in turn affects student performance; academic leadership is considered to be the second major influence after classroom teaching (Cruickshank, 2017). Academic leaders are under pressure to ensure changes such as personal enhancement and individual transformation take place, as higher education is facing complex managerial issues (Fahimirad et al, 2016).…”

“…Hallinger in Cruickshank (2017) who provides a review of research on school leadership states that leaders have an indirect or mediated positive effect on student achievement by developing leadership capacities of staff members and creating a positive school climate that promotes teaching and learning. Effective and efficient leaders need to portray emotional intelligence and encourage academicians to perform effectively (Bryman in Fahimirad, Idris, & Kotamjani, 2016). Lecturers have a better understanding as to why they are instructed to carry out a certain task and they are committed to work conscientiously to achieve the set goals when leaders are resonant (Hofmeyer, et al, 2015).…”

Students’ Leadership Competencies at International Islamic University Malaysia

“…Thus, when developing the 21 st century leaders, there is a huge demand for the university to nurture young minds to become holistic self (Gelen, 2018;Ithnin, Sahib, Eng, Sidek, & Harun, 2018;Kumar & Al-Samarraie, 2018;Lee, 2017). Reza (2016), Ithnin et al (2018), Zakariya (2014) and Fahimirad, Idris and Kotamjani (2016) strongly emphasized the need to produce excellent academic leaders with the right blend of knowledge, skills, and attitudes to drive higher education in the right direction to bring sustainable development to any country.…”