Learning Environment and Educational Efficiency in Selected Public and Private Universities in Central Uganda

ABSTRACT 

The study delved into the relationship between learning environment and educational efficiency. Sought further in this study were as follows; (1) Demographic characteristics of respondents?; (2) Levels of learning environment and educational efficiency?; (3) significant differences in the level of learning environment between public and private universities?; ( 4) teachers' attributes as perceived by teachers and student?; (5) educational wastage between the public and private universities?; (6) potential ability to enter into the job market between the male and female students? And (7) Significant relationship between the levels of learning environment and educational efficiency? The ex-post facto, descriptive comparative and correlation design were utilized. Three hundred eighty seven teachers and third year students were selected through purposive and stratified random sampling. Standardized research instruments on learning environment and external efficiency, and a checklist on internal efficiency were used. Frequency tables and percentage distributions, t-test, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient and Analysis of Variance were utilized to statistically analyze the data collected. Majority of the teachers were male (73%), early adulthood (77%), Ugandans (78%), had experience of less than five years (43%) and had master's degree (73%). The findings revealed that: majority of the students' respondents were males (68%); in the early adulthood age (95%), and Ugandans (54%). Levels of learning environment (2.85) and potential ability to enter into the job market were high (3.24). There was no significant difference in the levels of learning environment between private and public universities (Sig. =0.185) and potential ability to enter the job market between the female and male students but there was a significant difference in the level of teacher attributes between the teachers and students Sig.=O.OOO). The level of learning environment was found not to be correlated the level of educational wastage while it greatly affected the potential ability of graduates of to enter into the job market. The level of educational wastage was not significantly different between private and public universities. It was concluded that the learning environment was not correlated with internal efficiency while it had a high association on the external efficiency. It was recommended that universities should create and activate alumni associations and strong career guidance and counseling department, the class size should be enlarged. Educational wastage should be addresses even at lower levels of education.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preminary Pages

Chapter

Declaration A

Declaration B

Acknowledgement

Dedication

Abstract

Table of Content

List of Tables

List of Figures

One THE PROBlEM AND ITS SCOPE

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem

Purpose of the Study

Research Objectives

Research Questions

Hypothesis

Scope

Significance of the Study

Operational Definitions of Key Terms

Two REVIEW OF RElATED LITERATURE

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions From Authors/Experts

Theoretical Perspectives

Related Studies

Three METHODOlOGY

Research Design

Research Population

Sample Size

Sampling Procedure

Research Instrument

Reliability of the Instrument

Data Gathering Procedures

Data Analysis 62

Ethical Considerations 64

Limitations of the Study 65

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 66

Demographic characteristics of Respondents 66

Level f Learning Environment (Students' Responses) 75

Level of Learning Environment (Teachers' Responses) 78

Educational Efficiency in terms of Level of educational Wastage 83

Educational Efficiency in Terms of Potential Ability to Enter into the Job Market 85

Significant Difference in the Level of Learning Environment (LLE) Between Private and Public University 90

Significant Difference in the Level of Teacher Attributed As Perceived by Teachers and Students 92

Significant Difference in the Level of Educational Wastage Between Private and Public Universities 93

Significant Difference in the Level of Potential Ability to Enter the Job Market Between Female and Male Students 95

Significant Relationship between the Level of Learning Environment and Environment Efficiency: Level of Educational Wastage (LLE) and Potential to Enter the into Job Market 97

Regression Analysis between the Dependent and Independent variable (internal and External Efficiency) 100

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 102

Findings 102

References

Appendices

Conclusions

Recommendations

Enrichment Plan

Appendix I - Transmittal Letter

Appendix II - Clearance from Ethics Committee

Appendix III - Informed Consent

Appendix IVA - Profile of Respondents

Appendix !VB - Questionnaire to Determine level of Learning Environment

Appendix IVC - Questionnaire to Determine level of Learning Environment in terms of Teacher Quality 143

Appendix IVD - Record Sheet to Determine Internal Efficiency in Terms of Educational Wastage (Repetition and Drop Outrates) 145

Appendix IVE - Questionnaire to Determine External Efficiency in Terms of Level of Potential ability to Enter the Job Market 146

Appendix VI - Sample Size Determination 148

Appendix VII - Reliability Testing 150

Appendix VII - Time Frame

Researcher's Curriculum Vitae