Research Utilization in Teaching among Lecturers in South Nigerian Universities

E-ISSN： 1447-9540|22|3|45-55

ISSN： 1447-9494

Source： The International Journal of Learning: Annual Review, Vol.22, Iss.3, 2015-01, pp. : 45-55

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Abstract

Teaching as one of the tripartite core functions of universities is expected to bring tangible results in form of production of quality graduates. This expected result depends on the extent lecturers engage in sourcing for research and the volumes of new knowledge, techniques, ideas and experiences derived from it and utilized to add value to teaching. However, how research utilization has aided lecturers in their teaching in Nigerian universities has not been ascertained. This underscores the need to investigate the extent of research utilization in teaching, the challenges encountered and the coping strategies adopted by lecturers to ensure that the desired outcome is achieved. Two research questions and one hypothesis were isolated to give direction to this study. Descriptive survey design was adopted, while a sample of 200 lecturers was drawn from the population of 4012 lecturers in 4 federal universities located in south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Research Utilization in University Teaching Questionnaire (RUUTQ) developed by the researcher was used to collect data. It contained structured (quantitative) and open-ended items. Quantitative data were analysed using Population t-test of single mean, while the open-ended items were analysed with percentages and weighted in ranks. Results disclosed that lecturers’ utilization of research in their classroom teaching is significantly low; a number of challenges hindering effective utilization of research in teaching exists, chief among them being inadequate facilities like journals and textbooks; lecturers adopt coping strategies, one of which is investing in journals and relevant textbooks. Premised on the results, recommendations were articulated that research utilization policy should be formulated in universities, amongst others.