Lecturers' perspectives on how physical spaces are used in higher education for talent development of students

Year 2022, , 73 - 84, 30.03.2022

Vimbi Mahlangu

https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.1061082

Abstract

This article details the findings of a study done at a Gauteng Higher Education Institution in South Africa. It's part of a bigger study called "The Dynamics of Higher Education Space and Place in Sub-Saharan Africa." The volunteers were chosen at random and were all freely available. The study's goal was to look at the perspectives and experiences of 17 lecturers. Lecturers were expected to match their exigence variables to their eventuality spaces. Interviews were employed to acquire data for this interpretive qualitative study. The participants' perspectives are discussed during the discussion. The selected institution is concerned about the lack of space at South African higher education institutions. One of the issues that exacerbate the poor academic performance of lecturers at the institution is space use in higher education settings. In order to alleviate the challenges of space, the research organization needed to use space and policy. There is pressure on higher education institutions and and lecturers to deliver continuous improvement in systems and performances. The results of the investigation of lecturers' opinions about the way physical spaces are used in higher education for talent tevelopment of students showed that most of the lecturers, in addition to being overworked, faced various obstacles, such as insufficient resources and physical space, which are repeatedly mentioned in similar studies, and inadequate manpower support. Therefore, in this regard, the establishment of collaborative networks between lecturers and students, the dynamism of university administrators, especially the Chairs of Departments to support lecturers with adequate office space to support talented students is very important which is consistent with several studies. The identification of gifted students in the educational system should be based on accurate and scientific criteria. It is recommended that lecturers should be provided with adequate space (offices) in performing their official responsibilities.

Keywords

higher education institution, lived spaces, conceived spaces, policy, South Africa

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