An Assessment of Network Learning in Higher Education: The Case of Mekelle University Undergraduate Students

The vision for higher education institutions described by the Ministry of Education (MoE) suggests a need for innovative instructional approaches consistent with current recommendations and reforms. This study explored the perceptions and understanding of department heads (n=9), quality assurance officers (n=2) and teachers (n=9) who have been offered support/guidance for networks, undergraduate students (n=80) who have been organized in Network learning and network leaders (n=16). These participants were from two colleges in Mekelle University (MU): College of Natural and Computational Sciences(CNCS) as well as College of Dry Land Agriculture and Natural Resources (CDLANR).The Network Learning is realized as a means to utilize the fundamentals of small group learning and that contribute to successful student learning as opposed to a more traditional small group learning approaches. To do this effect, a questionnaire having three parts was administered to student networks (network leaders) and Focused Group Discussion (FGD) carried out with faculty members of the two colleges in order to elicit in depth their beliefs and understandings about Network Learning, such as, what constitutes effective Network Learning, and how it works. While SPSS was inter alia be utilized to analyze quantitative data, descriptive approach under predetermined thematic topics was used to analyze qualitative data. The key findings were the following: (1) most teachers seemed to have positive attitude toward Networking Learning, yet their understanding of the basic components of small group learning such as student networks, was problematic; (2) Student Network leaders reported networks are not functioning well, and (3) The students expressed trust in teacher role during small group learning and have the confidence that network members comply with basic principle of small group learning. Keywords: Student Network: A network consist of a team of five students that are linked in classroom setting to help each other for furthering learning. Learning: Refers to multi-dimensional and multi-phase activity of students to acquire knowledge and skill. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-7-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2020