Towards Research University Status

On Wednesday 21st January I presented a paper to the staff of the Kulliyyah concerning the experience of the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in the UK higher education sector, and what my colleagues, Department, Faculty and new University in Malaysia could learn from this. An interesting discussion centred around how we balance teaching at undergraduate level with the need to develop our research profile. My belief is that we need to evolve more innovative approaches to teaching and learning, with a greater emphasis on student-centred and active learning. Time consuming chalk and talk sessions should be replaced with more intensive face-to-face sessions designed to facilitate student learning. Much more use of resource-based and e-learning materials should be included. This requires considerable planning to ensure that the students understand what is expected and how to access the learning resources. If more time can be freed up for academics to gain training and experience in research, then the outputs of individuals, departments/Faculties and Universities will increase. I also proposed that a planned approach to Research Mentoring be adopted. This will assist in identifying the needs of younger and less experienced staff. Departments can then evaluate on a regular basis, the progress that is being made and what training and development needs are required. The old culture of "them and us"; researchers versus teachers, has to be overcome. Research should inform the teaching. The quality of what we teach, and the level at which we can offer new programmes will increase. There will be a move from low-level teaching to postgraduate taught courses and PhD/postdoctoral work. Moving towards a research-led university requires both top-down and bottom-up approaches. The change will come from developing a clear research mission, objectives and appropriate strategies for Departments and individual academics.